There's strong evidence that diet impacts skin health

A recently published article in Medscape summarised evidence linking diet to skin conditions. This has been clear to many of us experientially, and what research on the gut–skin axis also points to.

Here are some key highlights...

• ACNE: Diary, red meat and carbohydrates can cause acne. They contain the amino acid leucine, which after conversion can trigger follicular inflammation resulting in acne-causing bacteria.

• PSORIASIS: Weight loss in obese people can improve psoriasis, and with some people so can Vit D supplementation and a gluten-free diet. Generally, a Mediterranean diet has been linked to lower severity. On the other hand, alcohol can worsen it.

• ATOPIC DERMATITIS: Synbiotics (pre- and pro-biotics) can help some people with AD, and prebiotic's can lowers severity.

• ROSACEA: Chocolate, alcohol, spicy food and caffeine contribute to this, in part by activating skin receptors and sensory neurons acting on mast cells in the blood.

Your diet matters! It's the fuel from which you are built!