How Intermittent Fasting Can Save Your Skin
We all know that there is more to having beautiful skin than simply the topical lotions and potions we apply to our faces. Our diets and lifestyles also play a significant part when it comes to how we look on the outside. When we think about our diets, we often hyper fixate on what we should be eating, however, perhaps there is something to be said for when we are eating. Time restricted eating, or intermittent fasting, is an eating pattern that has held a very prominent place in wellness culture for quite some time. Though intermittent fasting has been widely marketed as a miracle weight loss method, its benefits reach beyond just this. In recent years, it has become apparent that not only is intermittent fasting a credible weight loss tactic, but it also can improve certain skin issues that many of us experience, such as acne, fine lines and uneven skin texture and tone. If you’re scratching your head at the notion of intermittent fasting being the solution to your skin woes, we are here to help break down the science so that you understand how implementing this practice could help you glow...
INTERMITTENT FASTING SKIN BENEFITS
Increases Autophagy
One of the main reasons that intermittent fasting can take you that step closer to flawless skin, is because fasting triggers autophagy in the body. Autophagy is a natural process in which cells break down and recycle their own damaged or unwanted components. This process helps to maintain cellular health by removing harmful substances and providing the cell with the building blocks it needs to function properly. As a result of this, when our body undergoes autophagy, our old and dead skin cells shed and are replaced with new ones, giving a brighter and more youthful complexion. Intermittent fasting helps to stimulate autophagy by improving aspects of our health and lifestyle that positively influence the efficiency and frequency of autophagy taking place.
Improves sleep
Intermittent fasting has been found to support healthy sleep, which can improve our skin health. Intermittent fasting can help us regulate our circadian rhythms, which are the internal biological clocks that regulate sleep and wake cycles. This is because it creates a consistent eating pattern that can aid in synchronizing the bodies internal clock and improve our quality of sleep. This leads to more regular and deep sleep, which can benefit our skin in several different ways. Firstly, during periods of fasting including when we’re asleep, the body undergoes autophagy helping to remove damaged cells and promote the regeneration of healthy ones, revealing a brighter and more youthful complexion. Sleep is also essential for collagen production, as well as looking bright and awake, to allow your skin to maintain a youthful glow.
Improves gut health
Intermittent fasting has been found to have positive effects on gut health, which is greatly instrumental to our skin. This is because the process of autophagy also extends to the gut, where it can help to remove harmful bacteria and promote the growth of beneficial ones. Intermittent fasting has been shown to increase the diversity of the gut microbiome, which is essential for optimal gut health. In turn, a healthy gut can help to improve the health and appearance of your skin. This is because a healthy gut microbiome helps to support the skin's natural barrier function, which is essential for protecting against environmental stressors and maintaining skin hydration. Additionally, a healthy gut can help to reduce inflammation, a key factor in the development of skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. By promoting gut health, intermittent fasting can help to improve the health and radiance of your skin.
So, there you have it! Intermittent fasting is a practice that can do much more for our health and appearance than weight loss, especially when it comes to our skin! Speak to a healthcare professional to determine if intermittent fasting could be a pathway for you to explore in the pursuit of rejuvenated, radiant, glowing skin.
