How the Keto Diet Affects Skin Health

There are well-known reasons someone might decide to embark on the ketogenic diet: lower intake of carbohydrates and improved insulin resistance, for example. However, you may be surprised by another benefit: skin health! By sticking to the ketogenic diet, you may end up seeing major improvements in the appearance of your skin.

Lower Carbs, Better Skin

Limiting carbohydrates can minimize acne breakouts. American teenagers (and adults alike) tend to see higher rates of acne than people in other parts of the world because we love our refined carbs and sugars. People who live in regions of the world with diets full of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, have significantly lower prevalence of acne.1

There is also a connection between high-glycemic foods and acne.2 Foods like bread, soda, sugar, and crackers might not be the best bet for your skin. On the other hand, low-glycemic foods promote skin health and reduce the prevalence of acne and other skin issues.3

Keto Foods Great for Skin Health

The high-quality meats, healthy fats, and leafy greens of the ketogenic diet are full of antioxidants and collagen-building proteins that can help protect your skin against premature aging and breakouts. Possibly the best thing you can do for your skin is to have a diet rich in keto-friendly fruits and vegetables, which will reduce wrinkles and skin aging.4

The keto diet encourages consumption of berries and cruciferous vegetables, which are all wonderful promoters of skin health. The antioxidants in these foods help rid the body of free radicals and protects the skin from sun damage that can accelerate aging.5

Eggs

Eggs have a skin health bonus: they are chock-full of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are two antioxidants that protect your eyes and skin from harmful UV rays that lead to lines, brown spots, wrinkles, and skin cancer. Eggs can also keep your skin soft, firm, and more hydrated.

Leafy Greens

The Vitamin A found in vegetables can help your skin glow. After all, did you know that Vitamin A is the same compound as retinol, which you can commonly find in facial lotions and moisturizers? Vitamin A encourages cell turnover, which aids in improved circulation, which can give your skin a refreshing glow.

Seafood

The anti-inflammatory properties of Omega-3’s from seafood have been found to improve acne symptoms and better yet – improve mental health over a period of mere weeks.6 So if you’re looking for a clear-skin solution from acne, grab some salmon or lobster!

Nuts

Nuts such as almonds and walnuts are fantastic for locking moisture into the skin and keeping it soft and supple. Eating walnuts before bed has also been shown to improve sleep, and we all know that getting enough Z’s is important for better skin health.

Olive Oil

Healthy fats like those found in olive oil can protect your skin from harmful UV rays. By cooking with generous amounts of olive oil, you could be preventing wrinkles and aging from sun damage.

Not only does the ketogenic diet support weight loss, muscle health, and aids in nervous system health, but it can also be a huge skin health benefit. By consuming plenty of keto-friendly healthy fats, antioxidants, and Vitamins A and E, you are also protecting your skin from further damage.