Essential nutrients for problem skin
Acne can happen to anyone at any age. Pussy, sore, inflamed and not so great to look at, pimples can be anything from annoying to downright soul destroying. Your gut health, nutrient status, medications and hormones all have a big impact on your skin and sometimes it can be hard to know where to start. Here are 3 key nutrients we always assess when we work with acne.
1) Zinc
Oh how we love Zinc! This mineral has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect on the skin along with reducing oil production. To boost your zinc intake you could include beef, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas and lentils, cashews, cheddar cheese and eggs in your diet.
2) Vitamin A
This fat soluble vitamin is best known for helping with eyesight, but Vitamin A can also speed up skin healing, prevent breakouts and support the skin’s immunity. Plant sources of this vitamin can be hard for some to convert in the body, so plant based eaters talk to your practitioner about whether you may do well with supplementation. To boost your Vitamin A and Betacarotene intake you could include eggs, milk, organic liver, green leafy vegetables and orange vegetables like sweet potato & carrot in your diet.
3) Vitamin C
Vitamin C can reduce scarring by increasing the production of collagen, which is required for rebuilding healthy skin. Those who are on low carb or ketogenic diets often have reduced vitamin C intake as it is mostly found in fruits and sweeter vegetables. To boost your Vitamin C intake you could include yellow and red capsicum, kiwifruit, blackcurrants, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, oranges and lemons.
Sometimes in more problematic skin, supplementation is required and we’d love to help you get started. Book now with our Womens Health Acupuncturists, Naturopaths and Nutritionists