“If you’re eating well, you’ve already improved your skin by 50 per cent.” So believes Dr Kiran Sethi, founder of Isya Aesthetics and consultant to a bevy of Bollywood celebrities.
Even if you knew at the back of your mind that the answer to buttery-smooth, glowing skin lies in the refrigerator, chances are your dressing table – much like mine – is forever groaning under the weight of tubs of expensive lotions and potions in a bid to improve your skin in every way known to Instagram. I am a skincare glutton and I cannot lie. But, as it turns out, the cliches are true: beauty does lie within and you are what you eat.
Over the years, the link between food and skin health has been widely researched, particularly to ascertain if nutritional modifications can help to reduce occurrences of, or alleviate, symptoms for patients with more serious skin conditions. These are tests that go well beyond the sage “drink lots of water” advice.
Acne, redness, pigmentation, blocked pores… all occur from a poor gut. No amount of skin treatments or products can change your skin until you change your diet
Pooja Makhija,
dietician
A recent review of 10 years' worth of studies and clinical trials, published in the International Journal of Dermatology in February, concluded that foods with a high glycemic index and load, some dairy products, fast food, chocolate and a low intake of raw vegetables, are all associated with acne. The consumption of fruit and vegetables on more than three days a week, however, as well as the consumption of fish, was proven to have a protective role against acne.
According to the National Rosacea Society in America, the most common triggers for rosacea (a skin condition that manifests as redness and swelling on the face) are alcohol, spicy food and hot drinks.
There are even studies that date as far back as 1975, which establish the importance of vitamin C and E, beta carotene, selenium, antioxidants and phytonutrients in reducing the risk of skin cancer by breaking down free radicals and reducing the damage caused by exposure to UVB sun rays to the immune system.
“Your skin is a reflection of your gut. It is the largest organ in the body, and it is a pure mirror of what your intestines are on the inside,” says Pooja Makhija, clinical dietician and author of N for Nourish. “Your skin will be as irritated as your gut. Whether it’s acne, redness, pigmentation, or blocked pores… all of them occur from a poor gut. No amount of skin treatments or products can change your skin until you change your diet.”
Clinical dietician and founder of Simply Healthy Diets Mitun De Sarkar agrees. “Sometimes you might get acne on the forehead, [which means] it’s your liver that needs attention. Redness or acne under the eyes is a sign of the kidneys calling for help. On the cheeks, it’s your digestion that is a problem. And if it’s your chin, then it’s likely a hormonal imbalance. But everything is linked to your gut in the end,” she says.
Here are De Sarkar and Makhija’s recommendations to help you eat according to your skin type and issues.
Avocados and antioxidants for oily skin
Oily skin is prone to acne, so your first line of defence is hydration. Drink water infused with cucumber, lemon and mint to keep the skin moist, oil-free and glowing. Foods with antioxidants and a high water content, such as cucumbers and watermelons, which also have lycopene, protect the skin from sun damage. Oranges, grapefruit, strawberries and kiwis are packed with vitamin C that can detox the liver and flush out the skin’s oiliness. Broccoli and leafy green vegetables improve digestion (poor digestion is one of the main causes of acne-prone oily skin).
Don’t let oily skin keep you from having healthy fats from avocados, walnuts and salmon, either. These provide essential omega-3 fatty acids that tame inflammation and prevent acne formation.
Coconuts and collagen for dry skin
Dry skin gets easily irritated, sensitive and red, especially when it is exposed to extreme weather conditions such as harsh winters, scorching summers and even excessive air-conditioning. All of these can strip the skin of its nutrients and dehydrate it, as can being outdoors without sunscreen, no matter the time of year.
Hydration is essential. Coconut water provides natural electrolytes. Avocados and soaked nuts and seed, such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, chia, flax, sesame and pumpkin seeds, provide the skin with the healthy fats and antioxidants it needs to stay healthy.
Saturated fats such as coconut oil can be used for cooking and topical application to soothe dry, irritated skin. Coconut oil contains lauric and caprylic acid, which help to fight inflammation and enhance the skin’s protective layer by helping to trap moisture within.
Boiled eggs, which contain sulphur and lutein, and fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel, which provide the skin with collagen and keratin proteins, all help the skin to lock moisture and preserve its elasticity.
Fresh vegetable smoothies with spinach, kale, berries, pomegranate, tomatoes and gooseberries will hydrate and plump up dry skin, thanks to their high vitamin C content.
Fruit and vegetables for ageing skin
Guavas, blueberries, figs, red bell peppers, papaya, broccoli and baby spinach will all work wonders as each of these foods have specific nutrients that infuse the skin with essential minerals such as magnesium, plant-based non-heme iron, lutein, and vitamins C, A, E, K and B, which strengthen the skin’s cell membranes and slow down the ageing process.
Additionally, pomegranate has urolithin A and punicalagin, which rejuvenate the skin while also restoring and preserving its collagen. Sweet potatoes (to be eaten with their skins on), meanwhile, have beta carotene, which restores the skin's elasticity.
A diet rich in these foods will not only help to clear up the skin and reduce inflammation, but also stabilise the metabolism and improve digestion, which, as we’ve established, is key to youthful-looking skin.
Vegetable juice and lean protein for pigmented skin
Pigmented skin could be caused by factors such as hormonal imbalances, dehydration, micronutrient deficiency, protein deficiency or a lack of sleep. As such, it’s important to rule out polycystic ovary syndrome and thyroid disease, drink two to three litres of water every day, add a glass of vegetable juice to your daily diet, make sure you’re consuming sufficient lean protein to ensure good skin wear and tear, and sleep six to seven hours every night.
To all, Sethi adds a caveat: “While food is a game-changer, don’t forget other factors such as stress, sleeping cycles, lifestyle, exercise patterns, hormones and genetics. They all play a big role in skin health. There is some unpredictability, too – an acne breakout might not leave any marks on one person, but does so on another. No one can control that.
"What you can do is ensure a good diet and basic skincare. You can’t eat well, but then step out without sunblock or use soap on the face – it will make the skin leathery, pigmented and dry, no matter how good your diet is.”
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Aldar Properties Abu Dhabi T10
*November 15 to November 24
*Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
*Tickets: Start at Dh10, from ttensports.com
*TV: Ten Sports
*Streaming: Jio Live
*2017 winners: Kerala Kings
*2018 winners: Northern Warriors
TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
Coffee: black death or elixir of life?
It is among the greatest health debates of our time; splashed across newspapers with contradicting headlines - is coffee good for you or not?
Depending on what you read, it is either a cancer-causing, sleep-depriving, stomach ulcer-inducing black death or the secret to long life, cutting the chance of stroke, diabetes and cancer.
The latest research - a study of 8,412 people across the UK who each underwent an MRI heart scan - is intended to put to bed (caffeine allowing) conflicting reports of the pros and cons of consumption.
The study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, contradicted previous findings that it stiffens arteries, putting pressure on the heart and increasing the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke, leading to warnings to cut down.
Numerous studies have recognised the benefits of coffee in cutting oral and esophageal cancer, the risk of a stroke and cirrhosis of the liver.
The benefits are often linked to biologically active compounds including caffeine, flavonoids, lignans, and other polyphenols, which benefit the body. These and othetr coffee compounds regulate genes involved in DNA repair, have anti-inflammatory properties and are associated with lower risk of insulin resistance, which is linked to type-2 diabetes.
But as doctors warn, too much of anything is inadvisable. The British Heart Foundation found the heaviest coffee drinkers in the study were most likely to be men who smoked and drank alcohol regularly.
Excessive amounts of coffee also unsettle the stomach causing or contributing to stomach ulcers. It also stains the teeth over time, hampers absorption of minerals and vitamins like zinc and iron.
It also raises blood pressure, which is largely problematic for people with existing conditions.
So the heaviest drinkers of the black stuff - some in the study had up to 25 cups per day - may want to rein it in.
Rory Reynolds
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Blonde
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League quarter-final (first-leg score):
Juventus (1) v Ajax (1), Tuesday, 11pm UAE
Match will be shown on BeIN Sports
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
Hydrogen: Market potential
Hydrogen has an estimated $11 trillion market potential, according to Bank of America Securities and is expected to generate $2.5tn in direct revenues and $11tn of indirect infrastructure by 2050 as its production increases six-fold.
"We believe we are reaching the point of harnessing the element that comprises 90 per cent of the universe, effectively and economically,” the bank said in a recent report.
Falling costs of renewable energy and electrolysers used in green hydrogen production is one of the main catalysts for the increasingly bullish sentiment over the element.
The cost of electrolysers used in green hydrogen production has halved over the last five years and will fall to 60 to 90 per cent by the end of the decade, acceding to Haim Israel, equity strategist at Merrill Lynch. A global focus on decarbonisation and sustainability is also a big driver in its development.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League last-16, second leg:
Real Madrid 1 (Asensio 70'), Ajax 4 (Ziyech 7', Neres 18', Tadic 62', Schone 72')
Ajax win 5-3 on aggregate
Company profile
Name: Thndr
Started: October 2020
Founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: FinTech
Initial investment: pre-seed of $800,000
Funding stage: series A; $20 million
Investors: Tiger Global, Beco Capital, Prosus Ventures, Y Combinator, Global Ventures, Abdul Latif Jameel, Endure Capital, 4DX Ventures, Plus VC, Rabacap and MSA Capital
Four motivational quotes from Alicia's Dubai talk
“The only thing we need is to know that we have faith. Faith and hope in our own dreams. The belief that, when we keep going we’re going to find our way. That’s all we got.”
“Sometimes we try so hard to keep things inside. We try so hard to pretend it’s not really bothering us. In some ways, that hurts us more. You don’t realise how dishonest you are with yourself sometimes, but I realised that if I spoke it, I could let it go.”
“One good thing is to know you’re not the only one going through it. You’re not the only one trying to find your way, trying to find yourself, trying to find amazing energy, trying to find a light. Show all of yourself. Show every nuance. All of your magic. All of your colours. Be true to that. You can be unafraid.”
“It’s time to stop holding back. It’s time to do it on your terms. It’s time to shine in the most unbelievable way. It’s time to let go of negativity and find your tribe, find those people that lift you up, because everybody else is just in your way.”
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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Norway
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025, Thailand
UAE fixtures
May 9, v Malaysia
May 10, v Qatar
May 13, v Malaysia
May 15, v Qatar
May 18 and 19, semi-finals
May 20, final
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
DUBAI%20BLING%3A%20EPISODE%201
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENetflix%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKris%20Fade%2C%20Ebraheem%20Al%20Samadi%2C%20Zeina%20Khoury%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
Quick%20facts
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EStorstockholms%20Lokaltrafik%20(SL)%20offers%20free%20guided%20tours%20of%20art%20in%20the%20metro%20and%20at%20the%20stations%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EThe%20tours%20are%20free%20of%20charge%3B%20all%20you%20need%20is%20a%20valid%20SL%20ticket%2C%20for%20which%20a%20single%20journey%20(valid%20for%2075%20minutes)%20costs%2039%20Swedish%20krone%20(%243.75)%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ETravel%20cards%20for%20unlimited%20journeys%20are%20priced%20at%20165%20Swedish%20krone%20for%2024%20hours%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EAvoid%20rush%20hour%20%E2%80%93%20between%209.30%20am%20and%204.30%20pm%20%E2%80%93%20to%20explore%20the%20artwork%20at%20leisure%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A
