You may remember Dr. Kalli from our Fruitful Minutes videos and in-store lectures. This October, join us in kicking off her latest lecture series on Healthy Skin!

Your skin is your largest organ and performs some very important functions. When it comes to caring for our skin, most people have their eye focused on things to apply topically. In doing this, many people miss out on all the other things we can do to support this tissue from the inside out. I will be hosting a lecture series where we dive into some of the most common skin concerns, and discuss what can be done inside and out, to address all angles of the problem.

Gut Health = Skin Health

The gut and the skin have deeper connections than people realize. Often, skin shows the first signs that something is going wrong in the gut itself. Skin and digestive tract cells originate from the same cells in development. They are also connected by the fact that each has its own microbiome that influences inflammation and oxidative stress. The body’s different microbiomes talk to each other to help regulate many functions in the body, and provide a vast amount of immune protection for us.

Many gut-related conditions such as SIBO/Dysbiosis, leaky gut, candida and even mood disorders have physical skin manifestations on their list of symptoms. There is even a specialized area of study called Psychodermatology that focuses on skin and mood disorder connections. Fun fact: your gut bacteria produce your neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin for you!

Aging Skin

Simple changes to diet and water intake can have a major impact on the skin itself. Making sure you’re getting lots of veggies, healthy fats and adequate protein is a basic step in the right direction for skin health. Dehydration enhances wrinkling and signs of inflammation in the skin. Make sure you’re getting the minimum daily requirement of half your body weight in ounces of water daily to help promote a youthful glow, but also proper detoxification of your body as well.

As for topical skincare, when you are looking at targeted nutrients for the skin, keep in mind that serums often offer the most potent ingredients per serving and the most bang for your buck! Exfoliation can enhance new cell turn over and promote collagen production. You can use enzyme based masks, physical scrubs and for whole body: dry brushing!

Acne & Rosacea

With an astounding 80-95% of adolescents struggling with acne, it’s no surprise that even adults are suffering with acne and rosacea well into their middle age. Again, most people think acne is just a topical skin issue, but in this case, hormones, toxin exposure and diet can play a huge role as well. The skin is the fastest way out of the gut, so often detoxification can present as acne if the pores are clogged. Bacteria balance on the skin starts with a balanced gut bacteria, and most forget the power of a good probiotic for skin concerns. This is a simple first step to clearer skin in the long run.

Did you enjoy this introduction to skin health? Be sure to join Dr. Kalli at one of her Healthy Skin lectures to delve deeper into this topic and get your questions answered. Don't forget to let us know your favorite skin vitamin in the comments below!