Most of us, including children, are familiar with the importance of calcium for healthy bones and teeth. Picky eaters are convinced of their daily milk allowance by being given a lecture on the calcium content of milk, its health benefits, etc. Have you ever considered the effect of calcium on your skin? If you suffer from acne, you may need to reconsider your dietary sources of calcium.
When it comes to skin health, calcium is important to maintain cell renewal and lipid levels. Calcium deficiency will result in dryness, irritation and premature wrinkling. It is also believed to increase susceptibility to skin cancer. Also, a deficiency forces your body to starve your bones and teeth of calcium, in order to use it for other bodily processes.
Calcium has an effect on the production of antioxidants, the key ingredients that fight inflammation. Since inflammation is one of the main causes of acne, calcium can have a positive effect. Calcium regulates the production of an antioxidant called catalase, which protects collagen and elastin from damage and maintains skin texture. Therefore, calcium is a great supplement for anti-aging skin care.
Increasing your calcium intake during the winter may prevent your skin from becoming excessively dry. It works by maintaining an adequate level of calcium in the outermost layer of the skin, i.e. the epidermis, to provide a protective layer against cold air, which would otherwise dry and damage the skin, leading to unsightly acne. Another lesser known benefit of calcium is its calming effect on the nervous system. Calcium is supposed to reduce the effects of stress, and stress is something that invariably manifests itself on the skin, in the form of acne and other skin conditions.
It is clear that calcium is essential for skin health, but care must be taken when choosing the right dietary source of calcium. This is because some of the best sources of calcium, such as dairy products and carbohydrates, have other ingredients that exasperate acne. Milk, cheese, and yogurt contain hormones that alter the hormone levels in your body. Hormonal imbalance is the main cause of acne as it contributes to excessive sebum production, resulting in oily skin that is more prone to acne. Farm cattle are often dosed with hormones, so dairy products derived from them hinder the hormonal balance in our body. Also, full-fat dairy products result in unwanted weight gain. High-sugar sources of calcium increase insulin production, which increases inflammation and worsens acne.
That’s enough information to open the eyes of those who have been blindly relying on dairy for calcium. It is important to opt for foods with calcium that do not damage the skin, such as beans, broccoli, spinach, sardines and salmon. Dark green, leafy vegetables, which are excellent sources of calcium, are also high in fiber and low in calories, thus keeping inflammation in check. Sardines and salmon contain omega 3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
However, if you suffer from osteoporosis or other medical conditions related to calcium deficiency, it is best to get your doctor’s advice before altering your diet. Acne supplements that contain calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins can help improve skin elasticity, hair color, and nervous system functionality. The key is choosing the right sources of calcium.