How to Improve Skin Health & Appearance

2346 snips

Jul 1, 2024

Discover how skin health reflects your overall wellness, linking it to your immune system and gut microbiome. Learn about the crucial role of sunlight for skin and hormone health while recognizing the dangers of excess exposure. Dive into the pros and cons of various sunscreen types, and understand the importance of regular skin checks. Explore dietary approaches for youthful skin, and how reducing inflammation can combat conditions like acne and rosacea. Uncover the benefits of skincare ingredients like collagen, vitamin C, and peptides for a radiant appearance.

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INSIGHT

Sun Exposure: Balancing Benefits and Risks

Excessive sun exposure can lead to skin cancer and premature aging.
However, some sun is healthy, as skin produces hormones like Vitamin D with sun exposure.

ADVICE

Assessing Your Sunscreen Stance

Ask yourself where you stand on sunscreen use, from complete avoidance to daily application.
Consider your risk tolerance, genetic background, and sun exposure habits.

INSIGHT

Sunlight's Impact on Skin Aging

Sun exposure accelerates skin aging due to UV damage to collagen.
Some sun is beneficial for hormone production and overall health.

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In this episode, I discuss skin health and appearance and why both are important indicators of the health status of your immune system, gut microbiome, and other organ systems. I explain why sunlight is essential for skin and hormone health and how excessive sunlight can accelerate skin aging and cause certain skin cancers. I discuss the different types of sunscreens (physical, chemical, and mineral-based) and potential health concerns of the chemicals found in some (but not all) sunscreens.

I also discuss the importance of getting your skin (and not just moles) checked for pre-cancerous and cancer growths, the role of nutrition and lifestyle factors that improve skin health and appearance, and how to improve your skin by reducing local and systemic inflammation and supporting your microbiome.

I explain what works to improve your skin's youthfulness and appearance, including reducing wrinkles, sagging, and pore size. I review the data on ingesting (or topically applied) collagen, vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and retinol, and what is known about the use of peptides (e.g., BPC-157, copper peptides) and red and far-red light phototherapies for improving skin health and appearance.

I also discuss the causes of acne, rosacea, and psoriasis and explain nutritional, skin care, and prescription-based approaches to treating these common skin conditions.

This episode ought to help everyone better understand the biology of the skin and help them make the best possible decisions for their skin health, care, and appearance according to age, goals, and current skin conditions.

Access the full show notes, including referenced articles, books, people mentioned, and additional resources at hubermanlab.com.