We know, we know. Keto this, keto that—a high fat, low carb approach to eating that promises to everything from weight loss to improved energy. But it turns out that guzzling coconut-oil laden coffee and avocados by the dozen might not be the only way to reap the benefits.
Going keto with your skincare routine could be the answer to a clear, glowing complexion, thanks to the seemingly magical combination of fat and oil. So before you replace your skincare staples next time you run out; why not consider grabbing some ghee or MCT oil from your pantry and using that instead?
Here’s the deal with a keto approach to skincare:
Healing from the outside-in?
While some of the jury is still out on whether or not eating a high-fat, low-carb diet serves to help or hinder skin conditions, there are many reports out there which say that the keto approach works wonders for those with problem skin. The abundance of omega-3 fatty acids that the keto diet promotes are a dream for skin improvement and hair growth. Similarly, eliminating refined, simple carbohydrates like bread and pasta inherently lowers inflammation in the body, which will inevitably have a positive effect on the skin. In light of this; if the diet can improve skin from the inside out, it surely can improve skin when applied topically with an outside-in approach.
Fat and oil are a match made in heaven
The combination of the fat from ghee and the oil in MCT is what makes up the keto approach, and it could be your new skincare bestie. Ghee is known to be super hydrating for all skin types. It contains essential fatty acids that induce hydration in the skin cells, thus moisturising dry skin, while also being a stellar, natural anti-ageing solution. A staple ingredient of Ayurveda, ghee can be mixed with water and used as a moisturising mask a few times a week, with some professionals recommending that it can also be used to spot-treat acne breakouts.
If you’re more into your oil than clarified butter, MCT oil could be a great option for your next skincare experiment. As we know, medium-chain triglycerides are chock-full of fatty acids, which is why they’re a staple in the keto diet. Beyond that, they also offer an abundance of antioxidants and antibacterial properties, providing lightweight moisture and conditioning to the skin. Skincare By Alana recommends using MCT oil as the first step in your routine as an oil cleanser to remove makeup and purify. Remember that oil binds to oil, which means it can be especially good for oily skin types!
As with *literally* everything skincare and diet related, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Due to the unrefined nature of the oils in the keto regimen, it might be best to swerve if you’ve got acne-prone skin.
