In two recent Instagram posts, we talked about the relationship between gut health and skin health, as well as the impact of caffeine on your skin. We thought we'd take the opportunity to dive a little deeper into the topic of diet and skin.
(Not already following us on Instagram? Find us at @DermLabNorthVan!)
The micro-what?!
Our bodies are complex systems, and our organs work together like the sections of an orchestra. Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and the health of your skin is dependent on the health of your other organs too. Healthy skin requires an integrative and functional approach, taking into account what’s going inside your body as well as outside. More and more research is emerging on how issues in your digestive health can manifest as issues on your skin.
Your gut and your skin both play important roles in your endocrine and immune systems, and they share a unique relationship. Researchers refer to this relationship as the gut-skin axis. Think of it as a constant conversation between your gastrointestinal (GI) system and your skin; if the conversation is disrupted or garbled, this can show as disruptions in skin health. In fact, many researchers are seeing a link between inflammatory skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, even acne, to microbial GI imbalances.
And alternatively, a balanced, healthy gut can support balanced, healthy skin.
Both your gut and your skin are hosts to a complex colony of bacteria and microbes, called the “microbiome”. A balanced microbiome, both in the skin and the gut, is important for optimal health. The microbiome interacts with your digestive system, your immune system and your endocrine system, all of which help maintain balance throughout your body. When your microbiome is out of whack, your organs and systems can also be affected.
Imbalances in your microbiome can be caused by diet, stress, poor sleep, dehydration, etc., and may be regulated with pre- and pro-biotics, adding extra dietary fiber, and making sure you’re getting any vitamins and supplements you might need.
Optimal skin health includes using quality skin care, eating a balanced diet, and drinking plenty of water!
If you think your microbiome might be out of whack, see your doctor for a blood test or speak to a nutritionist about achieving a healthy diet.
If you're thinking it's time to upgrade your skin care regimen, come explore our collection of medical-grade skin care. From cleansers and exfoliants to antioxidants and collagen treatments, our skin care consultants can guide you in creating a simple yet effective medical-grade skincare plan. No appointment is required for skin care recommendations.
Coffee Talk
A cup a day? With cream and sugar? Espresso, drip, pour-over or French press? How do you get your coffee fix and how does that impact your skin? In case you missed it, we recently posted on Instagram about the effects of caffeine on your skin. Don't worry, it's not as bad as you might think!
Every skin care journey in our office begins with a consultation appointment with a board-certified dermatologist. Starting with a thorough understanding of you as an individual, your goals and your preferences, together we then develop a holistic treatment plan, explaining each step of the journey. We believe that conservative and consistent steps, supported by scientifically proven treatments and skincare, provide exceptional results and make for happy patients.
Contact us to schedule a consultation
*Ask us about financing options through Medicard!