During an interview with The Tribune, Dr Supreet Dhillon, Consultant Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatologist, emphasised that lifestyle choices play a far greater role in determining skin and hair health.
During consultations and follow-ups, it’s not uncommon for patients—and even we as clinicians—to observe that, despite strict adherence to prescribed treatment regimens, there is little to no improvement in certain skin and hair disorders.
This often presents a critical opportunity to assess lifestyle factors that may have been overlooked or not explicitly addressed in the context of their skin or hair concerns.
Whether it’s acne (pimples), acanthosis nigricans (darkening of the neck), skin tags, psoriasis, rosacea, or hair fall, lifestyle choices—particularly diet and physical activity—play a crucial role. Certain food items can act as triggers or aggravating factors in skin conditions like acne and rosacea, while a sedentary lifestyle can worsen disease severity in conditions such as psoriasis.
Acne: While acne has multiple causes, diet remains a significant contributing factor. Common culprits include processed foods and those high in saturated fats—such as cakes, cookies, chips, sweets and deep-fried items. Dairy products like cow’s milk, paneer, and cheese, when consumed in large quantities, can also exacerbate acne.
Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle may contribute to hormonal imbalances, a frequent cause of adult acne.
Acanthosis nigricans and skin tags often serve as visible indicators of underlying insulin resistance and should prompt evaluation of blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Psoriasis is a complex, multifactorial condition. Research and clinical experience suggest that individuals with higher body weight, poorly controlled blood sugar and elevated cholesterol levels tend to experience more severe manifestations.
Rosacea, characterised by facial flushing and burning, can be triggered by the consumption of hot beverages or spicy foods.
Hair health is closely tied to nutritional status. Hair cells are among the fastest-growing in the body and are highly sensitive to sudden dietary changes. Popular diets like intermittent fasting and ketogenic regimens may sometimes lead to excessive hair shedding.
Incorporating a healthy, balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity (30–45 minutes daily) can significantly enhance skin and hair health.
Vitamin C-rich fruits such as citrus and berries provide antioxidants that promote glowing, youthful skin.
Meanwhile, almonds, walnuts, green leafy vegetables, sprouts, boiled eggs, and adequate protein intake support strong, shiny hair.
While creams and treatments play their part, it’s the everyday choices—what we eat, how we sleep, and how we live—that often hold the key to truly radiant skin and resilient hair.