More and more of us are giving up meat and dairy for all manner of reasons – whether that’s ethical, environmental or health. In fact more than 620,000 people signed up to take the 31-day Veganuary challenge last year, up 100,000 on 2021. But can a vegan diet benefit your complexion?
ON THE PLUS SIDE …
One of the benefits of a healthy – and I stress, healthy – vegan diet is that it can be great for your skin because it encourages you to eat more fruits and vegetables. Plant-based foods are rich in antioxidants and bioactive compounds – such as vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotene. These help lower inflammation, promote blood flow and boost the structural support of the skin.
Meat can have a toxic effect on our complexion, especially when teamed with too much alcohol over Christmas and New Year. So giving it up – even for a couple of weeks – allows our bodies to detox in a healthy way. When we detox, changes take place in our skin. The jaw line becomes more defined as fluid is released; and the under-eye area becomes less swollen as the high salts in animal protein are no longer present to retain water.
If you’re not ready to give up meat entirely, you can instead ditch diary, especially if you suffer from eczema or acne. There are many plant-based alternatives readily available. Almond milk, for example, is naturally free of cholesterol, lactose and saturated fat, and rich in calcium and essential vitamins A, D and E.
ON THE DOWNSIDE …
You do need to be aware of the negative impact when opting for such a restrictive diet. Simply replacing meat with carbohydrates, bingeing on sugary snacks or eating the same processed meals means you’ll miss out on healthy nutrients and protein. This can lead to breakouts and sensitivity issues; while a lack of iron and vitamin B12 can cause dark circles under eyes as well as brittle hair and nails.
MY ADVICE …
Maybe try a vegan diet for a month to start with. But promise yourself you’ll combine it with a varied diet, exercise and an effective skincare regime. In a couple of weeks you’ll notice healthier, brighter skin and you may even lose a few pounds too. Win win!
