We know that the sun’s UV rays are a number one cause of signs of aging on the skin, including wrinkles, fine lines, skin laxity, and sun spots. But the foods you choose to add to your daily diet have more impact on your skin than all of the fancy serums and moisturizers you can purchase that promise a radiant glow and youth in a bottle.
Neuroscientist Robert W.B. Love explains that some foods create more inflammation in the body, which is associated with skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. These foods can also “increase aging” faster (and no one needs their food to work against them, thanks very much).
Keep these three foods on your radar and consider cutting them out or eating them in moderation. Number two is even linked to diabetes.
1. Barbecue
Charred meat from barbecuing techniques can increase AGEs in your body, and these lead to inflammation. Inflammation is one of the primary causes of aging, according to Love. To reduce the amount of AGEs, you can choose meats that are cooked, but not overdone and not charred. As a side note, barbecue sauce happens to be full of refined sugar, which leads us to our number two food to avoid.
2. Refined Sugar
Refined sugar “actually makes you look older,” according to Love. It spikes your insulin and blood glucose and this increases inflammation. Refined sugar can also increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes, which increases inflammation and increases your risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
So, there are plenty of good reasons to cut down your sugar intake.
3. Fried Foods
Fried foods are a “double whammy” because a lot of them are high in carbs and can spike insulin and increase inflammation. Additionally, many of these foods are fried in unhealthy seed oils that are inflammatory. Swapping fried foods for air-fried foods coated in olive oil is much healthier for you — and better for your skin, as well.
