Our skin is our largest organ and the first line of defence between our bodies and the outside world, protecting us from bacteria, viruses, pollution and chemical substances that we encounter daily. There are many factors that can impact skin health, such as hormonal changes and imbalances, genetic predisposition, chronic inflammatory or autoimmune conditions and ageing, but also lifestyle related factors, such as high and prolonged stress levels, lack of exercise, poor sleep patterns, smoking, low hydration and diet. Just as what we put on our skin is absorbed, enters the bloodstream and eff ects how skin looks, what we consume every day aff ects its structure and appearance.
For example, excessive consumption of refined sugars and artificial sweetener can cause an increase in inflammation in the body and high inflammatory molecules levels can lead to a breakdown in collagen and elastin that contribute to skin strength and elasticity. Highly refined sugar and trans fats consumption could also cause a raised free radicals and “advanced glycation end products” production, which can cause inflammation too and hinder skin structure and appearance. Excessive caff eine consumption, whether from coff ee or energy drinks, increases cortisol (main stress hormone in the body), which then raises insulin levels, possibly leading to increased sebum production and breakouts in people with more sensitive and acne prone skin.