Approved by: Christine M Greene, PhD, MBA, CSCS
About the Approver: Christine graduated from UCONN with her PhD in Nutritional Science, where she did her thesis on lipid metabolism. She also holds an MBA in Health Care Administration as well as maintaining her certification as a Strength and Conditioning Coach with the NSCA. Dr. Greene is a professor at the University of Hartford and is the Director of Team Sports and Nutrition for CherryPharm.

How Diet Affects Our Skin

Skin care is generally associated with applying topical creams and taking prescription medications but it is important to understand that what we eatplays a vital role in the health and integrity of our skin. Certain foods contain beneficial compounds that may attenuate the damaging effects of free radical exposure, boost collagen and even help mitigate underlying inflammation. Interestingly, many skin conditions including acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis are considered primary inflammatory diseases.

Why Tart Cherries?

One such beneficial food is tart cherries, which are rich in powerful antioxidants including anti-inflammatory anthocyanins, vitamin A, melatonin and other bioactive compounds. Research has shown that tart cherries act as non-selective cyclo-oxygenase (Cox 1 and Cox 2) inhibitors, enzymes that play a significant role in the many inflammatory processes in our bodies. For example, increased Cox 2 expression has been found in patients with psoriasis while both Cox 1 and Cox 2 levels are elevated in patients with acne vulgaris.

Vitamin A – Vitamin A in the form of retinol is essential for maintaining the health and functioning of skin cells. In fact, vitamin A in pharmacological doses is used to treat acne and aging (topically in the form of retinoids and internally as Accutane).
Anthocyanins – Studies show that anthocyanins limit inflammation, limit tissue degradation, improve local circulation, protect human skin cells from the damage caused by UV light exposure and promote a strong collagen matrix.
Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant that may reduce the affects of aging by scavenging harmful free radicals and reducing inflammation.

But as with all foods, retention of natural compounds throughout processing, shipping and storage is critical – exposure to heat, light and oxygen lead to irreparable break down.

So when it comes to diet and skin care, it is important to understand that what we eat can have a significant impact on how we look and feel. Be sure to seek out foods that are nutrient-rich to begin with and are available as close to their natural state as possible – for example, many grocery store juice brands start with concentrated juice and have additives or preservatives. Therefore, always read labels and understand that less is more when it comes to food processing. Tart cherries and cheribundi are an excellent example.