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

Stress Effects

Stress has a significant impact on skin health and aging. Teo Soleymani explains that both acute and chronic stress can lead to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, causing accelerated aging and thinning of vessel walls. This is evident in studies showing rapid aging in high-stress individuals, such as presidents. Andrew Huberman adds that stress can cause immediate changes in skin appearance, such as pallor and gauntness, due to blood flow shifts.

Stress plays a really important role. You see it both immediately and long term.

--- Teo Soleymani

Reducing stress can improve skin health, as seen in the noticeable glow people have after vacations. Chronic stress leads to long-term deterioration of the dermis and fat, primarily due to cortisol and related hormones 1 2.

   

Diet and Nutrition

Diet and nutrition play crucial roles in skin health. Teo Soleymani emphasizes the importance of a high-protein, anti-inflammatory diet for optimal skin health. He notes that while fad diets can be harmful, a balanced diet rich in animal proteins, fruits, and vegetables can significantly improve skin appearance and reduce inflammation. Andrew Huberman agrees, highlighting the benefits of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through proper nutrition.

Anti-inflammatory diets do improve skin health that are measurable and seen in clinic.

--- Teo Soleymani

Collagen supplementation is also discussed, with Teo explaining that while it can benefit skin health, the effects may be partly due to increased blood osmolality and hydration 3 4.

   

Substances Impact

Substances like caffeine and nicotine have notable effects on skin health. Teo Soleymani explains that caffeine, a known vasoconstrictor, can cause transient changes in skin appearance, such as increased oiliness. However, its long-term effects are less clear. Nicotine, on the other hand, has more pronounced negative effects, including faster aging and poor wound healing due to chronic vasoconstriction. Andrew Huberman notes that both smoking and vaping nicotine can lead to these adverse outcomes.

If you want to keep your skin healthy, if you want to look younger, I would refrain from nicotine use.

--- Teo Soleymani

Teo also mentions that the temperature of beverages, rather than caffeine content, can affect skin redness, particularly in individuals with conditions like rosacea 5 6.