When it comes to skincare, what you drink can be just as important as what you apply. While staying hydrated is key to maintaining a healthy, youthful glow, some popular beverages may actually do the opposite. From dehydrating ingredients to hidden sugars, certain drinks can contribute to “wrinkles,” “dullness,” and “premature aging“—often without you realizing it.
Dr. Robert Love recently revealed the three drinks everyone should avoid because they can “make you look older” and “age you” if consumed excessively. According to him, alcohol, soda, and coffee are the ones to steer clear of. Read on to learn more.
1. Alcohol
Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it draws water out of the body. When your skin is dehydrated, it looks dull, dry, and less plump. Over time, this lack of moisture can highlight "fine lines" and "wrinkles," making skin appear older.
“Alcohol does a number of things that are damaging to both the brain and the skin. Alcohol impairs your gut bacteria; what’s good for your gut is good for your brain. It impairs the gut-brain connection. It also increases inflammation, which is one of the primary causes of aging and a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease,” adding that this beverage can also “dehydrate you, and that can increase wrinkles.”
2. Soda
One of the biggest skin-aging culprits in soda is sugar. When you consume too much sugar, it can trigger a process called glycation, where sugar molecules bind to collagen and elastin (the proteins that keep your skin firm and elastic). This weakens them over time, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and loss of bounce in the skin.
“Soda is really high in sugar, and it has no fiber. When we drink this, it spikes our insulin, spikes our blood glucose levels, and this increases inflammation,” which is a “major cause of aging.” He also points out that diet soda is “even worse.”
3. Coffee
Coffee with caffeine can have some surprising effects on your skin—especially if you're drinking multiple cups a day. While it does have some antioxidants, too much caffeine can work against your skin’s natural glow and resilience.
“Coffee has a drug in it called caffeine. Caffeine is what’s called a diuretic; that means it dehydrates you. When you’re dehydrated, this makes your skin look older.” He notes that this doesn’t mean you should quit coffee altogether; you can instead choose to drink decaf coffee that’s always organic and to make sure you drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
