Skin conditions effect people in a variety of ways. Some skin conditions produce minor irritations and can be easily treated so that they do not have too much of an impact on your life.
In other cases, the condition may be a severe irritation or cause painful discomfort.
While the effects of most skin conditions can be managed by treatment, many people suffer from low self-esteem as a result of changes to their appearance.
Looking after our skin by eating and living healthily can reduce the severity of developing a skin condition. Ensuring that your skin gets all the correct nutrients that it needs and by avoiding trigger foods, you can keep your skin healthy and free from problems.
Causes of skin problems
Your skin health can be effected by a range of factors. You can ensure that your skin remains look in fresh and radiant by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes the following:
Eat a Balanced Diet
When your skin is lacking essential nutrients, it begins to look discoloured and produce dry spots. A healthy balanced diet is essential to prevent premature wrinkles, acne, flaky or dry skin and discolouration of the skin.
Protect from the Sun
Ensure that you use sunblock to protect your skin against the effects of the sun. Overexposure to the UV rays from the sun can age your skin prematurely and cause cancer.
Sleep well
A lack of sleep can affect the appearance of your skin. By remaining physically active during the day you can promote a good night’s sleep.
Skin Hygiene
Keep your skin clean from dirt that may have gathered on the surface. Use a moiusturiser and cleanser daily in the morning and at night.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is linked to premature aging of the skin. The toxins in a cigarette will effect the proteins that promote skin strength. It also restricts the oxygen supply to your skin by constricting the blood vessels.
Drinking Alcohol
Your skin can become dehydrated if you drink above the recommended amount of alcohol.
Common skin conditions: Eczema
Eczema is usually a long-term condition for most people but it can improve over time. The condition causes the skin to become dry, cracked, red and itchy.
The most common form of eczema is atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis). Atopic eczema is mostly common in children but it can also effect some adults. The condition affects 1 in 5 children in the UK. Most cases have developed before the age of five.
Atopic eczema will usually reduce or even clear completely as the child grows older. About two thirds of children effected notice improvements by the age of 16.
Atopic eczema can fluctuate from periods where the symptoms are less noticeable to flare ups where the symptoms become severe. Atopic eczema can effect any area of the body but is more common in the following areas:
- Hands
- Scalp
- Cheeks
- Around the neck
- Outside or inside of the elbows
- Backs or fronts of the knees
Other types of eczema include:
Common skin conditions: Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition which affects the face. the condition can fluctuate between periods of less and more severe symptoms.
Signs of rosacea usually begins with periods of flushing where the skin turns red. As the condition develops, other symptoms can become noticeable. These include:
- Appearance of spots ( pustules and papules )
- The feeling of stinging or burning
- The visibility of small blood vessels in the skin
- Permanent redness
Treating Rosacea
Treatments are available to help control the symptoms of rosacea but the condition can leave physical changes to your skin. These changes to your appearance can be difficult to deal with psychologically. People with rosacea often become conscious about their appearance and become more socially withdrawn.
Early treatment of the condition can prevent the symptoms getting worse. So it is important to consult your GP as soon as you think that you are experiencing any symptoms caused by rosacea.
Causes of Rosacea
There is no agreement on the causes of Rosacea but it is often associated with certain external triggers. These include:
- Stress
- Exposure to sunlight
- Hot or cold weather
- Strenuous exercise
- Alcohol and caffeine
- Hot drinks
- Certain foods, such as spicy foods
Common skin conditions: Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition which effects about 2% of people in the UK. It’s symptoms are crusty, flaky red patches of skin which are covered in silvery scales.
The effects of Psoriasis can be found on any part of the body but are most common on the scalp, knees, lower back and elbows.
Psoriasis usually develops after a person reaches 35 years. It’ s effects can vary from person to person. In the most severe cases, it can impact your life significantly, in other people it may simply cause a minor irritation.
The effects of Psoriasis can fluctuate from periods of having no symptoms to developing more severe symptoms.
Treating Psoriasis
Although there is currently no cure for Psoriasis, there are a range of treatments which can help reduce the symptoms. Once treated, the appearance of skin patches can become less visible.
Common treatments include vitamin D analogues or topical corticosteroids. If symptoms continue, it may require a Phototherapy treatment. The most severe cases are treated with systemic treatments which distribute medicine throughout the body.
How Psoriasis can affect you
Psoriasis is mostly a minor irritation but it can affect the lives of those with the symptoms.
People with Psoriasis can often suffer from low self-esteem as a result of their appearance.
Find out more about support for people with Psoriasis.
Common skin conditions: Acne
Acne is a common skin condition. It is most common during puberty or in early adulthood. The symptoms of acne are sore red spots, whiteheads and blackheads on the skin.
Acne is caused by the oil producing glands which become over sensitive and produce too much oil.
Acne can be treated with ointments, creams, oral antibiotics and the contraceptive pill. An excess of junk food, sugar and alcohol can affect the skin and break outs of acne are often linked to bad diet.
Nutrition advice for healthy skin
Our skin offers a glimpse into the health of our bodies. When we are feeling healthy, our skin will usually appear clear and youthful. When we are unwell, our skin will also appear less healthy, showing signs of dryness, irritation and congestion.
To promote healthy looking skin, you should ensure that your diet includes foods that are rich in zinc, EFAs, selenium and beta-carotene.
Zinc: Zink is important if you want to keep your skin healthy. Acne is often a symptom of the body lacking in zinc. Zinc can be found in eggs, whole grains and seafood.
Essential fatty acids (EFAs): EFAs help repair your skin and keep it moisturised. If your diet is lacking in essential fatty acids you may experience dry or inflamed skin. Essential fatty acids are found in nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, shell fish and fish.
Selenium: Selenium is an essential mineral to help keep your skin firm and retain its elasticity. Eating foods such as whole grains, garlic and meat will provide selenium in your diet.
Beta-carotene: Beta-carotene helps your body to produce vitamin A. Without Beta- carotene in your diet, it is believed that your body will find it more difficult to prevent premature ageing and environmental damage to the skin. You can find beta-carotene in sweet potatoes, apricots and carrots.
Foods which you should eat more of for healthy skin include:
- Avocados
- Berries
- Carrots
- Kale
- Salmon
- Walnuts
Foods which you should avoid for healthy skin include:
- Salt
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- White bread
- Sugary foods
- Fizzy drinks
- Refined carbohydrates
- Sugar
Speaking to a nutritionist about skin conditions
If you have a skin condition, it is important to consult your GP. A change in diet is not an alternative to medical advice but improving the types of food that you eat can make your skin healthier.
If you want to maintain a healthy skin, keeping a balanced diet is essential. Discussing your eating habits with a nutritionist can help you to find out which foods you need to eat more of and which foods you should avoid.
Further reading
Read more about eczema
Read more about rosacea
Read more about psoriasis