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Skin is the body’s largest organ and undergoes a remarkable process of regeneration, turning over completely approximately every 28 days. This regeneration is facilitated by stem cells located in the epidermis, which continually produce new skin cells. The dynamic nature of skin turnover not only allows for healing from injuries but also provides a valuable platform for studying various diseases. As such, understanding skin health and its biological processes can have significant implications for overall well-being.
Stress can adversely affect skin appearance and health through both acute and chronic mechanisms. Acute stress triggers the release of hormones that can cause immediate changes in skin tone, leading to paleness or dullness. Long-term stress, primarily via elevated cortisol levels, can accelerate skin aging by breaking down collagen and elastin, leading to a decrease in skin's suppleness and overall appearance. Consequently, managing stress can be crucial for maintaining healthy and youthful-looking skin.
Caffeine, generally consumed in moderation, may cause transient vasoconstriction which can affect skin appearance but usually has a neutral impact in the long run. Some individuals with conditions such as rosacea are more sensitive to these changes and may notice increased redness. Conversely, nicotine, whether through smoking or vaping, is a known vasoconstrictor that can lead to faster skin aging and poor healing post-surgery, as it restricts blood flow to the skin. To maintain skin health, avoiding or minimizing nicotine use is advisable.
Alcohol has a multifaceted impact on skin health. Short-term, alcohol can lead to dehydration, causing skin to appear dull and accentuate imperfections such as bags under the eyes. Chronic consumption can disrupt the gut microbiome and contribute to overall skin health issues, including breakouts and decreased elasticity. Limiting alcohol intake can prevent these negative effects and promote better skin health.
Selecting an appropriate moisturizer is crucial for maintaining skin hydration and health. Dermatologists recommend non-comedogenic products that do not clog pores and suit one's specific skin type, whether oily, dry, or sensitive. There are three primary categories: ointments, creams, and lotions, each varying in oil content and efficacy. Knowing one's skin type helps in choosing a suitable moisturizer, allowing for optimal skin hydration without adverse effects.
The application of sunscreen is paramount in protecting skin from harmful UV radiation, which can lead to premature aging and skin cancer. Mineral-based sunscreens, particularly those with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, are generally recommended due to their effectiveness and lower risk of allergic reactions compared to chemical alternatives. Regular usage should be coupled with other protective measures such as wearing hats and seeking shade to enhance overall skin protection. It's essential to choose sunscreens with a broad spectrum label and an SPF of at least 30 for optimal safety.
Diet plays a vital role in skin health and appearance, with anti-inflammatory diets yielding the most benefits. Incorporating high-quality proteins, along with plenty of fruits and vegetables, can help reduce inflammation and support skin function. Specific foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish, can also contribute positively by exerting anti-inflammatory effects. However, avoiding high glycemic index foods and excessive dairy can help minimize acne breakouts and other skin health issues.
Retinoids are powerful agents in skincare that significantly enhance skin turnover and health. Historically used for treating acne, they are now widely recognized for their anti-aging properties as they boost collagen production and improve dermal quality. Prescription-strength retinoids are far more effective than over-the-counter alternatives, making them a go-to recommendation for achieving youthful skin. Regular use can lead to significant improvements in both skin appearance and health, providing lasting effects.
Laser treatments have become an essential part of contemporary dermatology, offering solutions for various skin ailments as well as cosmetic concerns. Different types of lasers can target specific issues such as acne scars, rosacea, and aging skin by precisely delivering energy to the appropriate skin layers. Non-ablative lasers, which leave the surface intact, are especially popular due to their reduced downtime and efficacy in stimulating collagen. Many studies indicate that these laser therapies also help decrease skin cancer risks by removing damaged cells.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition characterized by rapid skin cell turnover, causing red, scaly patches that can occur anywhere on the body. The management of psoriasis focuses on controlling the immune response and promoting skin barrier function through topical treatments, systemic medications, and phototherapy. Lifestyle factors, such as weight management and a balanced diet, can also play a crucial role in mitigating symptoms. New therapies, including biologics that target specific immune pathways, continue to improve treatment outcomes and overall quality of life for those affected.
In this episode, my guest is Dr. Teo Soleymani, M.D., a double-board-certified dermatologist and specialist in skin cancer and reconstructive surgery. We discuss science and clinically supported protocols to improve skin health and give your skin a more youthful appearance and structure, reducing premature aging and skin cancer risk.
We discuss the impact of sun exposure on skin appearance and aging and the surprising relationship between sun exposure and skin cancer. We explain how mineral-based (inorganic) sunscreens differ from chemical (organic) sunscreens, whether sunscreen can minimize premature skin aging, reduce cancer risk, and if there are any health risks associated with sunscreen use.
We discuss skincare routines to significantly improve skin appearance and how to select skincare products. We discuss how caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and stress impact the skin and describe how nutrition and anti-inflammatory diets can improve skin health. We also discuss the causes and treatments for common skin conditions, including dandruff, acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and vitiligo.
Our conversation also covers topics such as the use of retinoids, laser treatments, red-light phototherapy, supplements, and how to best monitor for skin cancer. This episode provides numerous actionable protocols, most of which are zero-to-low cost, for improving skin health and appearance, reducing cancer risk, and treating skin problems.
Access the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com.
Pre-order Andrew's new book, Protocols, at protocolsbook.com.
AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman
ROKA: https://roka.com/huberman
Joovv: https://joovv.com/huberman
Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman
LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman
00:00:00 Dr. Teo Soleymani
00:01:35 Sponsors: ROKA, Joovv & Helix Sleep
00:05:45 Skin Turnover; Skin Appearance & Stress
00:13:35 Caffeine, Vasoconstriction & Skin Redness
00:16:31 Nicotine, Vaping & Skin Appearance
00:18:37 Alcohol, Skin Health
00:24:33 Hydration, Fluid Intake & Genetics
00:26:19 Tool: Selecting a Moisturizer
00:29:28 Sponsor: AG1
00:30:40 Puffiness Under Eyes & Cause
00:32:14 Tool: Skin Cleansing; Frequency, Showers
00:41:57 Dry & Flaky Scalp, Dandruff
00:46:09 Cost & Skincare Products
00:50:20 Tool: Sun Exposure & Skin Health, Mood
00:56:24 Sponsor: LMNT
00:57:35 Sunscreens vs. Sunblocks; Mineral-Based (Inorganic) vs. Chemical (Organic) Sunscreen
01:02:45 Physical Barriers, Sunscreens, Oral Supplements & Skin Cancer
01:07:27 Skin Cancer, Genetics; Sunscreen, Premature Aging
01:12:11 Premature Aging & Skincare
00:15:56 Choose Mineral or Chemical Sunscreen?
01:20:24 Polypodium Supplement, Sun Exposure, Skin Redness
01:26:02 Tool: Selecting Mineral-Based Sunscreens
01:28:30 Chemical Sunscreens & Blood-Brain Barrier
01:30:13 Nutrition, Gut Microbiome & Skin Health
01:34:28 Tool: Nutrition for Skin Health, Protein, Anti-Inflammatory; Collagen; Omega-3
01:42:58 Retinoids vs. Retinol, Skin Appearance
01:49:45 Laser Resurfacing; Exfoliation, Microdermabrasion
01:56:52 Red Light Therapy & Phototherapy, Face Masks, Light Panels
02:04:10 Psoriasis, Phototherapy
02:10:03 Vitiligo, Immune System & Skin Cancer Risk
02:15:41 Acne, High Glycemic Index Foods, Dairy
02:19:38 Rosacea, Types & Treatments
02:23:00 Eczema, Immune System
02:25:37 Popping Pimples & Acne Scars; Corticosteroids
02:30:15 Tattoos; Tool: Monitoring for Skin Cancer, Moles, Annual Exams
02:36:28 HPV, Cancer & Warts; Vaccine & Cancer Risk
02:43:31 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter
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