These 15 Foods Are Ruining Your Skin (and, In Some Cases, Your Overall Health)

When it comes to grooming, it's easy to find topical products that promise to repair every bit of dry skin, blur fine lines, and grow our beloved facial hair. What if we told you that appearance starts from within? It starts differently with the food you eat. Although research on nutrition and skin care is still ongoing, some suggest that certain foods are harmful to skin health. For example, "Is acne caused by food?" We don't have a definitive answer to that question. However, science shows that eating certain things can make the condition worse.

Knowledge is power. When it comes to food and skin health, understanding the current research can help you make informed decisions at the grocery store and in your pantry.

According to experts and studies, these are some of the worst foods for skin health.

A word or two about diet and skin health

Diet can affect your skin and it is important to know which foods can affect you. However, there are a few things to consider before you revise your diet. First, everyone is different. Not everyone who drinks sweet drinks notices changes in the skin. As with anything, many foods that are harmful to skin health are safe to eat in moderation. Finally, you will see that dairy products are on this list. Dairy products have benefits including calcium and protein. Consult a doctor before removing anything from your diet.

The worst foods for skin health

If you have skin problems, you should avoid some of these products.

Alcohol

You won't be raising your glass to this news anytime soon: Alcohol is bad for skin health. Despite much hype about the antioxidants in wine and beer, drinking alcohol can damage the skin's antioxidant defense system. Wrinkles, bags under the eyes and uneven skin tone can cause signs of aging , among other issues alcohol can make worse, a review found . Heavy drinkers who consume more than eight drinks per week show more signs of aging. The CDC recommends limiting alcohol consumption to two drinks per day or less for men and one drink or less for women.

A soap

Soda is another beverage that should be consumed in moderation. In the year A 2019 study of more than 8,000 college students found that daily soda consumption increased the risk of moderate to severe acne. The biggest culprit is drinking soft drinks, which have more than 100 grams of sugar per day. For comparison, a 12-ounce can of Pepsi contains 39 grams of sugar.

Fried chicken

This BBQ favorite can add years of life to your leather. In the year According to a 2020 study , eating fried and fried foods, exposure to UV rays (common to the sun and tanning beds), and foods high in sugar can accelerate skin aging.

french fries

This main dish is completely irrelevant, but since fried foods increase the signs of aging, it is good to eat fried chicken in a limited amount. Apart from this, some people believe that food, especially fried food, can cause acne. Although studies have linked eating fried foods three or more times a week to severe acne, there is no proof that it causes acne. In fact, hormones such as testosterone may be responsible.

Sweet

Sorry sweet tooths out there. Sweeteners get their cravings from sugar, but foods high in sugar are known to cause skin damage. By increasing skin inflammation, they can accelerate aging and worsen acne. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that a low glycemic index diet can reduce acne breakouts.

White pasta

Like whole wheat pasta, balancing carbohydrates with fiber, white pasta is low in fiber. It is a high glycemic index food. Drinking regularly can make acne worse.

Potato fries

Potato chips are high in fat and high in sodium, which increases inflammation . A 15-piece serving of Lay's chips contains 10 grams of fat, 15 grams of carbohydrates and 170 milligrams of sodium.

Movie popcorn

Eating popcorn while watching the latest and greatest movies is an age-old tradition. While this is fine every now and then, regular moviegoers may want to limit their popcorn consumption. Butter and Salt This makes it a concern for people with acne or those who want to reduce the signs of aging. Ordering a smaller portion or getting it without butter is one way to reduce the effect.

Lemon

Lemonade can be a fun substitute for lemonade at a party, especially in the summer. However, the soft drink contains 19 grams of sugar in an 11-ounce serving. Again, it is better to use this drink in moderation. Water with lemon or seltzer can add this extra element to your drink without exacerbating skin problems.

Citizens

Like fried chicken, this barbecue favorite is high in fat. Combine that with UV exposure and a diet high in sugar, and it's a recipe for skin aging.

The milk

This is controversial. Milk has nutritional benefits, but the AAD cites several studies that show that people who consume cow's milk are more likely to develop acne. Talk to a doctor or nutritionist before eliminating it from your diet. You may be able to find useful ingredients elsewhere.

Pepperoni Pizza

Processed meat, dairy, salt, and high-fat ingredients put this classic pizza on the "medium" list.

White bread

This bread has the same problem as white pasta. Choose whole grains instead of skin-friendly sandwiches.

Cake

These pastries make for a delicious breakfast or after-dinner meal. However, your skin can't say the same because of the sugar and fat content.

whey protein

Whey protein is a popular ingredient in smoothies and bowls. However, in the year According to a 2013 study, it is associated with severe acne in adults .

High-fat, high-sugar and highly processed foods are commonly associated with accelerated skin aging and acne. It may sound daunting, but there are many delicious foods you can eat that can actually help your skin. Choose foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as walnuts and salmon. Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that helps the skin develop smoother skin, and foods rich in vitamin C, such as strawberries and oranges, help fight wrinkles. Always talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your diet and skin health. They may be able to refer you to a dermatologist or nutritionist who can provide you with healthy, evidence-based menu options.

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