The world of fashion and modeling includes a vast array of individual looks, especially now. The age of the waif has given way to the woman-sized woman. But, there is still one constant backstage at Fashion Week shows. Clear, dewy complexions are the envy of all they encounter. These ladies must have skin care regimens as rigorous as Olympic athletes! They must eat very specific foods to keep skin looking so taut and glowing!
According to Forbes Lifestyle, you would be right on the first assumption. Per Huffington Post, you would be wrong on the second. Skin care is a rigorous regimen, but it may not have as much to do with diet as we have been told.
We have long taken for granted the connection between what we eat and the glow factor of our skin. Skin care through moisturization and protection from the sun was a given. So too were the skin care advantages of fresh fruits, vegetables, and a low-fat diet. Chia seeds by the handful? Fish by the nautical mile? Mushrooms as far as the eye can see? I’m in! Let me call Amazon!
Skin this clear should be illegal.
Recent studies, though, cast a different light on the food and drink part of the equation. Maybe we need to rethink. Jon Hanifin, MD, and professor of dermatology at Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine says so, anyway.
“I don’t know why anybody would be advertising foods to eat for glowing skin,” Dr. Hanifin said. “I have a feeling that maybe this comes from people trying to sell health supplements.”
Janellen Smith, a dermatology professor at the University of California-Irvine School of Medicine agrees with Hanifan:
“I wish I could tell you that there was some huge study that looked at [clearing up your skin] and [decided] you should eat A, B, and C, but it’s not completely clear.”
What brought Hanifan and Smith to this conclusion? The fact that neither could say they’ve seen a patient’s skin clear up just by changing their diet.
The skin of a patient with a severe nutrient deficiency may benefit from balancing the diet, but skin problems are often the least of those patient’s concerns. Malnutrition is a much bigger deal than a minor case of adult acne. But, the science of food and skin care is far from settled.
What is settled? Lots of sunscreen, a climate where the sun doesn’t shine 350 days a year, and good genetics. Oh, and a bit of luck. If you crave a slice of pizza now and again, go for it. Peace of mind through the occasional indulgence won’t hurt your skin a bit.
