What is the Relationship between Protein and Skin Problems? How to get beautiful skin with proper intake.

To maintain beautiful skin, it is essential to take care of your skin not only through skin care but also from within your body. Among them, protein plays an important role in skin health. However, when protein is deficient, the skin loses its elasticity and moisture, making it prone to dryness, acne, and rough skin.

Excessive intake can also be detrimental to the skin, so balance is extremely important. Here we will explain in detail how protein affects rough skin and how to properly consume it. Let's learn together how to prevent and improve rough skin and obtain healthy and beautiful skin by properly incorporating protein.

 

Skin "foundation" supported by proteins

Skin, like a beautiful building, will collapse if it does not have a solid foundation. Protein is an important nutrient that builds this "foundation. Collagen and elastin, which maintain the elasticity and firmness of the skin, are all made from proteins. These proteins, which exist not only on the surface of the skin (epidermis) but also in the inner "dermis layer," support skin health.

When skin loses elasticity, wrinkles and sagging become more noticeable, and the appearance of the skin's age increases dramatically. On the other hand, skin rich in collagen and elastin is plump and moist from the inside, keeping it healthy. Protein is truly the "invisible driving force" behind the beauty of skin.

Mechanism of skin irritation and involvement of proteins

So why does a lack of protein cause rough skin? Skin is continuously damaged by ultraviolet rays, dryness, friction, and other factors in daily life. New skin cells are needed to repair such damage.

However, skin cells are made from protein. Therefore, when protein is deficient, skin cell regeneration is delayed and damage accumulates. As a result, the following skin problems are caused

• Skin becomes dry easily
• Dullness and roughness appear due to lack of exfoliation of dead skin cells
• Increased pore-clogging, acne and pimples

In other words, protein is the "material" for building skin, and when it is lacking, the skin's barrier function is impaired and the skin becomes vulnerable to external stimuli.

Typical skin problems caused by protein deficiency

What exactly are the symptoms of persistent protein deficiency? Let's take a closer look at some typical skin problems.

symptoms	Causes and Mechanisms
dry skin	The skin cell renewal cycle (turnover) is disrupted and the skin barrier function is reduced.
Sagging and wrinkles	Skin loses elasticity due to lack of collagen and elastin. Skin loses support and cannot resist gravity.
Acne and pimples	The skin's ability to repair itself decreases, and pores become easily clogged with dead skin cells and sebum. Rough skin tends to worsen.

Thus, protein supports the renewal and elasticity of skin cells, and a lack of protein causes a variety of visible problems. Consuming sufficient protein through diet and lifestyle is the first step to maintaining beautiful skin.

 

Skin Problems Caused by Protein Deficiency and Its Causes

In the previous chapter, we reported that protein is the "foundation" of skin and an essential nutrient for beautiful skin. However, in our busy lifestyles today, we often do not consume enough of this important nutrient. Without realizing it, we fall into a protein deficiency and suffer from skin problems.

Protein deficiency that modern people tend to suffer from

In the past, the Japanese diet naturally included high-quality proteins such as fish and soy products. The traditional Japanese diet was nutritionally balanced and supported health from the inside out. However, our modern lifestyles have changed dramatically. Eating for convenience and unbalanced diets have spread, and as a result, more and more people are suffering from protein deficiency without even realizing it.

One particularly significant reason is a disordered diet. Busy modern people tend to eat a carbohydrate-centered diet, with increased use of convenience stores and fast food. For example, many of us eat only bread or rice balls in the morning, a bowl of rice for lunch, and ramen noodles or pasta for dinner. This is certainly less time-consuming, but it also leads to a lack of protein, which is a material that supports skin cells.

Another trend that has been increasing in recent years is excessive dieting. Many people avoid calorie-dense foods such as meat and fish because they believe that "low calories are beautiful" and "being thin is justified. However, when protein is lacking, skin repair and regeneration cannot keep pace, and dryness, dullness, acne, and other skin problems can worsen. Ironically, the desire to be beautiful can in turn cause skin problems.

An additional factor that should not be overlooked is the decline in protein utilization efficiency due to aging. As we age, the body's ability to synthesize protein declines, making it easier to become deficient even when consuming the same amount. Women in particular are easily affected by changes in hormonal balance, and protein deficiency can cause the skin to lose elasticity and firmness, leading to sagging and wrinkled skin.

Thus, elements of protein deficiency lurk in our modern diets and lifestyles. Even if you think you are eating properly, you may not actually be getting enough. In order to maintain beautiful skin, it is important to once again look back at our daily diet and make a conscious effort to include protein.

Skin problems caused by protein deficiency

When protein deficiency persists, skin "turnover" (cell renewal) is delayed and various problems appear. Let's check specific symptoms and their causes in the following table.

symptoms	cause
dry skin	Skin cell repair cannot keep up, and the barrier function is compromised, making it easier for moisture to escape.
lack of luster	Old keratin remains and new cells are not produced, resulting in loss of transparency.
Acne and pimples	The skin's ability to repair itself is weakened and clogged pores worsen.
Sagging and wrinkles	Collagen and elastin are deficient, and the skin loses its firmness and elasticity.

These problems are often the root cause of protein deficiency in the body, not simply "lack of skin care.

Ideal Protein Intake and Supplemental Foods

Adequate protein intake is essential for beautiful skin. Generally, the recommended daily protein intake for adult women is about 50 g, and for adult men about 60 g. However, the amount required varies depending on the amount of exercise and lifestyle. For example, for strength training, 1.2 to 1.7 g of protein per kg of body weight may be recommended.

Many people may find it difficult to meet these requirements in their daily diet. In such cases, the following high-protein foods and supplements can be used to efficiently increase intake.

Foods & Supplements	feature
protein powder	1 cup (approx. 20-30 g)15-20gEfficiently replenishes the protein of the
boiled egg	One M size (about 60g)Approx. 6-7gprotein. Easy to carry and easy to consume.
Greek yogurt	Per 100gApprox. 10gHigh in protein with Low in fat, it is an excellent dietary supplement.
Tofu (cotton)	Per 100g6.6-7gof vegetable protein. Natto is 100 g per 100 g ofApprox. 16.6gproteins.
salad chicken	Per 100gApprox. 23gHigh in protein, low in fat, and readily available at convenience stores. Low in fat and readily available at convenience stores.

Incorporating these foods into the daily diet and maintaining a good balance of animal protein (meat, fish, eggs) and vegetable protein (soy products, grains) will help prevent and improve rough skin.

 

Effects of too much protein on the skin

So far, we have told you why protein deficiency causes rough skin. However, since a lack of protein causes rough skin, it would be premature to assume that taking in more of it will make your skin beautiful. It is too early to say.

In fact, too much protein can also cause rough skin. A bias toward animal protein, in particular, can have a negative impact on the intestinal environment and metabolic function. Here we will tell you about the risks posed by excessive protein intake and how to incorporate it in a well-balanced manner.

Why overdose can cause skin problems.

Protein is an essential nutrient for beautiful skin, but consuming more than necessary can adversely affect the body's balance and cause skin problems. Excessive intake of protein is not fully decomposed in the intestines and becomes "putrefactive substances," which deteriorate the intestinal environment. These putrefactive substances circulate in the body, causing rough skin, pimples, and acne. In particular, animal proteins (meat) take a long time to decompose in the intestines, so they tend to stay in the intestines and cause the proliferation of bad bacteria.

In addition, the liver and kidneys are under great strain when breaking down and metabolizing protein. Continued overconsumption causes these organs to function poorly, and waste products are not discharged properly. As a result, dullness and pimples are more likely to appear on the skin. In many cases, what is supposed to be an attempt to achieve beautiful skin ends up having the opposite effect by putting a strain on the body.

Cases where too much animal protein is a problem

While animal protein helps build muscle and skin, it should not be consumed in excess. Meat and dairy products contain high levels of saturated fatty acids. Excessive intake increases sebum production, which can easily clog pores. As a result, acne and pimples may increase and skin problems may worsen.

Furthermore, sausages, hams, and prepared meat dishes from convenience stores, which are easily consumed, are generally high in additives and salt. Consuming too much of these can disrupt the skin's moisture balance, causing dryness and dullness of the skin.

When animal protein is the predominant source of protein, the number of good bacteria in the intestines decreases and bad bacteria proliferate. Harmful substances produced by the bad bacteria are absorbed through the intestinal wall and spread throughout the body, causing skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Balanced intake and precautions

A balance of protein, not deficient but not too much, is essential for beautiful skin. Ideally, a combination of animal protein (meat, fish, eggs) and vegetable protein (soy products, grains) should be consumed for skin.

Protein type	Advantages	important point
animal protein	Supports muscle and skin repair. Rich in essential amino acids.	Excessive intake can worsen the intestinal environment.
vegetable protein	It is low in fat and is expected to help regulate the intestinal environment.	Amino acids may be deficient on their own.

Even with the use of supplemental protein, which has been readily adopted in recent years, care should be taken to ensure that the total daily protein content does not exceed the recommended amount. In many cases, especially when physical activity is low, intake from food is sufficient.

 

Protein allergy and skin problems

In the previous chapter, we discussed skin problems caused by excessive protein intake. However, skin problems are caused by more than just excessive intake. Allergic reactions to certain proteins can cause symptoms such as itching, swelling, and redness to appear on the skin.

In many cases, foods and supplements that we consume for good health are actually causing skin problems. Here, we will explain in detail the symptoms, causes, and countermeasures for protein allergy.

Protein Allergy Symptoms and Causes

Protein allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a particular protein. The body mistakenly recognizes the protein as foreign, causing a variety of symptoms as an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions vary greatly from person to person and can range from mild to severe.

• Skin symptoms: itching, eczema, redness, swelling
• Gastrointestinal symptoms: nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea
• Respiratory symptoms: sneezing, runny nose, uncomfortable throat

Among other things, the effects on the skin are easily visible and are often mistaken for common skin conditions such as dryness or rashes. Therefore, it is important to suspect the possibility of an allergy if symptoms persist. In addition, foods that are typical causes of protein allergies include the following

Causal Foods	concrete example
animal protein	Milk (milk protein), eggs, seafood, meat
vegetable protein	Soybeans, wheat (gluten), nuts

In particular, "eggs," "dairy products," and "soy" are foods that affect many people as allergens. Supplements and proteins containing these products should also be taken with caution.

Specific Effects of Allergies on Skin Roughness

Itching, redness, and swelling are typical skin problems caused by protein allergies.

• Itching: An allergic reaction releases histamine, which can cause the skin to itch. Scratching can damage the skin and make it worse.
• Redness and eczema: Inflammation causes redness and eczema to appear on the skin. Even mild symptoms, if repeated, can disrupt the skin barrier and cause dry and sensitive skin.
• Swelling: In severe reactions, the eyes, mouth area, and limbs may swell. In this case, you should seek prompt medical attention.

These symptoms may be signs of an allergic reaction, not just a "skin rash. It is important not to overlook them and to deal with them appropriately.

What to do if you suspect allergies and the importance of seeing a doctor

If you find that your usual skin care regimen is not working, or that your skin becomes irritated when you eat certain foods, consider the possibility of protein allergy. When skin irritation occurs repeatedly, it is important to properly identify the cause without neglecting it. To do so, take the following steps to address the problem.

The first step is to identify the cause. We recommend keeping a food diary to keep track of your daily diet and your body's reactions. By keeping a detailed record of what you eat and then what symptoms occur, it will be easier to identify the allergen. Also, if there is a food that you suspect, conduct an "elimination test," in which you try to avoid that food for a certain period of time. By checking whether the symptoms improve, the causative food can be narrowed down. However, extreme dietary restriction on one's own judgment should be done with caution because of the risk of nutritional deficiencies.

Next, it is essential to see a medical specialist to ensure that allergies are identified. Visit a dermatologist or allergist to have a blood test or patch test performed to accurately identify the allergen that is causing the problem. If symptoms are particularly severe or if skin irritation occurs repeatedly, it is essential to seek medical advice instead of making a judgment on your own.

Once the causative allergen has been identified, the next step is to review your diet and lifestyle. In addition to avoiding certain foods, be careful not to unbalance your nutritional needs by doing so. For example, if you are allergic to cow's milk, substitute soy milk, and if you are allergic to eggs, incorporate tofu or other soy products. While avoiding allergens, it is essential to consume nutrients necessary for the body and skin, especially protein, in order to maintain beautiful skin.

 

summary

Protein is essential for preventing rough skin and achieving beautiful skin. Protein is an important nutrient that builds the foundation of the skin, and a lack of it can cause skin problems such as dryness, sagging, and acne. However, excessive intake and unbalanced diet also have a negative impact on the skin, so it is important to include a good balance of animal and vegetable proteins.

By practicing the points introduced here and reviewing your daily diet, you can prevent and improve rough skin. To obtain healthy and beautiful skin, let's be conscious of correct protein intake from now on!

At Aladdin Aesthetic Clinic, based on our many years of experience in cosmetic medicine and cosmetic dermatology and the knowledge of our doctoral degree, we provide counseling that aims to be "only one", offering the best treatment for each person we meet. We offer only the necessary treatments without any unnecessary information or suggestions.

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