Do you find yourself constantly battling eczema flare-ups or stubborn acne, wondering why no cream or medication seems to work? You're not alone. Skin issues can be frustrating, affecting not just your appearance but also your confidence and overall well-being. But what if the real solution isn’t just on the surface, but deep within? So, the main reason for your skin issues lies in what is happening inside your body. Skin issues are the signals that your body is telling you something is wrong with the body, especially the food you eat.

Your skin reflects your internal health. When something is out of balance it may be your gut, hormones, or immune system it tends to result in acne, eczema, or other skin issues. By adopting the correct dietary and lifestyle modifications, you can heal your skin and regain its natural radiance.

At iThrive, we use a functional nutrition approach to address skin health issues, enabling you to tackle the actual culprits behind your skin problems like gut dysbiosis, inflammation, and hormonal imbalance. If you want personalized advice, schedule a free consultation with iThrive today and begin your journey to healthy, glowing skin.

Learning About Eczema and Acne

Eczema:

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that presents with dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. Even though genetics play a role, research suggests that gut health is the predominant cause of eczema. 

Gut dysbiosis or disruption of the gut microbiome may lead to systemic inflammation and immune system disruption, which result in eczema flares. Candida overgrowth is also commonly seen in eczema because it tends to aggravate inflammation and skin irritation. Many environmental triggers such as dust, mites, and pollens along with personal care products such as certain soaps, creams, detergents, etc can also trigger eczema.

Acne:

Acne is a consequence of blocked hair follicles with dead skin cells and oil, overgrowth of bacteria, and inflammation. Acne can appear due to hormonal disturbances, diet, and gastrointestinal disorders. 

High-glycemic foods, milk products, and processed foods are the perpetrators because they raise insulin and sebum levels, leading to worsening acne.

The Role of Diet in Skin Health

A well-balanced diet filled with anti-inflammatory and nutrient-dense foods can surely help clear up eczema and acne. Specific nutrients reduce inflammation, enhance skin barrier function, and improve gut health.

Foods to Add

• Fatty Fish (Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines): These fatty fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids with strong anti-inflammatory properties. This helps in decreasing dryness and itching of eczema. It also helps in regulating sebum production in acne skin.

• Probiotic-Rich Foods (Yogurt, Kefir, Sauerkraut, Kimchi): These foods helps in maintaining gut health and alleviate systemic inflammation. It also helps in enhancing the skin's microbiome and reduces eczema symptoms.

• Fruits High in Vitamin C (Oranges, Berries, Papaya, Kiwi): These fruits are high in vitamin C and deliver antioxidant protection against free radical damage. They are also critical to collagen synthesis, which preserves skin elasticity.

• Turmeric and Ginger: They possess very strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects that help in minimizing acne outbreaks and eczema flare-ups.

Foods to be Avoided

• Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates: Eating a lot of sugary & high glycemic index foods leads to a rise in insulin levels, increasing inflammation and sebum production. They can also trigger acne and exacerbate the symptoms of eczema.

• Dairy Products: Limit super-market conventional dairy products away as they are rich in hormones & certain bio-active compounds which can lead to acne outbursts and can raise inflammation in people suffering from eczema. Also, some individuals can be allergic to dairy as well.

• Highly Processed Foods: Oily and processed foods usually contain preservatives and synthetic additives that are gut and skin irritants.

• Wheat and Gluten: Products having wheat and gluten like consuming a lot of bakery products can cause inflammation, particularly in those with gut sensitivity or autoimmune diseases.

Key Supplements for Skin Health

In addition to a skin-friendly diet, certain supplements can help in healing the skin, reduce inflammation, and ensure overall skin health.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Always opt to consume pure and potent omega-3 fatty acids supplements. They will help in reducing skin inflammation and hydration. Try out the iThrive Essentials Krill Oil supplement that helps in reducing inflammation and eventually keep your skin healthy.

Vitamin E: Works as a powerful antioxidant to protect the skin against oxidative stress. It also helps in healing the skin and reducing scarring.

Glutathione: Also known as the "master antioxidant," it assists in detoxifying the skin and maintains even skin tone. It also minimizes oxidative stress that may cause acne and eczema.

Bakuchi Oil: Includes bakuchiol, a natural retinol alternative. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, so is useful for acne and eczema.

Tea Tree Oil: Is effective against bacteria and is anti-inflammatory. Is effective in the treatment of acne and calming the skin.

Vitamin C: Increases collagen production for healthy, youthful-looking skin. Aids in repairing skin damage and inhibiting hyperpigmentation.

B Vitamins: It is said that B vitamins are very important for skin health. Especially B2, B3, B5, B7, and B12 vitamins have a lot of beneficial effects on the skin. Prevents dry, cracked lips, and reduces redness, acne, and pigmentation. Also helps with wound healing and prevents rashes. Try out iThrive Essentials Active B-complex supplement for the best results.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that helps in reducing acne, eczema, and psoriases. It also helps protect against UV damage by reducing the oxidative stress. If your vitamin D levels are low that can also cause skin issues. Try out iThrive Essentials Vitamin D3 K2 and feel the difference.

Collagen Peptides: Collagen peptides are believed to improve skin elasticity, hydration, and overall skin appearance by providing the building blocks for collagen synthesis.

Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables for Healthy Skin

The chart below represents which vegetables and fruits should be eaten in which season.

Conclusion

To achieve glowing and healthy skin, nutrition, supplementation, and treatment of the underlying root causes of eczema and acne must be a part of an overall approach. By following an anti-inflammatory diet, taking the right supplements, and maintaining a healthy gut, your skin can repair itself from the inside out, and the outcome will be sustained. If you are someone dealing with rare skin disorders book a free consultation with iThrive. At iThrive we find the root causes of the issues and work on them by providing personalized protocols including diet, lifestyle interventions, supplementation guidance, and detox protocols just based on your unique needs.