Vegan And Beautiful: How A Plant-based Diet Affects The Skin

Vegan nutrition not only has a positive effect on our climate and animal welfare - it also helps with impure skin. It is important that not only vegan convenience products are consumed, but that attention is paid to a wholesome and balanced plant-based diet.

Meat and other animal foods contain a higher amount of arachidonic acid. It is a polyunsaturated fatty acid and belongs to the omega-6 fatty acids. Arachidonic acid is an important building block in our body and activates the immune system, among other things. However, if the body receives more than it needs, this can also have negative effects.

Too much arachidonic acid promotes the production of pro-inflammatory tissue hormones. It also leads to a change in the skin's sebum composition, so that the pores become clogged more easily. People with rheumatism and arthrosis in particular should avoid foods containing arachidonic acid because of its pro-inflammatory effect. 

Red meat in particular contains more saturated fatty acids, which promote inflammation and can lead to excess sebum production. The result is pimples and oily skin. Dairy products also boost sebum production. Especially with acne, foods made from dairy products can promote flare-ups. If you have problems with pimples and blemished skin, avoiding meat and dairy products can significantly improve the appearance of your skin. 

If you want to prevent wrinkles, pimples and skin blemishes, it is best to avoid meat (especially red meat), convenience foods, eggs, dairy products and refined sugar.

Fruits and vegetables contain a variety of important vitamins and minerals that contribute to collagen production and fight free radicals. Free radicals lead to oxidative stress and damage the skin cells and the skin's protective function. This causes blemishes and premature skin ageing.

Many plant foods are rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals. These include colourful fruits and vegetables (such as blueberries, spinach, tomatoes or apples), whole grains, legumes, nuts and high-quality vegetable oils. 

Anti-inflammatory foods such as leek and onion vegetables, broccoli or lemon, and anti-inflammatory spices (especially turmeric and ginger) favour clear skin. The health of our intestines is readily reflected in our skin appearance.

A diet rich in fibre supports healthy intestinal flora. Whole grain products, seeds, nuts, fruits and vegetables contain a lot of fibre, which cleanses the intestines and stimulates digestion. Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi or kombucha also ensure a good intestinal balance and thus healthy, radiant skin.