When it comes to having clearer, more youthful-looking skin that glows, what you put into your body is as important. While what you apply the right serums and moisturizers to your skin is crucial for a wrinkle-free appearance, it’s also necessary that you follow your skincare routine with a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fats. Choosing the right foods and drinks for your skin can be tricky. Just as there are drinks that can benefit your skin, there are also beverages that are dehydrating and actually lead to fine lines and wrinkles.
To learn more about dehydrating drinks that doctors say can cause wrinkles, we spoke with Dr. Enrizza Factor MD, Clinical Dermatologist at My Eczema Team, and Kellie K. Middleton, Doctor, owner, and CEO of Kellie Middleton MD. They said to stop drinking coffee, soda, and alcohol to prevent fine lines. Read on to learn more about why these drinks are dehydrating!
Coffee
While coffee is great for giving your body that boost of energy in the morning, this dehydrating beverage has (as you probably already know) an excess of caffeine. Caffeine is considered to be one of the biggest culprits for premature aging. It can make your skin look dull, dry, and drained. Coffee is a diuretic and can also cause intense dehydration which leads to inflammation and fine lines on the face.
"It also contains caffeine, which is an irritant that causes skin inflammation and breaks down collagen, leading to wrinkles and premature aging," Middleton explains. So, next time you're feeling tired or burnt out, Middleton suggests reaching for decaffeinated green tea instead. "Green tea," she says, "contains antioxidants and polyphenols that can help reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. It also helps to hydrate the body while providing other health benefits, such as aiding digestion and boosting metabolism." This hot drink is known to help with reducing belly fat!
Soda
Similar to coffee, Middleton says you should also avoid sodas at all costs because they're also loaded with sugar and caffeine. Like coffee, the caffeine and sugar in soda can lead to dehydration in the skin. She adds that the "carbonation in soda can make wrinkles more visible by drying out the skin." Yikes!
Instead of soda, Middleton says that water or coconut water are always great replacements. "Water is the best way to hydrate, as it replenishes lost fluid more effectively than any other beverage," she explains. "It helps flush out toxins from your body as well as replace fluids that were lost through exercise or other activities." And, if water is too boring for you, try infusing your water with fruits. Some fruits, like lemons and oranges, can also help strengthen your nails, skin, and hair. To get that bubbly, carbonated feel, you can also switch to kombucha. This fizzy beverage has some impressive gut and digestive benefits.
Alcohol
Lastly, the worst offender when it comes to dehydrating drinks that cause wrinkles is alcohol. This is because alcohol is a diuretic, which removes water from the body. Not drinking enough water or drinking too much alcohol can drain water from your skin, resulting in a duller complexion and more wrinkles.
"Dehydrated skin typically looks dull and can show premature signs of aging, like surface wrinkles and loss of elasticity," Factor stresses. "Staying hydrated is important for the overall function of the body."
So, before you order that second cocktail, remember: it may not be worth the super-dehydrating toll it can take on your skin. Instead of alcohol, opt for coconut water instead. Middleton notes that coconut water is a great source of "electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, which help replenish lost fluids and minerals lost through sweating or exercise. Additionally, it has high levels of antioxidants that can help protect the skin from premature aging."
But, overall there is no beverage that is better for your skin than lots of water, water, and more water. "While it likely comes as no surprise, drinking water is most often the best and cheapest way to stay hydrated and rehydrate," he continues. "Unlike many other beverages, water contains no added sugars or calories, making it ideal to drink throughout the day or specifically when you need to rehydrate, such as after a workout." You don't have to tell us twice!
So there you have it, three drinks that dermatologists and doctors say cause wrinkles. And, instead of coffee, soda, and alcohol, which are dehydrating and diuretic drinks, Factor and Middleton suggest reaching for decaffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages like coconut water, tea, kombucha, or just plain old water. Your skin will thank you!
