The Truth About Seed Oils, Collagen Supplements and Sugar for Your Skin

Are seed oils really dangerous? Do collagen supplements actually work? How much protein do you really need? In this episode of The Skin Real, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mary Alice Mina sits down with registered dietitian Abbey Sharp to separate nutrition fact from wellness fiction. They break down glycation and what the research actually says about blood sugar and facial aging, why one major collagen meta-analysis found the benefits disappeared once industry-funded studies were removed, and why the protein obsession may be pushing out the nutrient 95% of North Americans are missing: fiber. Abbey explains which supplements are worth considering (vitamin D, omega-3s) and which are a hard pass (biotin, extra vitamin C), what the gut-skin axis can and cannot do, and why there is no single perfect diet for aging well. Plus, she shares her Hunger Crushing Combo Method and busts the seed oil myth once and for all.

About Abbey Sharp: Abbey Sharp is a leading digital nutrition authority, registered dietitian, and on-camera host whose work blends science-backed wellness with accessible, modern food education. She is the creator of Abbey’s Kitchen, the bestselling and award-winning author of The Hunger Crushing Combo Method, and host of Bite Back with Abbey Sharp. She is best known for her critique of wellness trends, nutrition myths, and diet culture, with an emphasis on balance, satisfaction, and sustainability over perfection.

🔗 Fall is the perfect time to check in on your skin before winter hits. Scan your skin for free with my Skin Analysis app: https://realskin.theskinreal.com

In this episode:

0:00 — Sugar, collagen and seed oils: truth or lies?

0:13 — Welcome to The Skin Real

1:32 — Meet registered dietitian Abbey Sharp

2:43 — Where skincare and diet culture myths overlap

3:35 — The hidden sugar in everyday foods

4:56 — Does sugar age your skin? Glycation explained

8:00 — The Hunger Crushing Combo Method

8:54 — Do collagen supplements actually work?