People are looking out for the latest ‘superfoods’ as more and more of us are keen to improve health, well-being and appearance. However, while people are focused on these so-called superfoods, others are unaware that there are common food items you may be eating on a daily basis which are harming your skin…Read Full story…>>>….Read The Full Story Here ▶
In fact, interest in natural methods of getting healthier skin continues to rise with people keen to save money amid rising costs. Over the last three months alone, daily searches for ‘diet for clearer skin’ have increased by 51 per cent.
Dr Dave Reily, Head Scientist at Absolute Collagen, has warned that many common cupboard essentials could be making your skin worse. Stating that what we eat matters, he explains: “It’s no secret that what we eat directly impacts our health and well-being. While many of us know how our diet affects our digestion, and energy levels, we often overlook its effects on our skin.”
The expert says that what you eat could be contributing to issues like acne and dryness. Because of this, being aware of these foods is very important, particularly as we age and our collagen production wanes.
Once collagen levels in our skin drop, any bad dietary habits will have an even greater effect on our appearance, the expert warns. To help you get the most out of your diet, Senior Scientist atDr Reilly has shared five foods to avoid if you want healthier-looking skin. Here’s what you should know.
Five common foods to cut down on for better skin
1. White bread
A freshly baked baguette or crusty ciabatta is hard to resist, but foods high on the glycaemic index, such as white bread, can have a serious impact on your skin if not eaten in moderation. That’s because the sugar molecules in white bread bind to the collagen proteins in our body, weakening them.
Collagen is a major component of our ligaments and connective tissue, with wound-healing and skin-boosting properties. So, when this collagen is weakened, it increases the likelihood of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
Luckily, you don’t need to bin the bread altogether. Instead, opt for alternatives like multigrain, granary, and seeded bread, which are lower on the glycaemic index.
2. Excessive salt
Salt is an essential ingredient in cooking, enhancing the flavours of our meals. However, excessive salt intake can lead to water retention in the body, making your skin look bloated and puffy. This side effect is especially noticeable in the delicate skin around your eyes, which can contribute to the increased appearance of undereye bags.
Branching out on the types of herbs and spices you use in your cooking is a great way to reduce your reliance on salt. You should also read product labels, keeping a close eye on the sodium content of your frequent buys.
If you are struggling to reduce your salt intake, then make an effort to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can help flush out the excess sodium in your system, reducing skin puffiness.
3. Alcohol
While water is essential for keeping your skin hydrated, on the opposite side of the spectrum is alcohol. Drinking an excessive amount of alcohol dehydrates and dulls the skin.
This is because alcohol is a diuretic, meaning the body releases more urine, losing more water, salt and nutrients than usual. The increased loss of vital nutrients impacts your body performing other functions, such as collagen production.
The best solution to this is to keep your alcohol to a minimum. However, for those still wanting to enjoy a tipple every now and then, cutting back can also really help improve the appearance of your skin. Why not try having a sober weekend a month or switching to a low-alcohol alternative of your favourite drink.
4. Dairy products
Just like processed meats, there are lots of dairy products, for example non-organic milk and processed cheeses, that may contain high levels of hormones. This too can contribute to hormone imbalances, leading to increased oil production and breakouts.
To avoid this, consider swapping to nut milk for your morning coffee or opting for organic dairy products. These typically have lower hormone levels.
What’s more, try to incorporate more of the dairy products that can actually aid your skin’s appearance into your diet. For instance, high-protein dairy products like Greek yoghurt and cottage cheese can help to repair skin tissue, making your skin look healthier and brighter.
5. Processed meats
While you may be embracing BBQ season this summer, too many processed meats in your diet, such as bacon, sausages and deli meats, could be causing harm to your skin. This is because these products often contain high amounts of hormones and antibiotics, both of which can cause a hormone imbalance in your body.
This imbalance puts your body under stress, which can have many skin-related side effects. These can include increased oiliness and acne breakouts, while the stress can also potentially exacerbate conditions like dry, flaky and inflamed skin.
Therefore, it is best to eat these foods in moderation. And when you are consuming processed meats, try to maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and follow a consistent skincare routine.
