Debbie Thomas is an award winning celebrity facialist who has just turned vegan. We asked her about the benefits she has noticed since making the switch and how eating a plant based diet can improve the skin.
Debbie Thomas
Please tell us what prompted you to go vegan.
I have been vegetarian for over 20 years, as a child I connected the animals I loved with meat so was unable to continue eating them. It was only a few months ago that I became full vegan though. There are several reasons for this. Animal welfare comes in to it, my eyes have been opened to the very misleading labelling that is used for eggs and dairy. Even with best intentions and spending more money on free range you don't always get free range. Then from a health perspective I could clearly see how dairy had a negative impact on my acne flare ups, if it could do that to my skin imagine what it's doing to the inside of my body. The meat industry as it stands is the biggest contributor to destroying the environment, rainforests are being cleared to make way for growing corn to feed cattle, the transportation of the cattle and then meat and the huge amounts of water needed to facilitate the whole process.
You are a skincare specialist so what vegan skincare products can't you live without?
Oxygenetix foundation it treats the skin and gives me coverage.
Have you noticed any changes in yourself since becoming vegan?
My acne is less inflamed, I still get breakouts but they are not as angry.
How can going vegan help your skin?
Many studies show that a mainly plant based diet hugely reduces inflammation in the body. Inflammation makes you much more susceptible to disease but also speeds up ageing and degeneration of the cells in our body this includes those in the skin. Additionally many acne suffers are sensitive to the lactose, bovine hormones and chemicals found in dairy products these have a direct effect on our own hormonal balance causing more breakouts.
Which plant based foods can benefit the skin?
You have to have a balanced diet, this is possible as a vegan as long as you do some research and eat a varied diet consisting of nuts, grains, beans, pulses, vegetables and fruit.
Is it something you will encourage your clients to do in future?
I have always advised clients to cut down on too much animal protein to help with inflammation and to reduce dairy as much as possible if they have break out prone skin.
Will you be using cruelty free products on your clients in future?
Many of my products are completely cruelty free and those that are not will be fazed out. We have such amazing science now that cruelty for beauty really in unnecessary.
Is it something you're encouraging close family and friends to try?
I think that anyone who cares about animals, the preservation of the planet's natural resources or their own health would be crazy not to at least reduce their meat and dairy consumption.
What's your favourite vegan meal to make at home?
Now that we are coming in to summer- salads are the quickest, for flavour I love Mexican fajitas and for when I want something a bit more creative I order in Mindful Chef who never let me down with taste and convenience.
What do you now eat on a typical busy day with clients?
I pass by Juice Baby on Kings Road on my way to work so I will often grab a fresh juice and a salad. I nearly always have an avocado in the fridge as a quick snack if I need it.
Tagged in Vegetarian Vegan