As we age, the skin surrounding our mouths begins to sag and forms frowny lines that face downward. While this is completely normal and expected, the lines can be exacerbated by what we eat. Creating a healthier, balanced diet can help you achieve better-looking skin in the long run. We spoke with board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Nadir Qazi, M.D., and skincare expert Dr. Rudolf Probst, M.D., about four foods to avoid that can worsen the skin around your mouth, and why.
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1. Processed Meats
Probst explains that processed meats “are not good” for your sagging skin around your mouth, and why. “Processed meats have a high content of sodium which is responsible for drying your skin and making it weak in producing collagen,” says Probst. Qazi adds that anyone with sagging skin in the mouth area should watch out for “high-nitrate meats,” which include “processed sandwich meats, bacon, pepperoni, and hot dogs.”
2. Artificially-Sweetened, Sugary Foods & Beverages
“Foods with artificial sweeteners like soft drinks, juices and sauces can cause loss of strength and flexibility to elastin fibers and collagen which will in turn make the skin age quickly,” says Probst. Qazi agrees and notes that products to steer clear from for better skin overall include “candy, coffee, soft drinks, juices, and baked goods such as donuts, cookies, and pastries” that all can promote “premature aging.”
3. Fried Foods
While you might already get the hunch that fast food isn’t the best choice for you in general, Qasi says that primarily fast food like “burgers and fries, or fried and breaded red meat or poultry” can contribute to sagging skin. Probst adds that potato chips, that are often deep fried and baked until they’re crunchy, are also best to avoid for better skin. “Potato chips are full of refined carbs, which makes your skin inflamed, causing wrinkles and sagging skin,” says Probst.
4. Alcohol
Last but definitely not least, the effects of excessively consumed alcohol can alter your skin in often worse ways than you might think. “Alcohol dehydrates your body,” says Probst. “This causes your skin to age prematurely.” Of course, this doesn’t mean you need to forgo this or any of the foods on this list forever, just to watch how much you consume.
Overall, if you’d still like to eat or drink anything listed here, Qazi says to limit consumption and balance your diet with essential nutrients. “If you don’t want to avoid these foods altogether, try to reduce intake to special occasions, and always counterbalance by increasing water and vegetable intake,” notes Qazi.
In conclusion, Qazi says that “in most cases, sodium, sugar, simple carbohydrates, fried foods, alcohol, and nitrate-infused and processed foods can change the chemical balance in our bodies that advance premature aging.” Qazi adds that “everything from collagen production, blood sugar levels, skin elasticity, and hydration control the nature and appearance of our skin.”
For more information on how any of these foods impact the skin and to learn about specific treatment for your own, visit your local dermatologist.
