Chapter 1: Nutrition for the Skin (Satisfies Elective Requirement)
Learning objectives Given the course materials, the learner will be able to: Analyze the connection between mind, body, and skin. Research the importance of macro and micronutrients, antioxidants, probiotics, healthy fats, proteins, carbs, vitamins and minerals in effective skincare. Assess the different types of skin and skin problems. Cite three examples that clearly demonstrate the connection between the mind, body, and skin conditions in order to differentiate whether the skin issues are due to internal or external causes and give corresponding comparative treatment options. List six points that summarize how changing the diet by choosing the proper nutrients to create an optimal diet will dramatically improve the overall condition of the skin. List three examples of dehydrated skin and summarize how dehydration affects each skin type. List the seven micronutrients and three micronutrients; evaluate and explain the vital role of these nutrients in creating healthy, beautiful skin. Assess the role of antioxidants in protecting the skin.
Research the effectiveness of incorporating probiotics into the diet to aid in treating rosacea, eczema, acne, and aging skin; list twelve foods that contain probiotics. Evaluate the role healthy fats play in skincare; list seven foods containing healthy fats and cite the benefits of each. Define the importance of collagen, explain the link between proteins, amino acids, and collagen; list five healthy food groups that supply essential protein. Cite the two main carbohydrates, list five healthy foods that contain important carbs. Cite the four most important vitamins for all skin types. List the twelve best foods for dry skin. Define sensitive skin; cite five types of food to avoid. Evaluate the nutritional needs of oily skin; list ten foods that help improve the conditions of oily and acne skin. Evaluate and identify the three most common skin problems: Eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Research and evaluate the effects of medications on the skin. Research the benefits derived from applying food to your skin; list the benefits for each of nine different foods and be able to create nutritional recipes to apply to the facial area.
INTRODUCTION
This course is designed for estheticians who want to discover the most powerful means of growing and treating their clientele. Applying skincare to the outside is never effective unless the inside is treated as well. No amount of skin cream or makeup can hide the effects of a poor diet. Understanding the connection between the mind, the body, and the skin will allow you to treat each skin type and achieve significant results. Grow your clientele by incorporating proper nutrition into their treatment
plans and gain a reputation for amazing results. This course covers everything you need to know to create optimal nutritional plans for each and every skin type, including treatment plans for problematic skin issues. By discovering the benefits derived from macro and micronutrients, healthy fats, proteins, carbs, antioxidants, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals, you will be able to advise your clientele and devise the most effective nutritional plan for each client to produce stunning results.
SKIN AND THE MIND/BODY CONNECTION
“ You are what you eat .” This is more than just a saying. The mind, body and skin are all connected. Two great examples that prove how closely the mind, body, and skin are linked are blushing and hives – some people blush when they feel embarrassed, some break out in hives when they are in a stressful situation. There are ten billion neurons in the brain, and between each and every one of them are neurotransmitters – also known as chemical messengers – that move from brain cell to brain cell allowing the cells to talk to each other. There is considerable data showing that how you feel is dictated by certain neurotransmitters. Studies have proven that stress has the ability to make our bodies feel worse. The more stress a person is experiencing, the more cortisol that person produces. Elevated cortisol levels create a rise in blood sugar, which in turn creates a cellular inflammatory response. Stress also increases androgen production, which makes sebaceous glands overactive, which can trigger acne . Research has shown that a person’s diet directly correlates with their mood – there are food groups that are considered “mood- boosting” foods, there are other food groups that are harmful to the mental state. Depletion of certain vitamins, minerals, and nutrients can trigger feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress. There is a host of scientific data proving that stress can profoundly affect the skin, triggering such conditions as psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, acne, and vitiligo . Stress can also alter the microflora in our intestines, again triggering systemic inflammation that can exacerbate acne, psoriasis, and a wide range of skin conditions. The reverse is also true – when our microflora is out of balance due to poor eating habits, our neurotransmitters become imbalanced, which causes
emotional imbalance. What we eat has a direct link to how we feel and how our skin looks. If you are trying to treat a client who repeatedly suffers from acne, rosacea, psoriasis, or even dry or aging skin, no amount of skin treatments will alleviate the problems brought on by a poor diet. The skin is the body’s largest organ. Its main function is to act as a protective barrier. Skin serves to act as a physical, chemical, and antimicrobial defense system. Poor eating habits lead to a breakdown of this shield; as a poor diet is directly linked to feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. These emotions lead to a decrease in the production of antimicrobial peptides that the skin produces, which in turn impairs the protective function of the epidermis. Changing your eating habits, understanding the building blocks of nutrition, and eating accordingly can bring changes that look miraculous to your skin. Nutrition is also a vital component of the healing process. When skin cells become damaged, good nutrition will help speed the healing process. The most essential nutrients for skin repair are energy, protein, fluid, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. The protein derived from eating right is used for cell production. Fluid is vital, as it transports the needed supply of nutrients and oxygen. Fats are needed to absorb certain vitamins. Energy is used to fuel the healing process. Stress depletes the stores of nutrients that are vital for both healthy skin and the healing process. When stress kicks in, the body automatically redirects the supplies of vitamin C, B vitamins, and magnesium, along with other crucial nutrients. One automatic response to stress is for the body to create the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol, so the available stores of
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Book Code: EFL1024
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