CONNECTOR.AE 32 CONNECTOR.AE 33 HEALTH AND WELLNESS HEALTH AND WELLNESS So what exactly should you eat for a vibrant and healthy skin? Experts agree that an antiinflammatory diet, rich in colourful fruits and leafy vegetables, fatty fish, seeds, and healthy fats, can make tremendous differences to one’s skin and thereby, overall appearance. “An anti-inflammatory diet can significantly improve skin health and aesthetics by addressing the root causes of inflammation internally”, says Dr. Ruhil Badiani from Cornerstone Clinic. Ms. Suzan Trabulsi, Clinical Dietitian at Aesthetics by KCHLD, recommends foods high in antioxidants like berries, leafy greens, citrus fruits, and green tea, as well as omega-3-rich options like salmon, sardines, walnuts, and flaxseeds. Additionally, incorporating turmeric into the diet is highly recommended, as it has powerful antiinflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Experts also highlight the importance of foods such as carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and mangoes, which boost collagen production and support skin hydration. Other recommended items include berries, particularly blueberries, strawberries and raspberries, fatty fish, olive oil and other oils like wheat germ oil and safflower oil in limited amounts. Importantly, you don’t need to overhaul your entire routine to see results. Start by making small changes to your diet. Try switching from white rice to brown rice or quinoa, and replace processed snacks with fruits, nuts or seeds. Choose grilled or baked lean meats and cut down on sugary drinks. Things To Avoid: Common Mistakes In Local Diet Experts note that busy lifestyles in the UAE often lead to overconsumption of high-calorie, lownutrient foods. So, it’s not just about what you eat, but also crucially about what you avoid. According to Ms. Suzan Trabulsi from Aesthetics by KCHLD, “Refined sugars, trans fats, and processed foods can trigger inflammatory pathways and worsen skin conditions like acne, rosacea, or eczema”. Dr. Juwariya Tasneem Syeda from Aster Clinic warns against consuming excess of calory-dense food like sugared soda, fruits drinks, potato fries, chips, burger of red meat, sausage, ham, and spicy food, and also adds, “Not only eating this processed food, snacking frequently and eating at the wrong time of the day is also responsible for chronic inflammation”. Dr. Rajesh Radhakrishnan from Medcare Medical Centre says notes that although traditional UAE foods have many healthful ingredients like legumes, olive and herbs, the recent shift toward processed foods and high sugar have a negative impact on the skin health. Ms. Chane Ann Marshall from Aesthetics by KCHLD also notes that it is not about giving up your favourites, and says, “The key is balance! Incorporating more fresh vegetables, fruits, omega-3-rich fish, and hydrating foods can help counteract inflammation and keep your skin glowing. Small shifts can make a big difference”. What Results Can You Expect The good news? Committing to an antiinf lammatory diet can bring visible aesthetic improvements within weeks. Ms. Chane Ann Marshall from Aesthetics by KCHLD notes that while results vary by individual, studies suggest that within six to twelve weeks of consistent dietary change, people may notice reduced breakouts, improved skin tone, decreased redness and better hydration. Combined with other lifestyle measures, this approach helps your skin becoming more resilient over time. “The cumulative effect of decreased inf lammation through an anti-inf lammatory diet supports the body’s ability to repair and regenerate skin cells more eff iciently”, says Dr. Ruhil Badiani from Cornerstone Clinic. Other benef its of anti-inf lammatory diet are also highlighted by the experts, including delayed greying of hair, reduced skin-related conditions and also suppression of the onset of skin cancer. Dr. Juwariya Tasneem Syeda from Aster Clinic says, “It is important to get a food intolerance test and consult with a nutritionist to create personalised anti-inf lammatory meal plans that will align with your skin specif ic needs. Beyond the diet, also consuming the right supplements and prioritising the portion size and meal timings are important to help you get optimum results”. As the UAE’s wellness community grows, more residents are looking beyond topical treatments to support their skin from within. An anti-inf lammatory diet, balanced lifestyle, and expert guidance seems to be the way to go forward. Always remember that nutrition and skin-care go hand in hand. Manage your diet well and avoid the common dietary pitfalls and your skin will thank you. “Not only eating this processed food, snacking frequently and eating at the wrong time of the day is also responsible for chronic inflammation”. “The key is balance! Incorporating more fresh vegetables, fruits, omega-3-rich fish, and hydrating foods can help counteract inflammation and keep your skin glowing. “An anti-inflammatory diet can significantly improve skin health and aesthetics by addressing the root causes of inflammation internally.”
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