1. Bottled Coffees
Let's be honest, morning coffee is something everyone looks forward to when waking up. However, the reality is that the processed, high-sugar ones purchased from either coffee shops or from the store are actually damaging your skin.
These kinds of coffees are "full of toxins that can leave the skin dry and dehydrated, especially when consumed excessively," Dr. Nadir Qazi, DO, board-certified physician, cosmetic dermatology surgeon, and owner of Qazi Cosmetic Clinic, says. "The caffeine in coffee may bring the rush you want to get through your day; however, [this kind] can rob your skin of the elasticity you desire and reduce your skin's natural glow," he adds.
To avoid this, Qazi recommends giving black coffee a shot, as it will still give you a much-needed boost of energy, taste like a stronger version of your favorite coffee beverage, and remain a low-calorie option.
When you make coffee yourself at home, you can choose to sweeten it with a natural, healthy sweetener like monk fruit or add a splash of a nonfat creamer, for example. Conversely, bottled coffees or lattes often have additives that dehydrate your skin, and as we've learned, this can mean faster wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots.
2. Energy Drinks
As we get older, it's normal to lose moisture in our face, especially around the eye area, which is far more delicate and thin. This is why it's important to consume hydrating beverages and apply proper skincare to that area. One thing to stop drinking for that area? Energy drinks, because energy drinks can dehydrate it further.
Drinking these often can cause a sunken look—and ultimately mean darker under-eyes and more fine lines, Dr. Jose Mier, founder of Heliotherapy Research Institute and skin health expert, tells us.
These beverages "force the brain to stay alert," he says, which leads to poor sleep and puffy eyes, and "thin under-eye areas are prone to hyperpigmentation and itchiness." Mier notes that caffeine, often found in energy drinks, inhibits the body's ability to remove fluid from tissues, and fluid builds up in tissues under the eyes—causing them to swell.
The caffeine also constricts the blood vessels in that area, he says, which increases blood flow and even more swelling. While some people may not be affected by caffeine, experts say, others are particularly sensitive to it. Like sodas, energy drinks have a diuretic (water-losing) effect, he stresses, making them a less-than-ideal drink of choice, even if you need a boost of caffeine.
Check out healthier choices that can help keep your skin looking youthful and radiant.
3. Fruit Juice
Fruit juice may seem like a healthy option, but it can actually contribute to aging skin and be full of hidden toxins. Despite being rich in vitamins, many fruit juices are packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar spikes and lead to collagen and elastin breakdown. Over time, excessive consumption of fruit juice can result in premature wrinkles, dullness, and a loss of skin elasticity.
Consider making your own juice at home with fresh ingredients. This allows you to control the sweetness level and even skip added sugars entirely.