Nutrition and the Skin 101

by Liz Quesnelle

Most Misunderstood

All Fat is not the Enemy!!

Fat. He’s that big, quiet shop student. He’s so maligned. However, Fat is needed to keep your skin youthful and radiant. He keeps us looking great.  People who avoid Fat in the halls often don’t look as good. This is because they lack the fat tissue (the adipose layer) that lies under their skin giving support, protection (like a shock absorber) and it is the source for “sebum,” which is the oil produced by your oil glands and secreted via the pores on to the surface of the skin. I can hear you already..."But I don’t want oil on my skin.” You definitely want some.  All the cool kids are digging on some oil.  It’s not enough to make you greasy, but enough to provide protection from the elements and to keep your skin soft.

And last, but certainly not least....

Our Foreign Exchange Student!

Chinese Medicine

He came from far away and no one is sure how old he is. Chinese Medicine brings the knowledge that the lungs and the skin are “sister” organs, meaning what affects one affects the other.  For example, Chinese Medicine can’t get into dairy.  Dairy congests the respiratory system by increasing the production of phlegm. Excess dairy can also create congestion in the skin that can result in Acne. Chinese Medicine hates the acne. It ruins his chances with the chicks.

Therefore, Chinese Medicine urges us to keep dairy intake low and get calcium from other sources, such as broccoli, tofu, or wheat germ.

The best diet is one that is well rounded, with treats ingested in moderation, rather than being strictly forbidden

The Valediction

As any nutritionist will tell you, the best diet is one that is well rounded, with treats ingested in moderation, rather than being strictly forbidden.  A petit-four binge at your shower isn’t going to destroy Epidermis U’s chances of clobbering the Free Radicals.  However, eating a diet rich with vitamins, minerals and good fats will help your skin to be clear, strong and beautiful on your wedding day and beyond.

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Liz Quesnelle is owner and head esthetician at Le Bon Visage.  She specializes in helping men and women (especially brides) achieve their skin care goals through specialized facials and by providing extensive knowledge and feedback on the latest skin care techniques and products.  In addition, Liz has a network of dermatologists and reconstructive surgeons that send their patients to her for skin care treatments, education and corrective cosmetics.  Liz was trained at the Aveda Institute in Chicago and through internships at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. More information on Liz and her services can be found at www.lebonvisage.com.

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