Dr. Teo Soleymani: How to Improve & Protect Your Skin Health & Appearance

The biology and health of the skin, being the largest and most dynamic organ with complete turnover every 28 days, are discussed by experts emphasizing the effects of red light therapy, lifestyle factors, and diet.

Skin is the largest and most dynamic organ in the body, with a complete turnover of cells every 28 days.

Skin receives connections from the nervous system, so stress can impact its appearance through immediate effects like changes in blood flow as well as long-term effects like breakdown of collagen and elastin.

Soleymani notes that we have brand new skin approximately every month, with stem cells in the lowest portion of the epidermis continually generating new cells. The skin responds actively to acute stress, with immediate vasoconstriction resulting in paler skin, and to chronic stress, with cortisol release that can lead to premature aging and deterioration in dermis and fat quality. Improvements in skin health can be observed when stressors are mitigated.

Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, sleep, and substance use can also profoundly impact skin health and appearance.

Caffeine and nicotine can cause short-term vasoconstriction, while alcohol can have dehydrating and inflammatory effects on the skin.

Andrew Huberman speaks to the benefits of red light therapy on skin health, such as improvements in acne, skin health, and wound healing. Connection between the gut microbiome and skin health is highlighted, with an anti-inflammatory diet shown to mitigate skin diseases like psoriasis, eczema, and acne. A high-protein, anti-inflammatory diet is recommended for optimal skin health.

Soleymani describes that supplementation like creatine can make individuals look bigger due to the increase in blood or plasma osmolality, which draws water into the vessels and improves skin appearance temporarily. He mentions personal experiences that suggest a correlation between diet and skin health, such as sugar binges causing breakouts.

The experts discuss the impact of caffeine and nicotine, both known vasoconstrictors, on skin appearance and health. Chronic caffeine intake can potentially lead to vasodilation and increased sebum production, with individuals with conditions like rosacea being more sensitive to effects on skin color and vasoconstriction. Nicotine from smoking has a significant vasoconstrictive impact, leading to faster aging and poorer wound ...

The discussion highlights the complexities of sun exposure, including its benefits and risks, with advice on how to best protect skin health.

Moderate sun exposure can have beneficial effects on mood, focus, and skin health, but excessive or unprotected sun exposure can accelerate skin aging and increase skin cancer risk.

Teo Soleymani discusses the benefits of moderate sun exposure, noting its positive effects on Vitamin D synthesis, mood, and aesthetics. However, he warns against long exposure that leads to skin redness, indicating a risk of UV damage. Despite popular belief attributing most serious skin cancers to chronically exposed areas, genetics and the immune system play significant roles in skin cancer development. Rather than feeling guilt about past sun exposure, it’s crucial to recognize that some factors are beyond control.

Mineral-based sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are generally considered safer and more effective than chemical sunscreens, which may have concerning absorption patterns.

Andrew Huberman and Teo Soleymani discuss various forms of sun protection. For moderate exposure, mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are recommended. Soleymani advises against chemical sunscreens for children due to concerns about hormone disruption. The FDA's updated guidance suggests shifting to mineral-based options for safer, more effective sun protection.

In addition to topical sunscreens, physical barriers like clothing, hats, and supplements like polypodium can also provide effective sun protection.

Apart from sunscreens, Soleymani and Huberman suggest using physical ba ...

Teo Soleymani, Myles E. Johnson, and Kaya Henderson discuss various well-known skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea, their causes, and treatment options.

Acne is caused by a combination of excess sebum production, bacterial overgrowth, and an overactive immune response, with diet playing a key role.

Soleymani explains that acne develops from an overproduction of sebum influenced by hormonal factors, which acts as food for bacteria. This proliferation of bacteria elicits an immune response leading to the red, inflamed zits characteristic of acne. Treatments aim to address all three components: reducing sebum, eliminating bacteria, and calming the immune response.

Foods with a high glycemic index can make acne worse, as sugary processed foods can drive inflammatory responses that worsen the condition. Andrew Huberman suggests that patterns of eating that affect [restricted term] and factors like mTOR can affect acne; foods lowering blood glucose and reducing inflammation could help manage the condition.

Retinoids, both oral and topical forms, are still first-line treatments for acne. They dry out oil glands and heal the skin. Soleymani cautions against popping pimples, as it can lead to scarring by increasing immune response and activity of enzymes that break down skin structure, potentially creating permanent marks on the skin. If intervention is needed, a warm compress or gentle stretching, rather than pushing, is advised to lessen trauma.

Avoiding high glycemic index foods and skim dairy products can help manage acne, while popping pimples should generally be avoided as it can lead to scarring.

Soleymani specifically emphasizes that high glycemic index foods exacerbate acne by driving sebum production and bacterial growth. Popping pimples, although gratifying, can lead to acne scars due to an enhanced immune response. Instead, treatments should focus on dietary management and safer methods to address outbreaks.

Rosacea and eczema are immune-mediated skin conditions, with genetic and environmental factors playing a role in their development.

Rosacea comes in four varieties, with redness and flushing or pimples being the most common. Soleymani explains that alcohol, UV light, and stress factors that cause flushing can trigger rosacea, with skin organisms and immune dysregulation also playing a part. Treatment options include creams and laser therapy for redness, and medications for breakouts.

Eczema falls under the umbrella of atopic dermatitis or sensitive skin and develops partly due to a gene causing a defect in the skin barrier. Avoiding environmental triggers and moisturizing to seal the barrier are key treatments. Topical steroids and other medications may also modulate the immune response in severe cases.

Managing triggers, restoring the skin barrier, and using targeted medications are important strategies for these conditions.

For rosacea, laser destruction of blood vessels ca ...