NURTURE YOUR SKIN HEALTH

What can impact skin health and appearance?

Skin health refers to the overall condition, function, and appearance of the skin. It encompasses various aspects, including hydration, moisture balance, elasticity, texture, tone, clarity, resilience, protection, and overall well-being.

Changes in skin health and appearance can be influenced by several factors which include:

Ageing: As we age, our skin naturally loses it elasticity and firmness. The production of collagen and elastin, proteins that provide structural support to the skin, decrease over time. This loss of elasticity can result in sagging skin.
Weight loss: Significant weight loss, especially when it happens rapidly, can lead to sagging skin. When you lose a significant amount of weight, the skin may not have enough time to adjust to the new body shape.
Poor nutrition: A diet lacking in essential nutrients, particularly those important for skin health (such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants) can lead to changes in skin health.
Sun exposure: Prolonged and unprotected sun exposure can damage the collagen in the skin. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a primary cause of premature ageing and sagging skin.

How can I support my skin health?

While some factors contributing to saggy skin are natural and unavoidable, there are steps you can take to help improve skin elasticity and minimise sagging. These include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, applying sunscreens to protect you from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients.

There are several key nutrients known to play a role in skin health, including healthy fats, protein, biotin, zinc and other vitamins and minerals. In addition to consuming these nutrients through a healthy balanced diet, consider adding collagen or specific nutrient supplements to your diet.

What is collagen?  

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies. It’s a component of our connective tissue, including our skin, joints, tendons, and bones. Collagen peptides are a broken-down form of collagen. Consumed orally, collagen peptides help support the health of skin, bones, and joints.¹ Collagen peptides can even help support skin elasticity and hydration.^2,3 Current research shows regular consumption of collagen peptides each day help support skin hydration and elasticity.^2,3

What is biotin?  

Biotin is a B vitamin (B7) which can help to support hair, skin, and nails by supporting keratin production in the body. Biotin can be found in foods such as egg yolks, peanuts, liver, chicken and mushrooms. To complement a healthy, balanced diet rich in biotin containing foods, people following a weight loss therapy can also consider supplementing with this nutrient. Many people get enough biotin just from maintaining a well-balanced diet. However, people following certain weight loss therapies and may not be getting enough nutrients from diet alone, may benefit from supplementation.

If you have specific concerns about your skin or nutrient intake, speak to your dietitian or other healthcare professional for individualised advice before taking any medication or supplement. Vitamin and mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet.

References:

Holwerda AM, van Loon LJC. Nutr Rev. 2022 May 9;80(6):1497-1514.
Pu SY et al. Nutrients. 2023 Apr 26;15(9):2080.
Dewi DAR et al. Cureus. 2023 Dec 9;15(12):e50231.