The Keto Diet and Your Skin
The ketogenic (keto) diet has recently been gaining in popularity. People find this diet advantageous because they can consume a high level of fats while losing a significant amount of weight. This means you can lose weight with little hunger compared to other diets. But, how does a high fat intake in a keto diet affect your skin’s overall appearance?
How Much Fat Do You Eat on the Keto Diet?
For your metabolism to switch from glycolysis (sugar-burning) to ketosis (fat-burning), you must get 50% to 75% of all calories from fat. The high-fat content of the diet is satiating, so you eat less.
There are many forms of the keto diet ranging from very strict to “lazy keto.” If you’re looking into the keto diet you have most likely heard about the positive weight loss effects. However, did you know getting the body into true ketosis has many other positive health impacts?
What Are the Health Effects of the Ketogenic Diet?
The health benefits of the ketogenic diet vary but are not limited to managing diabetes, cancer, cholesterol, and epilepsy. But, if done improperly, it can increase the risk of heart disease and have other negative health consequences.
It is essential to understand that keto is not an allowance to eat unhealthy, processed fats. The keto diet consists of eating only healthy fats from sources like fish, nuts, and avocados.
We recommend consulting your physician because the long-term effects of the keto diet are still being studied. Those with certain metabolic issues or eating disorders should be cautioned. And no children should be place on the keto diet unless under the care of a pediatrician.
Does the Keto Diet Affect Skin?
It is logical to conclude that this diet has a positive impact on the skin. By consuming healthy fats and lowering sugar consumption, inflammation and oxidative stress will decrease. The keto diet may also prevent skin cancers, improve acne, and lessen the appearance of varicose veins.
Inflammation
Due to a lower carbohydrate intake, the body suffers less inflammation. This reduces redness in the skin and makes it appear healthier. It also minimizes the amount of insulin needed by the body because less sugar is digested. Insulin has been associated with acne so lowering the need for it is great news for your skin.
Oxidative Stress
When your body is running on ketones, it produces more glutathione, which has an antioxidative effect. Decreased oxidative stress can improve psoriasis and other skin diseases.
Skin Cancer
In 1931, Otto Warburg was awarded the Nobel Prize for an amazing discovery. He found that cancer cells prefer to metabolize through glycolysis. This would make the keto diet a suitable way to starve cancer cells. It has also shown some promise in reducing tumors.
The Positive and Negative Effects of Keto on the Skin
Most of the effects on the skin that result from changing to a ketogenic diet are positive. Many followers report significant improvement towards existing cases of acne. In rare instances, acne flare-ups are reported. They are often short-lived and can be addressed by increasing carbohydrate intake.
Because you are consuming fewer (if any) simple carbs on the keto diet, you are automatically reducing your sugar intake. Sugar is the evil villain when it comes to your skin health. By limiting sugar, you are decreasing inflammation throughout your body, including your skin.
The consumption of Omega 3 fatty acids and collagen, which are both huge components of keto, can improve the health and appearance of your skin. On the other hand, some people experience breakouts due to the heavy consumption of dairy products like cheese, cream, and butter. By reducing these foods, you can reduce the chances of acne outbreaks.
What You Need to Know About Keto Rash
The keto rash (prurigo pigmentosa) is a rare form of dermatitis but a reported side effect for people who are starting the diet. The rash typically appears on the upper body, but rarely on the face. It appears red and itchy, with inflamed patches or bumps. The cause of these rashes is not known but appears in those who are on the keto diet.
Experts suggest that being in ketosis is the reason for the outbreak. Treatment can include increasing carb intake, antibiotic creams, and increasing insulin for those who are diabetic. The condition is exacerbated by heat and friction, so keeping cool and wearing loose-fitting clothes can help.
The keto diet may work wonders on your skin if you’re doing it right. However, if you are experiencing trouble with keto rash or breakouts, contact us. At Vibrance Medspa, we offer everything from facials to home skincare products so you can love your skin.
