7 Reasons Why Soy Is Good for Skin 

Soy foods, including tempeh, soymilk, and edamame from US-grown soybeans, are a superior plant protein source. They have many known benefits, but consuming them may offer other less-popular benefits beyond flavor, nutrition, and versatility. There has been an increase in evidence suggesting that soy may improve the health of your skin. 

Soybeans offer approximately seven to fifteen grams of high-quality protein for every serving and are high in polyunsaturated fat. Government and non-government agencies have been providing updates on soybean trends, research, and different global markets as part of their education initiative. The benefits of soy for the skin are among the many reasons customers enjoy soy foods. Here are the reasons you should incorporate soy into your skincare routine. 

Soy Improves the General Health of Your Skin 

Taking U.S. Soy could go a long way in improving the general health of your skin. You can do something as simple as consuming a soy product daily, and the results will surprise you. Researchers conducted a clinical study in Japan and found that women consuming one cup of soymilk every day for eight weeks improved skin care health. 

Changes were subjectively determined through questionnaires and objectively through biopsies. The women filled out the questionnaires at the beginning of the study. They also filled it after they had consumed soy milk for eight weeks. They also filled them four weeks after they stopped consuming soy. Each of these times, they responded to questions about their skin, focusing on elasticity, moisture, coarseness, pigmentation, dryness, and overall satisfaction.  

Skin samples of the participants were also taken at the beginning of the study. After eight weeks of consuming soy milk, results indicated the skin condition significantly improved for the six questions. The samples taken later were also consistent with improvements that the women reported.  

The study had possible scores of 2 to 10, and the score was four at the beginning and approximately 8 when the study ended. These benefits were realized from a single serving of soy each day. After four weeks of abstaining from soy, most of the benefits were lost. The skin conditions of the participants were approaching what they were at the beginning of the study.  

A rich Source of Antioxidants 

Soybeans possess appreciable antioxidant activity in lipid-aqueous systems. The antioxidant properties of soybeans are due to polyphenolic compounds primarily, but other compounds still exert a marked antioxidant effect. Polyphenolic antioxidants of soy are isoflavones, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid isomers. The compounds occur mainly as glycosides.  

Antioxidants help protect the skin against damage caused by free radicals. These are unstable molecules formed in the body due to environmental factors such as UV radiation, pollution, and stress. They also cause skin damage, leading to poor overall skin health.  

Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals, which aids in preventing the damage they can cause. Isoflavones in soy have been found to offer a protective effect on the skin. In addition to antioxidants, soy contains Vitamin E, which protects your skin from damage.  

Reduces Premature Signs of Skin Ageing 

A double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of soy isoflavone on the aged skin of middle-aged women. There were 26 participants in their late thirties and early forties. These participants were randomly assigned to receive test food or placebo food.  

The groups were given the test and placebo foods for 12 weeks. The extent of fine and linear wrinkles at the eyes’ lateral angle and the area ratio of wrinkles were used as the evaluation parameters. The microrelief extent of the skin at the eyes’ lateral angle and that of malar skin elasticity were used as secondary criteria for evaluation. All the parameters were tested at weeks 4, 8, and 12.  

The test group indicated significant improvement in the parameters compared to the control group. The data concluded that a 40 mg intake of isoflavone aglycones daily improved the aged skin of the participants. So, you can bank on soy foods to assist you in improving signs of skin aging.  

Helps Reduce Inflammation 

Soy contains polyunsaturated fat, phytoestrogens, and fiber, which are associated with lower inflammatory markers and enhanced endothelial function. Studies have shown that soy products have a marked inflammatory effect. The more soy the study participants took, the less inflammation they had.  

Chronic inflammation can lead to various problems, including eczema, acne, and psoriasis. Soy’s anti-inflammatory properties help fight these signs as it reduces the levels of inflammation in the body.  

Enhances Skin Moisture Retention and Suppleness 

Soybean oil helps keep the skin moisturized throughout the day. Its vital vitamin E and fatty acids enter the skin’s surface to lock in moisture, thus preventing water loss and encouraging moisture retention.  

Regular application of soybean oil will help keep the skin hydrated. People struggling with dry skin can benefit from it. You can apply your soybean oil daily after using your toner or cleanser for optimal results.  

Protects the Skin from Sun Damage 

The feeling of soaking in the summer brings bliss like no other. Yet, the discoloration, dark spots, and premature aging sun rays can be a buzzkill. You are aware of the benefits of using sunscreen to protect against these signs, but you can supplement that with soy benefits.  

Soy contains phytoestrogens which offer a protective layer against UV radiation. The consumption of soy or the application of soy oil helps in diminishing the appearance of sun damage.  

Improves the Texture and Tone of the Skin 

Soy helps improve the overall tone and texture of the skin. This is because soy contains compounds that stimulate the production of elastin and collagen, proteins that give your skin elasticity and structure. Also, if you have blotchiness or redness, soy can help reduce them for a better tone. Individuals who use soy moisturizer show significant improvements in their skin tone.  

Wrapping Up 

Incorporating soy into your skincare routine can provide various benefits to your skin. It is an excellent addition to other products in your quest of seeking healthy-looking and young skin. Moreover, the ability of soy to protect against sun damage and its anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent choice if you have acne-prone skin.  

With all the benefits mentioned above, you have no reason not to include soy in your diet. Achieving great skin has never been easier.