The skincare industry makes so much money on products — and we love a good product. But, along the way, it’s easy to forget that dermatological procedures and vitamin C serums aren’t the sole contributors to beautiful skin. Remember what you learned as a child: you are what you eat? An updated version of that phrase that applies is “your skin eats what you eat.” If your diet contain a balance of fruits, vegetables, good proteins, healthy fats, and hydrating beverages, then your skin will benefit. If, on the other hand, you are consuming a great amount of processed foods, sugary drinks, and caffeine, your skin could, over time, show the effects of a poor diet.
It’s never too late to make changes. Swapping a salty bag of chips for fruit or yogurt is such a simple way, for example, to give your skin a boost of nutrition and hydration. If you’re searching for ways to make small, but effective changes, consider cutting these five processed foods and beverages for more radiant, supple skin.
Fried Appetizers
Deep-fried foods like fried shrimp and French fries contain high amounts of sodium, which is dehydrating, and saturated fat. They can also spur your skin to produce more oil, which can cause breakouts. To boot: many of these fried foods contain free radicals that may damage and age cells in your body — including your skin cells. This can lead to a faster breakdown in collagen and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
When possible, substituting the fried version of an appetizer with its grilled cousin is a better option.
Deli Meats
Deli meats like salami and bologna are quick, relatively cheap, and easy to throw onto bread for a fuss-free lunch or snack. And enjoying them on occasion is great — moderation is key. But too much processed deli meat in your diet can lead to a buildup of sodium, which is dehydrating. It can sap moisture from your skin, as well as contribute to puffiness and swelling.
Potato Chips
Potato chips have high levels of sodium that can create inflammation in the body, which ultimately affects your skin. If you have too much salt intake in your diet, your body can retain water, which can lead to skin issues like dryness and breakouts. If you are in the mood to enjoy a salty snack once in a while, make sure you also drink plenty of water to maintain a balance of moisture.
Caffeinated Beverages
Don’t worry: no one would dream of taking your favorite morning cup of coffee away from you. But it’s a good idea not to load up on caffeinated beverages, as they can be dehydrating. The high acidity in coffee can also have an adverse effect on your hormones and create more oil production, which can lead to breakouts. Your usual one or two cups is not the problem — but if you are drinking coffee from morning until night, it’s a good idea to look for a swap for some of those cups of joe.
Sugary Sodas
In addition to its dehydrating caffeine content, sugar-laden carbonated beverages contain very high amounts of sugar that can contribute to inflammation and to a variety of skin issues like sagging, fine lines, wrinkles, and even a dull complexion. Dark colas can also contain advanced glycation end products that can actually accelerate the aging of your skin.
Taking good care of your skin starts with a healthy diet. Knowing which foods to avoid or eat in moderation can help keep your skin radiant, smooth, and young beyond its years.
