Studying beauty therapy in New Zealand is a very different experience to when I studied it in the mid 80’s. One of the main changes is that our industry has realised the important role that nutrition plays in the health of our skin. As a result, students now spend more time on the subject of human nutrition and are taught about the impact that different foods can have on skin problems. This helps ensure that they will be effective at treating issues when they finally enter the industry as fully qualified therapists.
It is heartening to see this change because, as an experienced therapist, I have come to realise the value of working holistically with my clients. Confining yourself to just the topical treatment of skin with skin care products and treatments hugely limits the results you can achieve with the skin. Dietary factors must be considered as they, more often than not, have a huge impact on the development of skin problems. Today’s therapist needs to know what foods and drinks to watch out for with each skin condition. They also need to be aware of what alternatives their clients could use to replace these problem foods in order to make it easier for them to make the changes necessary to heal their skin.
Our skin also needs to be nourished from within. Certain vitamins and minerals ensure the proper functioning of the skin and proteins and fats are needed for its structural integrity. With all of the different diets our clients adopt, it is important to know what nutrients they are at risk of being deficient in as this can easily impact on the health and beauty of their skin.
Today’s therapist needs to have a good understanding of human nutrition. If you would like to learn more about the affect food can have on the skin and how you can use diet to help treat your clients, click here to find out more about our online e-Course on Basic Human Nutrition.