Skin elasticity is vital for maintaining a youthful and healthy complexion, especially as we age. However, factors like inflammation and dehydration can accelerate skin wrinkling and sagging. Certain inflammatory and “toxic” drinks, such as sugary beverages, excessive alcohol, and overly caffeinated options, can “rob your skin” of its natural elasticity by triggering inflammation, reducing collagen production, and dehydrating the skin. These effects can lead to a dull, dry appearance and exacerbate signs of aging.
We checked in with several health and skincare experts to learn about three specific beverages to avoid at all costs because they damage skin elasticity, lead to a dehydrated complexion, and cause wrinkles. They revealed that sugary sodas, processed bottled coffees, and sweetened iced teas are the ones to steer clear of. Read on to learn more!
1. Sugary Sodas
While it's no secret that sodas aren't the healthiest drinks out there, the damage that they can cause when it comes to your skin is essential to be aware of, Dr. Cheryl Rosen, Director of Dermatology at BowTied Life, says. Diet sodas, she explains, often don't have sugar but can still contain "chemicals that are harmful to the body" and even cause premature wrinkling, along with inflammation.
"Chemicals like phosphorus, potassium, and caffeine leach minerals from the bones and can damage the cells in the body," she adds. Dr. Elaine F. Kung, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Future Bright Dermatology, agrees and points out that "glucose and fructose [found in soda] link the amino acids present in the collagen and elastin that support the dermis, producing advanced glycation end products, or AGEs." She notes that "glycation of amino acids makes it difficult to repair collagen and elastin fibers, which contributes to faster wrinkling and a dehydrated complexion."
So, she would advise "against beverages that are high in sugars or made with high fructose corn syrup," such as sodas and other sweetened, fizzy beverages, as they are "not healthy options" for "healthy aging skin."
While water is the optimal beverage for your skin's needs, kombucha or seltzer water can still provide you with carbonation if you desire, without as much sugar or chemicals.
2. Processed Bottled Coffees
Many of us need coffee to start our day, but the worst kind you can choose for your skin is a processed, bottled type with loads of sugar. 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.
These kinds of coffees are "full of toxins that can leave the skin dry and dehydrated, especially when consumed excessively," Dr. Nadir Qazi, DO, a 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. Dana Ellis Hunnes, PhD, MPH, RD, senior clinical dietitian at UCLA Medical Center, agrees, explaining that many processed coffee drinks have "added sugars, sweeteners, and fats in them." Think creams, syrups, flavorings, and colorings, "such as caramel coloring in a bottled frappuccino, for example," she says.
To avoid this, Hunnes and Qazi recommend giving black coffee a shot (no pun intended), 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.
3. Heavily Sweetened Iced Tea
Another popular cold drink that many of us sip on is iced tea. These can be very sugary and heavily sweetened, something Dr. Simran Sethi, MD, founder of RenewMD and skin by Dr. Simran Sethi, stresses can cause dry, itchy, and dehydrated skin.
"Excess refined sugar consumption causes intrinsic damage to collagen and elastin proteins in skin by the formation of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs)," she explains, regarding sugars found in iced tea.
"This reduces the integrity and elasticity of skin, making it prone to dehydration and wrinkling," she notes. "Alternatively, fruits can satisfy a sweet tooth and also hydrate the skin due to their high water content," she points out.
