1. Pizza
Smith starts out by highlighting that "foods that cause chronic inflammation in the body can alter your collagen production and break down your skin, increasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dairy, fried foods high in saturated fats, and complex carbohydrates can all cause inflammation and accelerate aging."
Pizza may be one of the most delicious foods, but it's not always the most nutritious choice. Often, it lacks protein and is primarily composed of carbs. This becomes even less ideal when the pizza is store-bought, as it often contains preservatives and processed ingredients.
Smith says, "This is high in trans fat and complex carbohydrates, which increase inflammation in your body. The cheese on your pizza can also accelerate aging due to the chronic inflammation it causes."
2. Soda
Soda is loaded with added sugars, which can cause a spike in insulin levels. This triggers inflammation in the body, potentially leading to acne, redness, and other skin conditions.
“Foods that are high in sugar can cause insulin resistance as well as inflammation, which will ultimately break down the collagen and elastin in your skin,” she notes.
3. French fries
Fried, greasy foods like French fries can negatively affect gut bacteria, which can disrupt the gut-skin connection and lead to various conditions that make your skin look dull and dehydrated. They’re also high in trans fats, which can trigger inflammation in the body.
“Fries are also high in trans fat; this will break down the cellular matrix of the skin, leading to fine lines and wrinkles,” she adds.