Eating right for a healthy skin

If your skin looks unhealthy, it’s probably because you are leading an unhealthy lifestyle. This could mean poor nutrition, lack of sleep, too much stress or being unwell. Therefore, the best way to treat unhealthy skin is to find the cause and stop it.
When you don’t get enough sleep, you feel tired. When you are under too much stress, you can feel it. But when you are not eating right, there is no obvious sign that says you’re not getting enough nutrients, so it can be quite difficult to tell. However, unhealthy eating can lead to various health and beauty problems, including dull skin. If that’s the case, changing your diet to get enough nutrients can help, although it takes a while to see results.
A lot of people have resorted to popping supplementary pills to meet their daily requirement and to boost their skin’s radiance. However, this should always be discussed with your doctor first. Another option is to deliver the nutrients into the skin through mesotherapy.
Facial mesotherapy is a popular skin boosting method. Nutrients are shot into the skin, four to six millimetres below the epidermis, with the aim of improving the skin's texture, radiance and firmness. The nutrients used depend on each person’s concern and the doctor’s advice. Injecting the nutrients directly into the skin helps the cells get the food that they need, right where they need it.
The multi-vitamin cocktail usually includes low concentrations of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants.
The nutrients plump up the skin immediately, but results continue to improve over time. Initially, you might need 4-6 weekly treatments, but after you have achieved your ideal skin, you would only need three to four touch-ups a year afterward.
When the skin is properly fed, the cells can produce collagen better. The nutrients also promote better skin health in general, which means firmer, more radiant and youthful skin.
This is why it is a good complement for other skin treatments such as chemical peels, Botulinum Toxin and dermal fillers, as it can promote faster healing and help enhance the result.
This treatment originated in France, but is now practised around the world. Many celebrities have this treatment prior to big events to get an instant skin fix that won’t leave scarring or bruising for days. Some call it a lunchtime skin fix, because you can sneak out of office during your lunch break, get the treatment, and go back to work without a problem, apart from possible light bruising which usually goes away in a few days.
However, this is only a part of the solution. To really make an impact, a lifestyle change is recommended. It is best to speak to a reliable dermatologist to get advice on dietary change, supplements and treatments. Solution to skin concerns is an individual matter.

Thanisorn Thamlikitkul MD is a member of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery and certified in dermatological laser surgery. Send your questions for her to |[email protected]