The New Skincare Diet: Vitamin-Rich Skin Care Foods

For anyone who assumes that all diets have to be about denial and portion control, a skincare diet may seem surprising.

The smart first step to any new diet is identifying the habits of one's current routine that are not healthy, and the same is true of a skincare diet. This includes over-consumption of coffee, diet soda, and processed foods, or not eating enough fresh fruits and vegetables. Believe it or not, a diet consisting mainly of processed foods is as bad for the skin as it is for the health. In order for the skin to function optimally, it is important to consume foods rich in vitamins, minerals and botanical ingredients.

Vitamin A, a potent free-radical scavenger, helps the skin heal from wounds, and in the manufacture of new skin tissue. Deficiencies in Vitamin A can lead to dry skin or hair, acne, night blindness and possibly even respiratory infections.

The next vitamin, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), is probably one of the most well known vitamins, universally acknowledged as critical to good health and well being.

CoEnzymeQ10 is a vitamin-like substance sometimes called ubiquinone because it is present in every cell of the body.

The second most abundant element on the earth, Silicon is needed for the formation of collagen and connective tissue, calcium absorption and the healthy growth of hair, skin and nails.

Zinc helps prevent acne and regulate oil production in the skin, as well as promotes collagen production and the healing of wounds.

Finally, one of the most essential elements to the body is also essential to any skincare diet as well-EFA's, or essential fatty acids. All cells need essential fatty acids; they assist with cell rejuvenation and formation, reduce blood pressure, improve the texture of hair and skin, minimize the risk of blood clots, lower cholesterol and are beneficial in the treatment of the skin diseases eczema and psoriasis. Omega 3's are mainly found in fresh deepwater fish and fish oils, as well as canola, walnut and flaxseed oil and are extremely beneficial to the heart. Omega 6's are found in unsaturated vegetable oils: grapeseed, borage, primrose, and sesame, as well as raw nuts, legumes and seeds and are very beneficial in treating skin disorders of all kinds including: acne, blemishes, dryness, blotchiness and sensitivity.

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Choosing Skin Care Cleansers for Acne

As unbelievable as it sounds, acne affects about 17 million Americans. Skincare-News.com's latest article, "Spot the Difference: Cleansers for Acne," compares the active ingredients in various cleansers designed to treat acne, and how to choose between them.

Sebum is the body's natural moisturizing factor and in a normal or dry skin type, the presence of sebum on the skin rarely leads to breakouts. However, in an oily skin, the body tends to produce too much sebum, which can lead to an increase in breakouts, as well as leave the skin with a characteristic shine. One of the most important steps in acne treatment is getting rid of dead skin cells, which can be accomplished using several types of cleansers.

One of the most effective types of cleansers for acne is one that contains salicylic acid. Salicylic acid, also known as a Beta-Hydroxy acid, helps keep the skin clear by normalizing the shedding of dead skin cells, which is often inconsistent in skin that is acne prone or oily.

Another excellent ingredient for acne is glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid that gently refines the texture of the skin by dissolving dead skin cells in order to reveal new, healthy skin. When used to treat acne, glycolic acid may help prevent breakouts by accelerating the shedding of dead skin cells before they have the chance to mingle with excess oil and dirt on the skin.

Many skincare companies are adding another interesting ingredient to acne cleansers: triclosan.

Triclosan is a powerful anti-bacterial agent often found in hand-washes or sanitizers. When applied topically, triclosan kills the bacteria that cause acne, thereby preventing further breakouts.

When using a new acne cleanser, it is important to pay close attention to the skin, noticing signs like dryness or a tight feeling after washing. It may be necessary to reduce frequency to once per day or every other day. It is also crucial to be patient when starting any sort of new skincare routine, especially when it comes to problems like acne. For long-term maintenance of acne, it will be necessary to continue using an effective product on a regular basis, not just a week or two.

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