When something irritates or affects a part of our body, there is a biological response to try to stop it. Inflammation can be uncomfortable, but it shows that the body is trying to heal itself. It can also indicate other health problems; it’s part of the immune response! “Did you know inflammation actually starts deep down in the skin and could be the reason why your skin looks older than it really is?” asks skincare blogger Elise Minton Tabin. She continues by saying that “inflammation is a necessary function—and it’s actually healthy—to protect the body against infections and repair it when it’s injured, chronic inflammation is what can cause more harm than good to our skin and bodies.” Often, the body’s immune system may become overstimulated to produce inflammation (Tabin). “Diet is thought to play a role in causing inflammation as well,” explains Youbeauty Blog. “The foods that are the worst offenders are ones you probably should ditch from your diet anyway—like saturated fats, fried foods, refined sugar, and refined carbohydrates.”
This can lead to long-term problems like heart disease, diabetes and even bowel issues like Crohn’s disease.
What can inflammation do to your skin?
Chronically inflamed skin can lead to:
● Rosacea
● Some types of acne
● Premature aging including fine lines, wrinkles, psoriasis
● a breakdown of collagen and elastin
● an overall redness to the skin
What can you do to prevent this?
While inflammation is a necessary component for skin that functions properly, be careful not to overwork your immune system! Otherwise, your body (especially your skin) will suffer.
● Ditch saturated fats, fried foods, refined sugar, and refined carbohydrates
● Consume omega-3 and omega-6 fats
● Add flaxseeds and fatty fish, like salmon and mackerel, to your diet
● Load your plate with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables (like berries, leafy greens, and citrus fruits)
● Get more exercise to boost the release of endorphins
● Schedule more ‘beauty sleep’
● Stop overusing abrasive products like alcohol-based hand sanitizers or a topical cream like Retin A
● Stay out of the sun’s harsh UV Rays; Use sunscreen.
At Bellagena Spa, you can stop by to see Dr. Pamela Chapman if you are still concerned with your inflammation. She is a functional medicine doctor that believes women deserve to feel radiant. Her practice with Functional Medicine makes her an expert in restoring the digestive system, fatigue, detoxification, stress, and more! We are looking forward to Dr. Chapman to bring innate wellness to our community.
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