In This ArticleView AllIn This Article#1 Habit to Start for Better Skin HealthBlood Sugar & Skin HealthHealthy Eating TipsThe Bottom Line
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
#1 Habit to Start for Better Skin Health
Blood Sugar & Skin Health
Healthy Eating Tips
The Bottom Line
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What’s the #1 Habit to Start for Better Skin Health?
When it comes to maintaining vibrant and healthy skin, one habit stands out:maintaining consistent blood sugar levels. Beyond just appearance, healthy blood sugar levels are important for managing more serious skin issues as well.
Simply put, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance refers to a chronic condition where there’s too much insulin in your body (hyperinsulinemia) and your body isn’t using it properly (insulin resistance), which can increase your risk of health problems like diabetes, heart disease and metabolic syndrome.
What Happens to Your Body When You Have Insulin Resistance
Think of it like this: insulin works like a key to let glucose from the bloodstream into your cells. If insulin is not working properly, it can lead to high blood glucose levels, also known as high blood sugar.
“With uncontrolled blood sugars often comes high insulin or inability to use the sugar in the blood effectively. When insulin is consistently high, this can trigger both acne and inflammatory conditions like psoriasis,” Johnson details.
Why Is Blood Sugar Important for Skin Health?
Recent research is revealing that maintaining stable and consistent blood sugar levels may be beneficial for skin health.
Johnson highlights a 2023 study published inBiomedicinesthat found individuals with insulin resistance were more prone to developing acne.
Again, this inability for insulin to work properly can lead to high blood sugar levels in the body, which may further exacerbate skin conditions.
How to Eat for Better Skin Health
Here are a few tips to support consistent and healthy blood sugar levels for skin health and overall well-being.
First, prioritize quality sleep.Johnson references a 2015 study published inPLOS Oneand explains, “Your blood sugar regulation starts the night before. One poor night of sleep creates more cravings and higher blood sugar levels the following day.”
Next, findjoyful movementthat feels good to you. “Muscle is your BFF when it comes to supporting blood sugar,” says Johnson. She recommends lifting weights or walking as options for supporting healthy muscles and healthy blood sugar levels. “Another tip is to take a 5- to 10-minute walk after a meal if you can,” Johnson explains, as this can keep blood sugar levels happy. But the most important thing is to find a way to move that you enjoy, because it can help make you more likely to be consistent. That may be otherforms of exerciselike yoga, swimming, dancing or biking. Find what works best for you! Consistency is key.
Walking After Meals for Just 2 Minutes Is Enough to Lower Blood Sugar—Here’s Why, According to Science
Collagen is a specific type of protein that supports healthy skin, and it can be found in severalfoodslike bone broth and tinned fish. It’s also readily available insupplementform, but always remember to talk to your health care team before trying something new. Nutrients likecurcumin, probiotics, vitamin D, omega-3s and fiberare also helpful in supporting overall skin health. You’ll find these nutrients in foods like turmeric, yogurt, salmon, flaxseed, berries and more.
The link between diet, blood sugar and skin health is definitely promising. By focusing on these tips, you can work toward improving skin health—especially if you may be dealing with acne or psoriasis. Keep it simple to start, and remember that any lifestyle changes should feel enjoyable and sustainable for the long run to yield the results you want. Johnson suggests creating “repeatable meals you enjoy that also [provide] 20 to 30 grams of protein [alongside] healthy fats and healthy carbs.”
Need some inspiration? Try addingCreamy Pesto Chicken Salad with Greens,Sheet-Pan Salmon with Sweet Potatoes & Broccolior thisMozzarella, Basil & Zucchini Frittatato your menu plan.
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