I've eaten a plant-based, or about 90% vegan, diet for over three years now. I don't eat any meat, however i do make exceptions with some milk products when I eat at a friend or family member’s home. I switched after watching the documentary Forks over Knives, a life-changing film that explores how a whole-food, plant-based diet improves human health insurance and longevity.
Now, there's a impact on note between veganism along with a whole-food, plant-based diet. Veganism excludes meat and dairy products, however, even vegans can end up eating unhealthy meals. In fact, some vegans eat predominantly junk foods like noodles, chips, and soda instead of vegetables and fruit. On the other hand, a whole-food, plant-based diet focuses exclusively on eating a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grain products, and healthy fats with little to no processed food.
Not only are there a myriad of environmental benefits to a plant-based diet, but there are countless health advantages to ditching the meat and dairy. Since there are links to some plant-based diet healing our insides, it seems only logical this diet shift may help our outsides too. Works out, a whole-food, plant-based diet (WFPB) can sort out acne and skin aging!
A 2022 comprehensive study stated, “Eating a WFPB diet can offer the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals essential to maintain younger cells and excludes our prime quantity of saturated fat from animal products, which damages cells. A WFPB diet can increase the amount of antioxidants, which ultimately can translate into healthier and much more youthful skin.”
Basically, eating an eating plan full of diverse plants ensures that your body is getting all the nutrients it needs to give you glowing, healthy skin. A plant-based diet heals your skin internally.
After living on the plant-based diet for a few years, I learned just how particular foods react with my body system. I've never really struggled with acne, but if I consume a bag of chips and spend a weekend drinking with friends I spot the damage on my small skin almost immediately. This really is my body system responding to the un-nourishing foods or drinks I consumed! It's truly amazing just how much the body will inform us by what it likes or doesn't like if we pay attention to the signals.
During a job interview with Insider, dermatologist Papri Sarkar said, “Studies show that removing dairy from patients' diets improves their acne. Beyond just helping with stubborn pimples, going vegan will usually increase your complexion.” This is likely because of the switch from a standard western diet, which is heavy in meat, dairy, sugar, and junk foods, to a diet centered on vitamin rich plant foods. Vitamin C, E, and K are shown to improve skin longevity and health, all of which can be found naturally in plant foods for example citrus, strawberries, dark leafy greens like kale and spinach, seeds and nuts.
I've noticed over the years that my skin looks brighter than it ever did before. As somebody who has always struggled with dark eye circles, it was a big deal for me. I noticed less darkening under my eyes along with a brighter, more even complexion generally. Win!
If you need to do make the switch, provide your body time to adapt to the changes before ditching your meatless diet.
Dermatologist Dr. Pam Bentito told LiveKindly, “If you do get acne after cutting animal products out of your diet, provide your body a few weeks to adjust to your new eating style and you might see it clean up by itself. However, when the concern is from food allergies, hormone imbalances, or poor skincare routine, it may not simply disappear by itself.”
While going plant-based is sure to experience some benefits on our bodies, it doesn't replace basic skincare practices or any other healthy habits. If completed in addition to exercise, mindful eating, and a great skincare routine, you're sure to notice some positive changes happening on the surface.
