Health Experts Say To Avoid These 3 Inflammatory Drinks Because They Can Make ‘Your Skin Look Older’: ‘Damaging And Dehydrating’

1. Soda

The first one on the list is a no-brainer: soda.

Most sodas are packed with sugar, which can lead to a process called glycation. Glycation damages collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for keeping the skin firm and youthful. This can accelerate the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin.

“Soda is high in sugar but low in fiber. What happens is that it spikes your insulin and spikes your blood glucose. This can increase inflammation, [which is] one of the primary causes of aging, including aging of the skin,” Love notes.

2. Alcohol

Alcohol is known to deplete the skin’s natural moisture, making it appear dull, dry, and prone to fine lines. It can also impair the body’s ability to produce collagen.

“Alcohol is damaging to your brain, to your body, and to your skin as well. It increases inflammation, which is damaging to your skin,” Loves says, adding that it’s also dehydrating, which can cause further damage. Additionally, he notes that “alcohol can impair sleep." When you don’t sleep well, that increases skin wrinkles as well.

3. Diet Soda

Don't be fooled by the word diet.

Like regular soda, diet soda contains caffeine and other diuretic ingredients, which can dehydrate the skin. Dehydrated skin appears dull, flaky, and more prone to fine lines and wrinkles.

“Research shows that diet sodas increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is associated with increased risk of inflammation,” he notes.

“Also, a lot of these artificial sweeteners can impair your gut bacteria. When you impair your gut bacteria, that can increase inflammation," he states.

Healthier alternatives

Wondering what you should drink instead for youthful, plump, and hydrated skin? Love recommends fluoride-free water, organic matcha or coffee, and lastly, for those that can’t ditch the soda, he recommends looking for soda sweetened with stevia or monk fruit sugar.