You’ve heard the saying we are what we are eat. (In that case, paint me a peanut butter-covered banana.) Well, a new book called ‘The Beauty Detox Solution’ is bringing new evidence to this argument, and even suggests that our skin reflects more than just our diet.
Author Kimberly Snyder – clinical nutritionist and renowned celebrity beauty expert – wrote the book not only from a place of passion, but also from a place of experience. After enduring beauty troubles herself, Kimberly traveled the world to study ‘age-old beauty secrets’ and discovered that what you eat is the ultimate beauty product.
And what’s more? The health of our internal organs can also be apparent in our skin – a science referred to as ‘face mapping.’ In a recent appearance on The Today Show, Kimberly shared about the connection between laugh lines and our lungs; lines across our forehead and our colon; and the consumption of probiotics to treat acne.
Beyond face mapping, Kimberly goes a step further and recommends a beauty and diet regimen that rids your body of toxins so you can look and feel your best. While we haven’t seen the diet firsthand, based on several Amazon reviews, it’s strict, but effective and mostly raw. And includes a lot of green smoothies.
But Kimberly says it’s worth it, that those following the regimen will achieve a ‘youthful, radiant glow, banishing acne, splotchy skin and wrinkles, and melting away fat and never counting calories again.’ High claims for a diet book, but the author puts her name behind it and ascribes to the principals herself saying, ” I promise you that it is possible to achieve your most beautiful self and your perfect weight—while eating abundantly!”
Curious about the claims Kimberly was making, I consulted DietsInReview.com’s Registered Dietitian, Mary Hartley, RD, for expert insight. And although she didn’t find medical accounts on face mapping, diet and skin health were area Mary knew much on.
“When it comes to healthy skin, there is no substitute for a balanced diet and plenty of fluids, especially water,” she said. “Skin integrity depends on many different nutrients, but the most prominent are Vitamins A and beta-carotene, C, E, B6, and folic acid, the minerals selenium and zinc and essential fatty acids.” According to Mary, many of these nutrients have antioxidant activity that counters the oxidizing process that damages cells throughout the body, including our skin.
Some of the foods Mary recommends that promote skin healthy are fish, nuts, seeds, whole grains, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, kiwifruit and many other fruits and vegetables. She also noted foods to avoid, which are primarily refined carbohydrates and high glycemic foods, like candy, because they’ve been tied to acne. And anyone with rosacea should avoid excessive alcohol and spicy foods as they can worsen the condition.
Although it’s hard to say any one diet plan or beauty regimen is beneficial for everyone, these recommendations seem like sound advice. I can personally attest to the effectiveness of staying well hydrated as it keeps my skin smooth and supple. And avoiding greasy and sugary foods usually keeps breakouts at bay.
Also Read:
The Best Foods for Healthy Skin
Improve Your Skin With a Healthy Diet
What Your Skin and Nails Say About Your Diet