Download Nutrition and Skin course outline

Nutrition and Skin course outline
1-What is Skin?
Skin is the largest organ of our body
~16% of the total body weight
1.2-2.3m2 surface area
Role?
•
Protection: Physical, Biological, UV light, dehydration
•
Regulates the body temperature
•
Sensory
3 layers
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Epidermis
•
Dermis
•
Subdermis
2-
Lipids and skin
Lipids are in
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Epidermis: The upper part of the epidermis looks like a wall where bricks are the
cells and are stuck together with a lipid mixture that consist the “mortar” of the wall
The epidermal lipids are Ceramides, Cholesterol and Free fatty acids
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Dermis and in particular in the sebaceous gland
Sebaceous Lipids: are made by the sebaceous cells and travel via the hair canal to the
surface of the skin
The sebaceous lipids are mainly: Triglycerides, Wax Esters, Squalene and free fatty
acids
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Subdermis: the bottom layer of skin that is mainly consisted of fat cells.
The main lipids that fill the fat cells are triglycerides.
Preclinical models have demonstrated that once a lipid biosynthetic enzyme is missing
or gets compromised then the sebaceous gland gets compromised and the hair follicle
is not properly lubricated and becomes brittle resulting in hair loss
That is why a Nutritional textbook had a statement “Fats and Lipids nourish skin and
hair”
Lipids are essential to skin functions and important components to the barrier function of
skin. Although their excessive presence can cause pathologies as acne, their absence
can be correlated to ageing. More and more studies establish their important role for
healthy hair development, anti-ageing strategies and skin conditioning,
3-
Skin problems and nutrients; Vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and skin related
studies
- Essential fatty acids and lipophilic vitamins target the skin and hair and there are
studies that have demonstrated that the nutrients travel all the way from the digestive
track to the skin and fur
One profound study examined the fate of the radioactive alpha linolenic acid (ALA) in
guinea pigs and reported that of the radiolabeled ALA administered; more than 46%
was associated with the skin and fur lipids,
Numerous studies have revealed clinical imbalances of specific essential fatty acids
associated with a variety of skin problems; hence dry, itchy, scaly skin is a hallmark sign
of fatty acid deficiency.
Current clinical studies with essential fatty acids are being performed to treat atopic
dermatitis or eczema or simply dry skin
- A high glycemic index diet has been correlated to acne exacerbation and in contrast
acne could become better with a low glycemic index diet.
-Many studies prove that probiotics can also offer skin benefits as they boost our
immune system to combat UV induced damage.
-The same also applies for carotenoids that are delivered to the skin and offer a certain
protection against UV damage. In general vitamin A (and carotenoids) contributes to the
maintenance and repair of skin tissue.
-Vitamin C helps reduce the damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure. Over
time, free radicals can damage collagen and elastin, the fibers that support skin
structure. Vitamin C is also essential for skin cells to synthesize collagen; a very
important structural protein of the dermis,
-Vitamin E also helps reduce the skin effects of free radicals and UV exposure and the
sebaceous gland secretion is a major physiologic route of vitamin E delivery to skin.
-Vitamin D is also synthesized in the skin and has anti-inflammatory activities
-Mineral or amino acid deficiencies can cause dermatitis or hair loss. However there is
no direct evidence that a single supplement can really correct the hair loss.
EAT WELL FOR overall health since every organ is connected to the skin and you
should eat well to maintain optimal health and therefore the best skin!