March is National Nutrition Month and we are celebrating by discussing the relationship between what you consume, and how it affects the appearance of your skin. What you put into your body reflects your appearance in both negative and positive ways. For example, drinking water can help hydrate your skin and reduce blemishes, while eating greasy foods can often have the opposite effect. On a much larger scale, a National Cancer Institute 2015 study found drinking coffee can reduce the chances of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
The study found that participants that had daily coffee consumption of four cups or more had a 20% lesser chance of developing malignant melanoma. While this discovery could lead to further revelations about skin cancer and melanoma, it is a preliminary conclusion. This means that no one should be drinking mass amounts of coffee to deter melanoma, just yet.
Of course, the best way to prevent skin cancer and melanoma is to apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing and limit direct sun exposure to the skin. We also recommend seeing a dermatologist for regular skin checks to for prevention and early detection of skin cancer. To schedule an appointment with one of our experienced clinicians, please click here!