Diet can affect how your skin looks. You may find your diet speeds up the signs of skin aging. Here’s the 10 worst foods that damage your skin.
Your skin is your largest organ. Taking care of yourself includes taking care of your skin.
Finding the best way to do that can be confusing. Dermatologists agree you should keep your skin clean and moisturized. Use sunscreen to protect your skin from damage and the risk of skin cancer.
Diet can also affect how your skin looks. You may find your diet speeds up the signs of skin aging. Learn what foods have the worst effect on your skin.
1. Soda
Soda pop and other high-sugar beverages can damage the formation of collagen, the connective tissue that help keeps skin firm — another reason to stick to calorie-free bevies like water, seltzer and unsweetened tea.
2. Alcohol
The diuretic effect of alcohol can wreak havoc on your skin, sucking out the moisture and contributing to a sunken and washed-out look. Booze doesn’t need to be completely off-limits, but be sure to enjoy in moderation. Counteract the effects by taking in extra fluids when you do tip a few back.
3. Fried Foods
Fried foods can lead to bad skin, but it’s not from rubbing greasy fingers on your face (though that probably won’t help). Eating too many high-fat foods can have a negative effect internally on circulation. This can cause that skin puffiness that no one appreciates when looking in the mirror.
4. White Bread
Some research suggests that foods with a high glycemic index (GI) can be bad news for your skin. Eating high GI foods like white bread and other highly processed carbs causes a drastic spike in blood sugar and insulin, which has been linked to acne.
5. Salty Snacks
Chips, high-sodium dip and condiments can quickly jack up your salt intake for the day. This kind of salt consumption leads to water retention that you can feel all over, including under your skin.
6. Coffee
Coffee opens the door for several potential skin problems. Caffeine can dehydrate skin, magnifying the appearance of fine lines. Taking your coffee with an abundance of cream and sugar certainly won’t help. Finally, if too much caffeine is interrupting sleep, the effects will show up on skin. While coffee does contain antioxidants, there is such a thing as too much, putting hard-core java drinkers at risk.
7. Processed Meats
Eating lots of high-fat and high-sodium processed meats like salami and hot dogs won’t do your complexion any favors. Look for brands that use less preservatives, enjoy in moderation and drink extra water if you do eat them.
8. Mayonnaise
Foods high in omega-6 rich oils (like soybean, corn and safflower) found in mayo and some salad dressings can stimulate inflammatory processes, making skin less than stellar. Many of these plant-based oils are good for you in moderation. For best results eat omega-6 fats in combination with inflammation fighting omega-3s from foods like salmon and tuna.
9. Saturated Fats
Foods high in saturated fats, such as red meat, cheese, butter, and hydrogenated oils, contribute to health issues. Saturated fats can cause cardiovascular problems and increase the risk of obesity. They can also affect your insulin growth factor.
High levels of insulin growth factors trigger high levels of sex hormones. When that happens, your skin responds by increasing oil production, leading to clogged pores and acne.
Reduce your saturated fat intake and replace it with healthier fats such as fish, and nuts, to improve your complexion.
10. Processed Foods
Highly processed foods tend to be high on the glycemic index. White bread, pastry, baked goods, potato chips, French fries, white rice, and sugary drinks all can spike your blood sugar. This can lead to weight gain, and affects skin health as well.
In one study, people on a low-glycemic index diet had less acne. When blood sugar spikes, it is thought to trigger inflammation, causing breakouts. A diet that stabilizes blood sugar can lead to clearer skin.