ARE YOU WONDERING why your skin isn’t looking its best, even though you’ve got your skincare routine in order?
According to skin experts, pimples and puffy eyes can be caused by everyday foods you eat.
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Dr. Dave Reily, Chief Scientist at Absolute Collagen, warns that many staples you have in your cupboard could be worsening your skin. This includes things like sandwich spreads and the way you drink your coffee.
“It’s no secret that what we eat has a direct impact on our health and well-being,” he said.
“While many of us know how our diet affects our digestion, and energy levels, we often ignore its effects on our skin.
“Nutrition plays an important role in maintaining a healthy and youthful appearance.
“However, some everyday foods may be secretly sabotaging your skin and contributing to problems like acne and dryness.
“So it’s really important to be aware of these foods,” Dr. Reilly said.
This can be especially true as we age and our collagen production decreases, the skin expert says.
“Because the collagen content in our skin is lower, poor dietary habits have an even greater effect on our appearance,” he says.
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Dr. Reilly shared five foods to avoid if you want healthier skin and how these foods can affect your complexion.
1. White bread
Toasted or fresh, soft or crispy, buttered or sandwiched: bread can be hard to resist, especially when it’s white.
But a hearty baguette or a crusty ciabatta often has a high glycemic index (GI), meaning it will spike your blood sugar levels.
According to Dr. Reilly, white bread and other high GI foods like rice cakes, cornflakes and fruit juice can have serious consequences for your skin if not eaten in moderation.
“This is because the sugar molecules in white bread bind to the collagen proteins in our bodies, weakening them,” he explains.
“Collagen is an important component of our ligaments and connective tissue. It has wound healing and skin improving properties.
“If this collagen is weakened, the chance of fine lines and wrinkles is greater over time.”
You don’t have to avoid bread altogether, though. Just opt for multigrain, multi-grain, and seed breads. These have a lower glycemic index.
2. Too much salt
A pinch of salt can really spice up a meal, but if you’re too generous with the salt shaker, it can show on your skin.
Dr Reilly warned: “Excessive salt intake can lead to fluid retention in the body, making your skin look puffy and swollen.
“This side effect is especially noticeable on the delicate skin around your eyes, which can contribute to the appearance of bags under the eyes.”
It may seem hard to give up salt, but you can make your meals tastier by being a little more adventurous with herbs and spices. You’ll find yourself relying less and less on the seasoning.
It’s also worth keeping an eye on how salty the food you buy is.
“Read product labels and pay close attention to the sodium content of the products you buy regularly,” Dr. Reilly advises.
He added: “If you’re struggling to reduce your salt intake, make sure you stay hydrated.
“Drinking plenty of water can help flush excess sodium from your body, reducing puffiness.”
3. Alcohol
If you spend all summer evenings at the pub to make the most of the summer evenings, chances are your skin is suffering.
As Dr. Reilly put it, “While water is essential for keeping your skin hydrated, there is the other side of the spectrum is alcohol.
“Drinking too much alcohol dries out your skin and makes it dull.
“This is because alcohol is a diuretic, which means the body releases more urine, causing more water, salt and nutrients to be lost than normal. The increased loss of essential nutrients affects other functions of your body, such as collagen production.”
The best thing you can do for your skin is to keep alcohol consumption to a minimum.
“But for those who still enjoy the occasional drink, cutting back on alcohol consumption can really help improve the appearance of their skin,” says Dr. Reilly.
“Why not try having a sober weekend once a month or switch to a low-alcohol alternative to your favorite drink?”
4. Processed meat
It’s BBQ season and that means there’s plenty of crispy bacon, sizzling sausages and delicious charcuterie available.
Unfortunately, these treats can be harmful to your skin.
According to Dr. Reilly, this is because processed meats “often contain high levels of hormones and antibiotics, both of which can cause hormone imbalances in your body.”
The skin expert even said that these products can have double side effects.
Eat your way to a radiant complexion
WHAT you put into your body can be just as important to the appearance of your skin as your skin care routine.
According to the British Association of UK Dietitians, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals is essential for a good complexion.
“The most important nutritional tip is to choose a wide variety of foods. No single food or food group can provide all the nutrients our skin and body need.”
This means:
- Eat at least five pieces of fruit and vegetables per day
- Get omega-3 fatty acids from nuts, legumes, fish and lean meat
- Make sure you stay hydrated: drink six to eight glasses a day, perhaps more in the summer months or if you are very active
- Eat water and antioxidant rich foods such as cucumber, tomato, spinach, broccoli, watermelon, apples, citrus fruits and berries
Protecting your skin from the sun also has a big effect on your appearance, so make sure to wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days!
Source: British Association of UK Dietitians
He continues: “This imbalance creates stress in your body, which can have many side effects on the skin.
“This can lead to increased oiliness and acne breakouts, among other things, while stress can also aggravate conditions such as dry, flaky and inflamed skin.”
Whether it’s on the BBQ or as a breakfast pastry, it’s best to eat processed meat in moderation, as it’s better for your skin.
If you do decide to do this, Dr. Reilly advises, “Try to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and follow a consistent skin care routine.”
5. Dairy products
Unfortunately, cheese is also on the list of foods that can make your skin look rough.
“Like processed meats, there are many dairy products, such as non-organic milk and processed cheeses, that can be high in hormones,” Dr. Reilly said.
“This can also contribute to hormonal imbalances, which can lead to increased oil production and outbreaks.
To avoid this, consider replacing your morning coffee with nut milk or opting for organic dairy products, which tend to have lower hormone levels.
This does not mean that you should not eat dairy at all.
According to the skin expert, some types can even improve the appearance of your skin.
“For example, high-protein dairy products like Greek yogurt and cottage cheese can help repair skin tissue, making your skin look healthier and more radiant,” he says.