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