Get Glowing! Healthy Skin From the Inside Out
Glowing, healthy skin from the inside out is one of the first benefits many notice after beginning a real Paleo regime.
Our skin is our largest organ and is made up of several different components, including water, protein, lipids, and different minerals and chemicals. It changes constantly and regenerates itself approximately every 27 days.[1] As such, in less than a month of following healthy Paleo diet regime, you can bank on seeing a whole new complexion. But are there other factors we need to consider if healthy skin and a more youthful appearance is one of our main objectives? Absolutely!
First off, don’t forget that there are a few extras to be avoided when addressing acne above and beyond the standard Paleo recommendations. In fact, Dr. Cordain has written an entire book[2] on this very topic. Excess sebum production can cause acne. The Paleo diet has a much lower glycemic load than the SAD diet, reducing the production of insulin. In addition, milk (which causes a strong insulin response) is avoided in a Paleo regime, lowering the production of androgens, the hormones that increase sebum.
In addition, the Paleo diet’s strong focus on healthy Omega 3’s decreases inflammation, which reduces redness, swelling, and irritation.
Now, let’s get moving and talk exercise. We know it’s a must-do for the body as well as the mind, but it also serves our skin! “When you get your heart pumping from aerobic exercise, you’re supplying your skin with a nice dose of oxygenated blood,” according to Noëlle S. Sherber, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in Baltimore, Maryland.[3] “It gives you that great post-workout glow.”
Further, working out helps maintain healthy levels of cortisol, Sherber says. “Elevated cortisol levels are linked to increased sebum production, which means more acne breakouts.” Too much cortisol can also cause the collagen in the skin to break down, causing an increase wrinkles and sagging.
We’ve covered eating and we’ve addressed moving, leaving one more area to factor in: skincare.
As an admitted spa and facial junkie, I will confess that I’ve probably spent way too much on lotions, creams, and serums. Whether this is because they smelled great on the way out of the spa (under the influence of some serious relaxation), or because they actually do more than what I might find at a lower price or even make myself, I cannot explain. One thing’s for sure: regardless of what you put on your skin, don’t expect to see significant change if you haven’t addressed what you’re putting in your body.
When it comes to the sun, we do need to factor in burn prevention. However, you don’t need to avoid it at all costs all the time: some sensible sun exposure allows your body to synthesize Vitamin D. Just make sure to reach for natural ways to protect yourself rather than slathering on chemicals we may not yet thoroughly know the long term ramifications of yet. There is concern that under the right conditions, nano-sized particles of titanium dioxide, a commonly used agent in sunscreen, can find their way through human skin and into the bloodstream. While human skin is a highly effective barrier to most chemicals, chemicals that can make it through the skin are potentially more toxic because they do not get broken down before entering our systems.[4]
Bottom line: up the veggies, the Omega 3s, and the water; cut the sugar and the processed carbs; move and rest and you’ll be sure to set yourself up for that healthy glow in just a few weeks!
REFERENCES
[1] “Skin Information: Layers of Skin, Keeping Skin Healthy, and More.” WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 17 June 2015.
[2] “Dietary Cure for Acne by Dr. Loren Cordain | The Paleo Diet.” The Paleo Diet. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 June 2015.
[3] “The Beauty Benefits of Exercise.” EverydayHealth.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 June 2015.
[4] “American Cancer Society Expert Voices Blog.” Cancer.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 June 2015.
