Dear Savvy Derm Diva,
What are common myths about nutrition and skin health you’d like to bust?
Myth Buster, Sheila W.
Dear Myth Buster,
I am so happy you asked this question as it is often a robust conversation at the clinic. Here are a couple popular ones:
Myth 1: Drinking water hydrates your skin.
Water is essential for the body’s physiology which can affect the skin’s water barrier function, giving you healthy skin amongst a healthy body from within! But technically, it is not shown to hydrate it.
Myth 2: Oily Food = Oily Skin.
Oily skin comes from sebaceous glands located in the skin that specifically secrete oil; eating oily food has no relation, but eating inflammatory foods (like refined sugar or refined carbohydrates) can wreak havoc on our skin and flare acne, psoriasis, eczema, and other skin diseases.
Diva Tip: Make sure you always get your skin care education from a reliable source as it can lead you down a path of destruction!
Dear Savvy Derm Diva,
Please tell me the difference between a Prebiotic and a Probiotic.
Seeking Optimal Gut Health, Lisa A.
Dear Seeking Optimal Gut Health,
More research is pointing to a Brain-Gut-Skin Connection along with the importance of microbiome balance in the gut. The popularity of Prebiotics and Probiotics is expanding and can become confusing to the consumer who is looking for optimal gut health. To break it down simply:
Prebiotics: Consist of specialized plant fibers which are found in fruits and vegetables. They act as a fertilizer to stimulate or “feed” the good bacteria in the gut. Algae is the superfood and superstar of them all and is found to help slow down free radical damage, boost the immune system, fight inflammation, and so much more. A DIVA favorite is Blue Spirulina (Phycocyanin) which is the purest on the market by Ocean Rx, LLC. Save 10% on your first order with code: PREGUTHEALTH10
Probiotics: Can be more complicated as there are different species and depending on the ailment you are targeting, you need to make sure you take the appropriate strain. Probiotics are the good bacteria you are replacing back into the gut. A DIVA favorite for Acne is Glow Biome by Kuma as it has the proper bacteria strain needed to combat acne flares. Save 10% on your first order with code: PROGUTHEALTH10
Diva Tip: Read my full article in Dermatology Times about Gut Health and incorporating Prebiotics and ProBiotics into your daily routine.
Renata Block, MMS, PA-C, is the creator of Savvy Derm Diva, an online resource for proper skincare. Ask Savvy Derm Diva is a monthly column answering your skincare-related concerns! Make sure you follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter! You can make an appointment with her via TeleMedicine or in person at Advanced Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine, LLC, or TEXT to 847-802-9667.
MUAH!????
