Is a Gluten-Free Lifestyle Right for Your Skin?

It is common today for many foods, skin care, and even hair products to be labeled gluten-free. After all, stomach sensitivities to gluten have become more prevalent. But what exactly is gluten? 

Gluten is the joining of 2 non-soluble proteins, gliadins and glutelins, most often found in wheat and other grains, and is known for causing an elastic texture in bread dough and even cosmetic products.

Rigorous action is required from the digestive system to process gluten. For example, the stomach uses the aggressive action of hydrochloric acid to break down these non-soluble proteins. The inability to breakdown or absorb gluten can damage the stomach lining, making the body more susceptible to toxins and activating an internal inflammatory immune response, which spreads to other areas of the body, resulting in skin breakouts and acne. People who suffer from gluten-related skin problems frequently also experience constipation, gas, or bloating.

If you don’t have intolerance to gluten, it is not necessary to avoid gluten; in fact, doing so can lead to nutrient deficiencies, so proper supplementation is critical for maintaining internal balance. However, for people whose bodies are not able to process gluten, it is better to choose gluten-free products.