Diet

A poor diet lacking in essential vitamins, minerals and fats can affect the skin to varying degrees:

• Vitamin C - plays a vital role in the synthesis of collagen, which makes up a large part of the skin and in strengthening the walls of blood vessels.
• Vitamin A - prevents dryness and a rough texture on the surface of the skin.
• Vitamin E  - protects cells from damage, strengthens blood vessels, has anti-inflammatory effects and helps to protect against UVR . Together these three vitamins also act as powerful antioxidants, capable of protecting the body from the damage caused by an excess of free radicals.
• Zinc - aids tissue repair and a deficiency may lead to stretch marks and poor healing associated with skin problems from acne to eczema.
• Essential fatty acids - protect the body's cells and protect against skin inflammation.

Recommendations are to:

• Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables rich in the ACE vitamins.
• Include foods high in zinc, to boost the immune system, such as liver and beef, crab, mushrooms, yeast and cheese such as cheddar.
• Include vegetable oils and oily fish in the diet, particularly mackerel, herrings, sardines and salmon.
• Take supplements such as oil of evening primrose, vitamins A, C and E and zinc
• Avoid hot spicy foods if facial flushing occurs
• Avoid dairy products and wheat if they trigger an allergic reaction causing skin inflammation
• Avoid processed foods
• Reduce the amount of salt and sugar in the diet
• See a dermatologist for advice with any recurring or severe skin condition
• Drink more water as it helps flush toxins from the body and helps to keep the skin healthy