The Beauty Diet (21 page)
Authors: Lisa Drayer
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Lifestyle Tips for Gorgeous Skin |
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BEYOND THE BEAUTY DIETsecrete more oil that becomes trapped inside the pores, so skin appears shinier and pimples become plentiful. In other words, a diet focused on refined carbohydrates (those in white breads, cookies and cake, and even some salty snacks) sets off a hormonal cascade that causes excess oil production in the skin, leading to clogged pores and pimples.
In one recent randomized controlled trial published in
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
, individuals with acne were assigned to either a diet consisting of 25 percent protein and 45 percent low-glycemic-index carbohydrates or to a Westernized diet rich in refined, sugary carbohydrates.
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Vitamin E Helps Reduce Scars |
Although vitamin E is the main lipid-soluble antioxidant in the skin, further research is needed to prove its effectiveness in reducing scars and stretch marks. One study looked at a randomized group of 159 burn patients who were treated with topical vitamin E for four months. After one year, scar thickness, alteration in graft size, range of motion, and appearance of the scars were recorded. No beneficial effect of vitamin E was seen in any of the patients. In another study, postsurgical patients were given two ointments labeled |
BEAUTY MYTHAfter 12 weeks, those following the experimental diet low in refined carbohydrates experienced an improvement in their skin, as evidenced by a decrease in "total and inflammatory lesion counts." Their acne had improved significantly compared to the control group.
My Beauty Diet includes all the nutrients you need for beautiful skin and avoids problem foods with lots of sugar and poor-quality fats. By making a few modifications, you can create your own personal Antiacne Diet. Follow it closely and you should see improvements in your skin in about four weeks.
Many people have asked me if dairy foods can cause acne. Here's the lowdown: Some researchers believe that iodine is
what exacerbates acne, and dairy products are a source of iodine. In addition, farmers give their cows iodine-fortified feed and use sanitizing iodine solutions on cows' udders and milking equipment. Others believe that hormones in milk may be responsible for acne. While research has revealed that drinking milk and consuming dairy products from pregnant cows exposes us to hormones from the cows' pregnancy, the amount of hormones in the milk is minuscule compared to the amount produced in our bodies, according to Greg Miller, Ph.D., a scientist with the National Dairy Council.
The dairy and acne link has not been substantiated in clinical studies. If you suffer from regular acne flare-ups, it is most likely due to other causes.
Many of the foods discussed in this chapter can also be applied directly to your face. For example, many people use yogurt as a face mask. I have read that applying fish oil to your skin can be beneficial, but I have not tried this personally—I don't want my husband, David, to think I smell like a mermaid!
Many natural substances found in food are now being used in commercial cosmetics. For example, dimethylaminoethanol, which is found in salmon, is used topically to increase circulation. A modified version of vitamin C can be applied to the skin, and of course medications containing vitamin A are used for acne and other skin problems. I asked my friend Valerie, a skin specialist who owns the Face Studio in New York City, for her recommendations regarding food and beautiful skin. You can read what she has to say in the "Expert Advice" section that follows. If you are considering other topical treatments for your skin, be sure to check out Dr. Aron Kressel's advice in the second "Expert Advice" section.
According to skin expert Valerie Mayo of the Face Studio in New York City, once you find the right combination of natural ingredients for your skin, you will be amazed at how radiant you look.
Following are a few suggestions from Valerie for using natural skin-care ingredients found at home to get you moving toward healthy, balanced, and radiant skin. Remember to test any ingredient on a small area of your body first, to make sure you are not allergic.
Honey.
Humectants attract and help to retain moisture, which is a major factor in giving the skin a hydrated and plump appearance.
Strawberries and egg whites.
Strawberries contain antioxidants that help the skin fight free radicals caused by stress, sun, and pollution. Egg whites have a great firming effect on skin. Mix the ingredients together and you have a winning antiaging combo.
Lemons.
These are excellent for lightening dark patches on the surface of the face and body. The citric acid is the ingredient that lightens the skin.