Is a nutrient deficiency causing your skin condition?
By: Shona Wilkinson
Your skin reflects your overall health and when it comes to maintaining vitality, a balanced diet plays a crucial role. Nutrient deficiencies can significantly impact your skin, leading to various skin conditions and concerns. Some nutrient deficiencies can cause common skin issues, including premature ageing, dryness, itchiness, rashes and hyperpigmentation.
The easiest way to check if you're at risk of a nutrient deficiency is by completing your free online Diet Profile. Created by expert nutritionists, it only takes 3 minutes and shows you the nutrients your diet provides and what it doesn't. Create your Diet Profile today. Here we highlight some easy ways to address certain skin issues and conditions through your diet.
What deficiencies could be causing premature ageing?
Premature ageing concerns lots of people. Our research of over 300 women and men showed that the face and neck are the most likely places on the body where people first notice signs of ageing. However, our hands, arms and torso are also places where signs of ageing begin to become noticeable as we age.
While a natural decline in the building blocks of our skin, including collagen and hyaluronic acid, occurs and contributes to natural signs of ageing, there are several nutrient deficiencies that can further exaggerate signs of ageing, one of them being Zinc. Zinc is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining youthful skin. Zinc deficiency can lead to sagging skin, wrinkles and a loss of elasticity. To increase your Zinc intake, include legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains in your diet. You may also enjoy reading 'The truth about collagen'.
Other nutrients essential for youthful skin are antioxidants. Antioxidants help to preserve the collagen production of cells and help to maintain youthful skin. Some excellent antioxidants include Grape Seed, Bilberry and Green Tea - you can find these ingredients as well as Zinc, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C and E in Skin Saviour®, acclaimed by Vogue as 'the must-have beauty supplement to reduce the look of acne and blemishes'.
Not sure what your body needs? Create your Diet Profile.
What deficiencies could be causing dry skin?
Dull, dry skin is a common skin concern across all ages, according to our research. Dry skin affects more than 40% of people of all ages, and a dull skin complexion affects more than 25% of people.
Dry skin is often a result of inadequate moisture retention, and certain nutrient deficiencies can exacerbate this condition. One important nutrient for maintaining skin hydration is omega 3 fatty acids. Including foods like walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds can help alleviate dry skin. Alternatively, consider incorporating a vegan omega 3 supplement into your daily routine.
Hyaluronic acid is the main water-holding molecule in the skin. Some individuals do not produce enough, resulting in dry skin. Hyaluronic acid can be taken in supplemental form and may be excellent for those who do not have enough.
You may also enjoy reading 'Best foods and vitamins for glowing skin' and 'What men should know about skin health'. Give these '5 easy smoothie recipes for glowing skin' a try too.
What deficiencies could be causing itchy skin?
Persistent itching can be a sign of underlying nutrient deficiencies. Vitamin E, known for its antioxidant properties, is crucial in maintaining skin health. A lack of Vitamin E can contribute to itchy and irritated skin. Increase your Vitamin E intake by consuming spinach, almonds, sunflower seeds and avocados. Dry and itchy skin can be a symptom of eczema. Learn more about the symptoms of eczema and natural ways to prevent and treat it.
What deficiencies could be causing a rash?
Various factors, including nutrient deficiencies, can trigger skin rashes. One common deficiency associated with skin rashes is Vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, which promotes healthy skin. Incorporate Vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers and leafy greens into your diet.
Skin conditions including rashes are often a reflection of the gut. Poor gut health leads to various skin issues. Support your gut with probiotics and prebiotic fibre - prebiotics feed the probiotics in your gut. Research suggests that Lactobacillus acidophilus may reduce the symptoms of atopic skin conditions when taken in supplemental form. Skin Saviour® is expertly formulated with a blend of botanicals, highly absorbable essential skin nutrients, prebiotics and 5 billion live cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus.
What deficiencies could be causing hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation refers to the darkening of patches on the skin and certain nutrient deficiencies can influence it. Vitamin A is one nutrient that promotes even skin tone. It encourages cell turnover and reduces melanin production, helping to fade hyperpigmentation and even skin tone.
It is difficult to get a direct source of Vitamin A on a plant-based diet. It is mostly synthesised from Beta-Carotene. However, some individuals need help to make this conversion. Supplementing with Vitamin A is therefore required for many people.
You may also be interested in reading '5 Natural remedies to help treat rosacea'.
Discover Skin Saviour®, a high-strength formula to combat blemishes and fuel a clearer, glowing skin complexion.
Overall skin health
It's important to maintain a well-rounded diet to support overall skin health. Nutrients like Vitamins A, E, Selenium and Zinc are crucial for vibrant skin. Ensure you consume a wide range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats to support skin health. Discover 6 top tips for healthy skin.
Looking after your gut is important for healthy, glowing skin. Read more about ‘How to look after your gut through your diet’ and '6 signs of an unhealthy gut'.
Recommended supplements for your skin
Combining the 11 essential ingredients specifically for skin health from Skin Saviour® with algae oil from our Vegan Omega 3 provides a complete skin rejuvenation program.
Skin Saviour®
Skin Saviour® is an expertly formulated blend of live, gut-friendly probiotics, prebiotics, botanicals and highly absorbable nutrients that feed your gut and skin each day for naturally plumper and glowing skin, and providing daily protection against blemishes.
Vegan Omega 3
Vegan Omega 3 supports skin health by reducing inflammation and protecting skin against age-related damage. Research shows the addition of omega 3 to your diet or through supplementation can help with conditions such as acne, psoriasis and eczema.
Learn how to manage Psoriasis.
Final Note
Taking care of your skin goes beyond topical treatments and skincare routines. Nutrient deficiencies can significantly impact the health and appearance of your skin.
You can support your skin's wellbeing by identifying and addressing potential deficiencies. Remember to focus on a balanced diet, including foods rich in the specific nutrients needed for your skin condition. Supplements can help fill any nutritional gaps, ensuring you maintain healthy, radiant skin.
Discover our range of award-winning vegan supplements and probiotics.
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