The author explores some common internal factors that affect skin health, such as; nutrition, hormonal balance, gut health and emotional wellbeing. The author’s treatment philosophy aims to address internal factors relating to skin health by reducing, preventing and eliminating oxidative stress, glycation, silent in ammation as well as DNA damage, among others. The author describes how an individual’s skin can be significantly affected by their diet, potentially indicating gut inflammation through food sensitivity or gut dysbiosis and describes how a healthier gut will allow for nutrients to be better absorbed, and used to heal, repair and maintain healthy skin. ‘Clean eating’ is recommended by choosing alkaline over acidic foods and incorporating omega-3 fatty acids and the author recommends a Vitamin D 5000IU/day, once blood levels have been checked. It may have been useful for the author to have provided a referenced rationale for the speci ed Vitamin D dosage, given that the evidence relating to the health effects of serum Vitamin D levels, sunlight exposure as well as Vitamin D intake, remains inconclusive. The roles of oestrogen and testosterone in the context of skin health are discussed, as well as collagen depletion and the menopause. The author believes that an individual’s emotional state can be reflected in the appearance of their skin and striving to find the root cause of skin related problems extends beyond symptom management. The author’s key message clearly resonates throughout the piece; aesthetic practitioners can play an important role in facilitating patient’s understanding of the internal and external factors which impact upon their skin and should aim to balance and harmonise the whole body. An insightful piece for the aesthetic nurse demonstrating a holistic approach to aesthetic medicine.
Internal factors contributing to optimal skin health and rejuvenation
Reviewed by Anna Baker
Internal factors contributing to optimal skin health and rejuvenation.
