🩺 Skin Fun Facts & Health Hacks

5 Facts About Skin Health Most Doctors Won’t Tell You

For clear and healthy skin, read this (don’t skip #3)!

1️⃣ Skin health is a reflection of gut health.

Breakouts, rashes, irritations, and redness are outward signs of inflammation, which often stems from the gut.

Tip: Support your gut AND skin with fiber, probiotics, and healthy fats!

2️⃣ Sugar accelerates skin aging.

Excess sugar triggers a process called glycation, where sugar binds to collagen proteins in the skin, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and aging skin.

Tip: Limit sweets to occasional treats!

3️⃣ Diet can minimize sun damage.

Although not as strong as sunscreen, certain nutrients like beta-carotene and lycopene are stored in layers of the skin, where they help protect against UV damage.

Tip: Eat the rainbow!

4️⃣ Sleep is needed for glowing skin.

During sleep, the body releases growth hormone and produces collagen to strengthen the skin, reduce fine lines, and minimize sagging or puffy skin.

Tip: It’s true that we all need our beauty sleep!

5️⃣ Chemicals in skincare products can seep into your bloodstream.

Chemicals that persist in the environment and in our bodies (meaning they never go away!) are called forever chemicals. Many of these are ingredients in skincare products from sunscreens to lipsticks.

Tip: Read labels and choose non-toxic products!

Okay, I know that’s a lot of information, but the point is:

Chasing skin health with nothing more than expensive topical products is not doing anybody any good. Skin health is truly a reflection of whole-body health. 🙌

The main driver of unhealthy skin is 💥inflammation, which means a sustainable solution must address this root cause.

We do that from the inside out, with things like:

✔️ Omega-3 Fats (essential fatty acids in fish, nuts, & seeds)

✔️ Sleep (disrupted sleep increases markers of inflammation)

✔️ Movement (exercise improves metabolic health to reduce inflammation)

✔️ Water (skin is approximately 64% water)

✔️ Colorful foods (antioxidants help to combat inflammation)

✔️ Probiotics (supporting the microbiome and gut-skin axis)

These are just a few examples of how I help my patients combat breakouts, redness, rashes, and irritated skin. The best solution for your skin will be unique to you, and I would love to help.

This is not an overnight quick fix, but nutrition can have a huge impact on how your skin ages!

First the must-have foundations:

✔️ Water (to hydrate the skin)

✔️ Protein (as a building block for collagen & elastin)

✔️ Fruits & Veggies (for antioxidants to block free radical damage)

✔️ Healthy Fats (to keep inflammation in check)

Then the targeted nutrient supplements:

✔️ Collagen (supports skin firmness and elasticity)

✔️ Antioxidants like curcumin, pomegranate, and green tea (support antioxidant defenses)

✔️ Omega-3s (support healthy inflammation & defenses against sun damage)

Here’s the thing:

If you jump to the supplements without first having the foundations of a skin-healthy diet in place, you won’t get the results you deserve.

If you want to dial in a plan to support your unique skin health and maintain youthful skin—given your biochemistry, goals, and vulnerabilities—my naturopathic approach is for you.

Let’s call it the ❄️ Dry Skin Survival Kit!

If your skin is drier because of colder temps and indoor heating, think about adding some of these to your routine:

🪮Dry Skin Brush

This is a natural bristle brush you can use before showering to gently exfoliate, slough off dead skin cells, and stimulate lymphatic flow.

🧽 Loofah

Using a loofah with soap and water in the shower is another way to gently exfoliate the skin. Careful not to overdo it because too much exfoliation can irritate the skin.

💧Humidifier

This can help with dry bedroom air.

🧴 Body Moisturizer

Look for a moisturizer that is free from parabens and fragrances.

🫧 Face Oil

Oils are what naturally moisturize our skin.

💋Lip Balm

Try a natural lip balm made with beeswax, shea butter, or coconut butter.

🥤Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is just as important for the skin in the winter as it is in the summer!

One last thing:

Eating nourishing foods with healthy fats and antioxidants can also help to keep your skin more naturally moisturized and protected from the elements.

Rachel Oppitz, ND