The secret to beauty is “inside-out” nutrition!

Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (VSHS) Hair Care and Beauty Services Program organized an event titled “Inside-Out Beauty: A Talk on Nutrition and Beauty”. The program discussed that the concept of beauty is not limited to external appearance, and the effects of nutritional habits on skin health and aging were addressed. Dietitian Nurseda Erbaş provided information on foods that support skin health, the importance of collagen and hyaluronic acid, water consumption, and vitamin and mineral balance. 

Dietitian Nurseda Erbaş was a guest at the event held at Üsküdar University Çarşı Campus Hair Care and Beauty Services Laboratory.
The moderation of the event was undertaken by Instructor Birgül Erbaş, Head of the Hair Care and Beauty Services Program.

Instructor Birgül Erbaş: “The concept of beauty is not merely an aesthetic appearance”

Instructor Birgül Erbaş, Head of Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (SMHYO) Hair Care and Beauty Services Program, delivered the opening speech of the event. Erbaş said; “By virtue of your profession, you touch the skin, hair, and body. You will all become beauty specialists. You provide care, try to make people feel good, and contribute in this regard. However, appearance alone is not enough. Beauty is a concept so broad that it cannot be described or expressed merely by what is seen in the mirror. A person is a whole with their body, soul, thoughts, value judgments, moral values, beliefs, and the feelings and thoughts they convey to their surroundings. The concept of beauty is not merely an aesthetic appearance; it is an expression, a stance. Above all, it is a way of being. Our kindness, emotions, thoughts that we project outwards, and most importantly, as you well know, our compassion, which we value most, are actually part of our beauty. Besides these, beauty also has a tangible side. This is where our habits come into play. When we support ourselves internally, we see how it reflects outwards, on our physical appearance. This is known as nutrition. This is the tangible side of it. Because our nutritional habits are the external validation of our well-being.” 

Dietitian Nurseda Erbaş: “Although skin health may seem superficial, it is much more valuable from within”

The guest of the program, Dietitian Nurseda Erbaş, touched upon the background of the nutrition concept. Erbaş said; “Although skin health may seem superficial, it is much more valuable from within. There are many factors we consider here. Your skin has underlying layers. What we value most is supporting nutrition by reaching the innermost layer of the skin. This is, of course, possible with foods, supplements, vitamins, and minerals. These are essential. We mostly consume collagen as a product with bioavailability. In the field of nutrition and in the treatment of diseases, we frequently resort to collagen to support skin health. If we ask where collagen is found, bone broths and marrow come to mind, but in the background, collagen is actually found in many protein sources. Meat products are at the forefront of these. We also frequently utilize vitamins for skin health. Vitamins are very important for us.”

“Dehydration of the body is related to hyaluronic acid levels”

Emphasizing the importance of maintaining the skin's moisture balance, Erbaş said; “Most of us are familiar with hyaluronic acid from skincare products. However, one of the most important issues for us as nutritionists regarding hyaluronic acid is water consumption. Because dehydration, which means the body being without water, is also related to hyaluronic acid levels. We benefit from hyaluronic acid externally to maintain our skin's moisture balance. However, it is also important to support hyaluronic acid levels internally with the vitamins and minerals we consume. Thus, we can achieve a healthier, younger, and more radiant appearance by helping to maintain skin firmness.”

“Dosage is very important in zinc consumption”

Referring to the role of water consumption in skin health, Erbaş said; “We frequently discuss water consumption in training sessions, client consultations, and in the treatment of skin diseases. Water is very important for skin health. Especially in clients facing skin problems such as rosacea and dermatitis, water consumption is one of the first issues we evaluate. Carrots are a friend to the skin in terms of Vitamin A. It is important to consume various foods to support general health. However, in problems such as dry skin, Vitamin A intake should also be evaluated in the diet. Another important ingredient is zinc. Zinc, which we also use in acne treatment, is found in pumpkin seeds and nuts. However, the dosage in zinc consumption is very important. Excessive zinc consumption, on the contrary, can lead to acne.”

“Consuming healthy fats in balanced amounts supports skin health”

Stating that sugar consumption is one of the important factors affecting skin health, Erbaş said; “High sugar consumption can accelerate skin aging through glycation. Especially in clients with acne problems, we can see positive results when we limit sugar consumption. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to sugar consumption in anti-aging care. Another topic is healthy fats. We should not completely cut off fat consumption just because our skin is oily. On the contrary, consuming healthy fats in balanced amounts supports skin health. Balance is also important in water consumption; consuming too much water can cause edema and facial bloating in some people.” 

At the end of the program, a certificate of appreciation was presented to Dietitian Nurseda Erbaş.

The program concluded with a group photo session.