Sweet for the Taste Buds, Not for the Skin
All of us have a sweet tooth, some more than others. However, understanding the way that sugar negatively affects our body chemistry and skin health might make you think twice before eating that next cookie or doughnut. It’s no coincidence that Desserts backward spells stressed!
When we ingest sugar, even a small amount, there is a rapid rise in blood sugar to turn the glucose into energy. This rise in blood sugar causes an insulin response in our body to balance it out. This insulin response then puts our body into a state of inflammation. It is this state of inflammation that is the beginning of most cases of acne and problematic skin. Acne is classified as a systemic inflammatory disease. The red lesions, clogged pores, and excess oil production are all a reflection of what is going on internally in our body.
This rapid rise in blood sugar affects our skin in a few different ways, the first being retention hyperkeratosis (clogged pores). Our skin is stimulated to produce more skin cells when the body is in a state of inflammation. These cells become sticky and are produced faster than they are shed, causing clogging and uneven texture. Sugar consumption also causes a release of cortisol- the stress hormone. Cortsisol stimulates our sebaceous (oil) glands, which leads to a shiny complexion and even more clogging in the skin. Cortisol also causes irritation on a cellular level to the skin, worsening redness from acne lesions and rosacea.
The key to maintaining a healthy complexion is regulating our blood sugar by keeping it in balance. It is important to eat a small meal every 3-4 hours, so there is never a rapid drop in our blood sugar, which causes us to reach for sweets. It is also essential to eat a lot of anti-inflammatory foods, to help heal and nourish the skin. You’ll find that once you reduce your sugar intake you will feel better on the inside and look better on the outside!
Anti-inflammatory foods– Blueberries, Almonds, Green Tea, Flaxseeds, Salmon, Spinach, Oats, Olive Oil, Kidney Beans, Artichokes, Soy Products, Tomatoes, Pears, Oysters, Mushrooms, Apples
Foods to avoid– Bagels, Cream Cheese, Flour, Muffins, Bananas, Cereals, Sugar, Waffles, Mango, Jams, Chips, Rice, Pretzels, Coffee, Margarine, Popcorn, Pizza, French Fries, Doughnuts, Corn, Hard Cheese
Suggested Reading-
The Clear Skin Prescription – Nicolas Perricone, MD
Lick the Sugar Habit– Nancy Appleton, PhD
Holly Wheeler – Essence Massage & Skin Care Studio*61 Bloomfield Avenue*Windsor, CT, 06095*(860)808-4631