I read the thread about hair and skin oiliness and I was just wondering, has anyone seen an improvement in their hair, nail, and skin? I am on day 11 of induction. I'm going strong, no cheats, no cravings anymore, and pretty much having an easy time with this WOE. One thing, other than loss of lbs and inches, that keeps me going is the improvement in my appearance. My skin is clear and bright, I'm now only wearing light foundation and a dab of shimmery lip-gloss. My eyes are bright so there's no need for eye makeup any more. I've worn acrylic nail tips for a while, just took them off about 6 months ago, because my nails are so brittle and just won't grow. My nails are a lot stronger now. I just wear a little clear polish and manicure them once a week myself rather than blowing it away at the manicurist. I swear I think my hair has grown a week in the last 11 days and it's shiny, manageable, and I use a lot less product. Dare I say it?? I think I look down right pretty. I do believe it is from this WOE plus the supplements and water. Has anyone else noticed these changes?

Thanks,
Carla

hi Carla,

Many low carbers report an improvement in the texture and growth rate of their hair and nails, and improved complexion. For some people, simply eating more protein and fats will do it, especially if your previous diet was deficient. Supplements will definitely play a role, and drinking lots and lots of water is well-known to improve skin and hair from the hydrating effects and by helping to flush out toxins and waste from the cells.

The deep layers of the skin contain insulin receptors .. There's some evidence that acne and coarse oily skin conditions are a result of these receptors becoming insulin resistant. The cells can't metabolize glucose properly ... so glucose levels build up. The bacteria in the skin proliferate with the increased sugar .. and acne results. Low carbing will reduce the glucose levels, and help to improve the cells' sensitivity to insulin.

Doreen

My mother told me my complexion has greatly improved. No more breakouts before my period. No more dark circles under my eyes and my eye lashes are growing in thicker. The hair fell out for a while though. Maybe getting ready for the new stronger ones???
Yours Truely Jo-Ann

This might sound silly.....but I think I look better, prettier, happier, healthier......... because I FEEL so much better!

I kid you not, I do believe that all these healthy changes on the inside have given my spirit a huge boost and that reflects on how I look on the outside.

Libby

I'm on my 12th day of induction and let me tell ya, those first few days are torture. But I can't believe how positive I feel now. I don't really crave sweets anymore. My friend had a get together/movie night for her birthday the other night. She had cheesecake, sugar filled whipped topping and soda. She could not believe I turned it all down. "No thanks...I'll just have a bottle of water". I actually had a craving for deviled eggs yesterday..and guess what...I made one. As far as my appearance goes, I've never really thought of myself as pretty. Even when I was a size 5 I thought my hair was too stringy, my skin was to pale and pasty..etc etc. But now I totally feel great about my self. Even if I never see a size 5 again, it does'nt matter. In just a few days this way of life has changed me for the good.

So for anyone just starting out....keep with it. You will see positive changes...and believe me...not all of them will be physical.

Sorry I'm so excited... It's the ketosis talking...

WELCOME CARLA
I am on my sixth week and have always had 'horrible' skin.
It is getting better and I have stopped biting my nails

Thanks so much for that explaination DOREEN I remember reading somewhere years ago about acne being a kind of diabeties of the skin but could never remember what it actually said. I will print out your message

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Here I sit, typing away with the longest dragon-lady nails I have had in years! The only problem with all this hair and nail growth is I am spending half my life at my colorist getting my roots done. My hair is growing at least 1/2 an inch per month and that is a lot of gray that must be turned back to its [ahem] 'natural' state.

hi - I wish I could join in your joy - my hair has never been so greasy, hubby and I are in Atkins induction week 2 and both lamenting our hair! his skin has got worse too........ We were both following a low fat diet before and drinking plenty of water so I don't know if that has anything to do with it?

Emma