Skin health is significantly linked to diet. Some foods can have a positive effect on the skin, while others cause it to age faster and increase the risk of skin health problems.
In a recent study, a Chinese research team from Lanzhou University investigated possible causal relationships between the consumption of various foods and skin problems using genetic analyses. The results have been published in the journal “Archives of Dermatological Research”.
Are there causal relationships?
Previous observational studies had already suggested links between various nutritional factors and skin health, but it remained unclear to what extent these links are actually causal, the researchers explain.
Using data on 17 nutritional factors from the UK Biobank as well as data on four skin conditions, which also came from the UK Biobank and another large-scale genome-wide association study, the experts therefore examined possible causal relationships at the genetic level.
These foods were beneficial
According to the researchers, the results suggest that
- the consumption of fatty fish with a lower risk of skin aging and skin pigmentation,
- Tea consumption with a lower risk of skin pigmentation
- and the consumption of salad or raw vegetables is associated with a lower risk of keratinocyte skin cancer.
These foods are harmful to the skin
In contrast, coffee consumption and pork consumption are associated with an increased risk of skin aging, the team reports.
In addition, beef consumption, champagne and white wine consumption were even associated with an increased risk of cutaneous melanoma, and the researchers found that bread consumption was associated with an increased risk of keratinocyte-related skin cancer.
Nutrition influences skin health
Overall, the results indicate causal relationships between different foods and skin health, with the consumption of fatty fish, tea and salad or raw vegetables appearing to have a beneficial effect.
On the other hand, coffee, pork, beef, bread, champagne and white wine appear to have a negative impact on the health of our skin and increase the risk of skin diseases. (fp)