Nourishing Your Way to Radiant Skin with Dr. Thivi

Dr. Thivi is the UK’s first and only dual-qualified Dermatologist and Nutritionist, her pioneering expertise bridges the gap between diet and skin health. With over 14 years of experience in Dermatology and an impressive list of accolades to her name, Dr. Thivi is the go-to for tackling acne, troublesome skin conditions or simply achieving radiant skin. Her unique holistic approach incorporates precision nutrition, the mind-skin connection as well as personalised skincare and medical treatments. We sat down with Dr. Thivi to discuss unlocking the secrets to glowing skin from within.

As a dual-qualified dermatologist and nutritionist, can you tell me about your approach to bridging the gap between diet and skin health?

For many years, the role of nutrition in skin health was an unanswered question – can you really eat your way to glowing skin? Through my research and 15 years of experience in Dermatology practice, I have come to understand that good, balanced nutrition plays a key role in skin health. It’s a piece of the puzzle, combined with supporting the mind-skin connection (proper sleep and stress reduction), a great skincare routine, and more advanced in-clinic/salon treatments where appropriate. These are the four steps I discuss in SkinFood.

If you could share only one nutrition tip to encourage healthy skin, what would it be?

Balance. Think about including greens (including fruits and vegetables), lean protein, oils and healthy fats, and whole grains into your meals – think GLOW!

We hear "healthy gut = healthy skin" all the time now - is that really all there is to it?

I am fascinated by the gut-skin connection and have devoted a chapter to it in my book. However, gut health is one aspect of eating for skin health, not the whole picture.

Can skincare supplements replace a healthy diet?

No! I made this mistake myself as a stressed-out junior doctor living on fizzy drinks and chocolate bars. But I thought a handful of vitamins could make up for my less-than-healthy diet. Supplements can't replace the nutritional benefits we find in whole foods. For example, a pepper contains Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and hundreds of antioxidants, more than any pill could replace.

How do you incorporate the mind-skin connection into your practice, and how can mindset and stress levels impact skin health?

Stress has a huge impact on skin health. It makes such a difference to acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and even hair loss. As a trained mindfulness instructor, I encourage my patients to adopt a regular mindfulness practice, which could be something like meditation but also mindful walking too.

What are some of the most common skin conditions you see in your practice, and are they all treatable?

I most commonly see acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis in the clinic, as well as the desire for healthy skin aging (don't we all want that!). The 4-Step Skin Solution can help with all of these concerns, and you'll feel good along the way. That's not to say they can be cured, but they can be, without a doubt, substantially improved.

What factors do you consider when creating a skincare regimen for your patients?

I always personalize skincare routines for my clients and take into consideration their skin type and concern, current regimen, budget, the amount of time they want to devote to their routine, as well as any prescription-strength actives they may be using (such as Tretinoin or Azelaic acid).

How does age impact skin health, and what are some strategies individuals can use to maintain healthy skin as they age?

As we age, particularly around menopausal time, our skin can experience dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, as well as sagging due to a decline in collagen levels. In the clinic, I focus on tackling the "Skin Exposome" – the many different factors that influence how skin ages, which includes SPF, of course, but also diet, stress, and sleep. All of these play a role in skin aging and feeling and looking your best for longer.

Can you discuss any exciting new research, developments, or products in dermatology and nutrition that you are particularly excited about?

There are so many exciting projects we have ongoing at the moment. I'm really excited by our research into the links between Psoriasis and Nutrition and future projects looking at the role of diet in acne and eczema to answer age-old questions like "does chocolate cause spots" and "does dairy trigger eczema." These studies bring together Dermatology and Nutrition for the first time and are finally answering questions that our clients and patients want answers to.

What advice do you have for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in dermatology or nutrition, and what qualities do you think are important for success in these fields?

When you work in skin, you have to be compassionate and a good listener. Skin complaints aren't life-threatening (for the most part), but they can have an enormous impact on people's lives. This also means that helping to improve their skin is incredibly rewarding. When my patients say they can finally leave the house without makeup, I could not be happier. When working in nutrition, you also need to be very objective and scientific in your approach, as there is a lot of misinformation around new supplements with incredible claims that are expensive and frequently don't live up to the hype.