Strap: Experts weigh in on the new ‘skin type’ diet touted to give great skin, energy boost and weight loss in just five days
The festive fervour still hasn’t died down and the wedding season having kickstarted, flaunting good skin and a good bod is a given. And for those who steer away from cosmetic procedures, there’s some good news in the form of a new ‘skin type’ diet that promises better skin and a flatter belly in just five days. Sounds too good to be true? We asked experts for their verdict...
WHAT IT ENTAILS
An American celebrity facialist, Teresa Tarney whose clientele boasts the likes of Kate Moss and Sienna Miller, has created a five-day holistic program, which claims to help people develop healthy skin and shed a couple of kilos. Before embarking on the detox plan, clients get an hour-long consultation to examine their skin issues, diet and other health concerns. Tarney then creates a tailor-made diet plan to “get the gut calm, so it can break down food and absorb nutrients properly” and prevent the acne concerns, according to Sportsluxe, a lifestyle website. Here, one needs to eliminate certain foods for five days because of their potential inflammatory effects.
WHAT TO AVOID...
- Gluten
- Wheat
- Dairy
- Sugar
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Nightshade foods like brinjal, tomatoes, peppers, etc.
As per Tarney, post the five days, people will have flawless skin and an increase in energy. “You’ll feel fresh by Friday. And you do lose a few pounds, which makes everyone feel quite jolly,” she said.
IT HAS POTENTIAL
So what do our experts think of it? Dr Satish Bhatia, MD, dermatology and skin surgery, Indian Cancer Society, definitely believes that this diet has potential to give better-looking skin, and says though it’s not a replacement for cosmetic procedures, it’s great for those who don’t want to undergo invasive treatments like fillers. This regime is similar to the anti-ageing diets and low glycemic diets that are quite popular in Europe and the West.
“Avoiding sugar, alcohol, coffee, gluten, etc. reduces the inflammatory effects in the body, which gives rise to wrinkles, ageing and uneven-looking skin. However, just following the dietary instructions isn’t enough. In addition, one also needs to take omega 3 supplements, polyphenols, astaxanthin (a type of anti-oxidant), gamma-Linolenic acid (GLA) to get better, tighter skin.” He also stresses on the importance of hydrating the body inside (drinking lots of water) and outside (moisturising the skin twice a day).
IT SHOULD BE INGRAINED AS A ROUTINE
Following the diet can give good skin, however, doing it for five days won’t give one the desired results. The plan is good, it’s scientific and logical dietary recommendation, which asks one to cut down on certain things because what you eat, how much you exercise reflects on your body and skin, opines Dr Rinky Kapoor, cosmetic dermatologist, dermato-surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics. “However, one has to follow this diet for a good couple of months and continue it later. It has to be ingrained as a routine. You can follow even the best diet in the world but won’t see desired results in a period of five days,” she reasons out.
SKEPTIC SPEAK
Not all experts give their blessings to this diet. According to Dr Batul Patel, medical director and dermatologist, The Bombay Skin Clinic, the five-day skin type diet is a fad. This type of diet recommends abstinence from gluten, dairy, wheat, etc. but there have not been any rigorous scientific studies/ evidence that suggests elimination of these products will actually be beneficial for your skin. “This type of diet is effective only for a short period of time and can be detrimental in the long run. For long term sustenance of healthy skin, it is best to follow a well-balanced healthy diet,” she says. Also, one must visit a dermatologist to understand the nuances of their skin type and skin concerns, and then go ahead with the plan prescribed by a registered dietician/nutritionist.
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