Nutritional Skin Care

Nutritional Skincare

The connection between nutrition and skin health often goes unaddressed in undergraduate esthetics schools. This module introduces students to how they are intrinsically connected and how you can assist clients in their lifestyle choices to improve health and skin condition. 

Nutritional Skin Care: The Impact Of Macronutrients On Skin

This course will cover what macronutrients are and why they are important for skin health. We will review recommended guidelines for intake and discuss why macronutrient quality matters.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

1. Describe macronutrients and review the RDAs/AI’s
2. Identify foods high in specific macronutrients and their benefits to the skin
3. Recall how food choices impact skin health
4. Review different approaches to nutritional skin care including differentiating between healthy balanced diets vs. fad diets
5. Explain how to recommend diet and lifestyle changes while staying within scope of practice

Nutritional Impact of Micronutrients on Skin

Certain nutrients offer a protective mechanism for the skin. While estheticians should never diagnose or prescribe, it is their duty toa recommend lifestyle changes that positively impact skin health. This lesson provides a framework for recommending various micronutrients, and bioactive compounds to improve skin through diet and nutrition.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

1. Recall which phytonutrients are essential for skin health and their food sources.
2. Review the RDAs for essential micronutrients for skin health.
3. Identify specific foods high in micronutrients and their benefits to the skin. 
4. Differentiate when to recommend rather than prescribe and diagnose to stay within scope of practice.

Nutraceuticals and the Gut-Skin Axis

This lesson is an overview of how the gut and skin are connected. Students will learn how to identify gut-related shifts in association with acne and the role of nutrition. The evidence for the use of nutraceuticals for acne and sun protection will be discussed as well as the need to maintain proper collaborations that are mindful of scope of practice.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

1. Describe how gut health and skin health are connected
2. Identify how an imbalanced gut microbiota can affect skin health
3. Discuss the role of nutraceuticals in acne and sun protection

Botanicals for Skin Health

It is well understood that botanicals support bodily functions including skin health. This lesson will review how botanicals can benefit the skin and what botanical topicals can be utilized for clients' skin concerns.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

1. Discuss the impact of using botanicals
2. Describe which botanicals support aging gracefully and reduce hyperpigmentation
3. Recommend topical botanicals as part of a regimen

The Importance of Ingredients in Skin Care

Understanding the ingredients in skin care products and formulations is essential for overall skin health and maintenance. This lesson will go over topical nutrients and other important skin care ingredients, as well as what you can and can’t say about what they do. 

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

1. Define important skin care/cosmetic ingredients to stay within your scope when discussing ingredients and products
2. Recall the different types of ingredients used in skin care formulations
3. Summarize the general types of skin care products and the science behind their formulation 
4. Develop safe language around skincare ingredient and product claims