A dermatologist reveals the 5 foods that may be secretly damaging your skin!
The secret to glowing skin may lie in more than just your skincare routine; our eating habits play a significant role in our skin's health. We all know that a diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables is great for our skin, but some foods and drinks, even though they may taste delicious, can lead to breakouts, dry skin, and even wrinkles.
Dr Thivi Maruthappu, a London-based consultant dermatologist, nutritionist, and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, shared some food and drink items that may be secretly ruining your skin. So, without further ado, let's unveil the truth about these sneaky products!
Limiting your alcohol intake or consuming water between alcoholic drinks can help prevent these effects and hangovers. Dr Maruthappu advises, 'I generally recommend keeping alcohol to a minimum where possible, particularly in the run up to a big event when you want your skin to look its best.'
Glycation is where sugar in the bloodstream attaches to proteins and fats, forming harmful compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs). As we age, these compounds accumulate in the dermis and destroy collagen, causing loss of skin elasticity and wrinkles. Sugar may also cause breakouts for some people.
Dr Maruthappu suggests eating a few squares of dark chocolate as a healthier alternative, as these contain skin-loving antioxidants called anthocyanins, helping to combat premature skin ageing.
A possible solution for those dealing with this issue is to swap skimmed milk for a fortified non-dairy alternative, such as soya milk, for four weeks to see if they notice any improvement.
A healthier option would be to replace coffee with green tea, which contains lower levels of caffeine and is packed with antioxidant compounds that support skin health by neutralising free radicals that contribute to premature skin ageing.
Dr Maruthappu highlights the connection between stress and skin conditions, emphasising that stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol, leading to increased oil production, inflammation, and subsequent breakouts. Additionally, stress weakens the immune system, making the skin more vulnerable to infections and flare-ups.
By acknowledging the role of stress in our skin's well-being and taking proactive measures to manage it, we not only reduce the likelihood of unwanted skin issues but also enhance our overall quality of life. Prioritise self-care, carve out time for relaxation, and your skin will express its gratitude.
In conclusion, balancing enjoying life's pleasures and prioritising a healthy diet is key. While occasional indulgences are acceptable, it is essential to be mindful of our choices and pay attention to the impact of our diet on our skin.
By incorporating skin-friendly foods into our meals, such as vibrant fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats from sources like oily fish, we can nurture the health and radiance of our skin.
Members, what are your favourite healthy and skin-friendly foods that you incorporate into your diet? Share your go-to choices and any notable improvements in your skin's health and appearance!
Dr Thivi Maruthappu, a London-based consultant dermatologist, nutritionist, and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, shared some food and drink items that may be secretly ruining your skin. So, without further ado, let's unveil the truth about these sneaky products!
Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol, besides causing hangovers, harms our skin. Alcohol's diuretic effect causes the body to lose vital fluids and nutrients, making the skin look dull, grey, bloated, and puffy for up to 24 hours after drinking. Additionally, the loss of elasticity can lead to wrinkling. Alcohol also promotes inflammation in the body's tissues, which may result in red, blotchy, and flushed skin.Limiting your alcohol intake or consuming water between alcoholic drinks can help prevent these effects and hangovers. Dr Maruthappu advises, 'I generally recommend keeping alcohol to a minimum where possible, particularly in the run up to a big event when you want your skin to look its best.'
Refined sugar
Refined sugar is widely known for causing weight gain and tooth decay; however, consuming too much sugary food might also harm your complexion. Dr Maruthappu warns that excess refined sugar, such as cakes, biscuits, and sweets, can accelerate skin ageing through glycation.Glycation is where sugar in the bloodstream attaches to proteins and fats, forming harmful compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs). As we age, these compounds accumulate in the dermis and destroy collagen, causing loss of skin elasticity and wrinkles. Sugar may also cause breakouts for some people.
Dr Maruthappu suggests eating a few squares of dark chocolate as a healthier alternative, as these contain skin-loving antioxidants called anthocyanins, helping to combat premature skin ageing.
Skimmed milk
Surprisingly, skimmed milk, commonly considered a healthier option, might be another culprit behind breakouts. Dr Maruthappu explains, 'Some research has shown that skimmed milk may contribute to breakouts, particularly if you are drinking more than a couple of glasses per day.' The low-fat milk might not affect everyone, but it can be a trigger for some individuals.A possible solution for those dealing with this issue is to swap skimmed milk for a fortified non-dairy alternative, such as soya milk, for four weeks to see if they notice any improvement.
Whey protein powder
While whey protein powder might help you build muscle at the gym, it might also be a trigger for acne breakouts. Dr Maruthappu advises, 'if you've seen an increase in pimples since starting a whey protein powder, try swapping it for a plant-based alternative.' This reaction might be due to the higher levels of IGF1, a growth hormone found in dairy that can trigger breakouts and oily skin.Excessive caffeine
A cup or two of coffee daily is fine, but if you're a heavy coffee drinker, beware – excessive caffeine could be causing premature skin ageing. Dr Maruthappu explains that excess caffeine can lead to dehydration, in turn causing dehydrated skin.A healthier option would be to replace coffee with green tea, which contains lower levels of caffeine and is packed with antioxidant compounds that support skin health by neutralising free radicals that contribute to premature skin ageing.
Relationship between stress and skin conditions:
Besides the 5 foods that can damage your skin, it's important to recognise another factor that can negatively impact our skin: stress.Dr Maruthappu highlights the connection between stress and skin conditions, emphasising that stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol, leading to increased oil production, inflammation, and subsequent breakouts. Additionally, stress weakens the immune system, making the skin more vulnerable to infections and flare-ups.
Combatting the impact of stress on our skin:
To mitigate the effects of stress on our skin, it's crucial to incorporate relaxation techniques and a comprehensive self-care routine. Dr Maruthappu recommends regular exercise, deep breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, and sufficient sleep as key components for lowering stress levels and improving overall skin health. Engaging in calming activities like reading, taking warm baths, or enjoying walks in nature can also help soothe the mind and alleviate bodily tension.By acknowledging the role of stress in our skin's well-being and taking proactive measures to manage it, we not only reduce the likelihood of unwanted skin issues but also enhance our overall quality of life. Prioritise self-care, carve out time for relaxation, and your skin will express its gratitude.
Key Takeaways
- Dermatologist Dr. Thivi Maruthappu shared five items that could be ruining your skin.
- Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dull, bloated, and wrinkled skin due to dehydration and nutrient loss.
- Refined sugar can accelerate skin ageing through a process called glycation, which can cause loss of skin elasticity and wrinkles.
- Skimmed milk has been linked to acne breakouts in some people, and swapping to a fortified non-dairy alternative may help.
- Excessive caffeine intake can contribute to dehydration and increased cortisol levels, leading to skin conditions like eczema and breakouts.
By incorporating skin-friendly foods into our meals, such as vibrant fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats from sources like oily fish, we can nurture the health and radiance of our skin.
Members, what are your favourite healthy and skin-friendly foods that you incorporate into your diet? Share your go-to choices and any notable improvements in your skin's health and appearance!