'I’m a scientist - here are five everyday foods that are secretly harming your skin'
Some of the foods we enjoy regularly could be damaging our skin without us realising.
The skin is the largest organ in the body and has a number of vital functions. These include serving as a protective barrier against injury and toxic substances as well as helping to regulate temperature.
Therefore, it has been designed to be durable. But with age, exposure to sun and other factors it can become damaged and wrinkled.
While we can’t prevent this completely there are steps we can all take to help keep our skin looking healthy and even younger for longer.
According to one expert, your diet is a factor that can impact the skin.
Senior scientist at Absolute Collagen, Dr Dave Reilly, explained: “It’s no secret that what we eat directly impacts our health and wellbeing.
“While many of us know how our diet affects our digestion, and energy levels, we often overlook its effects on our skin.
“Nutrition plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy, youthful appearance.”
He warned that five specific foods could be damaging to your skin.
“However, some everyday foods can secretly sabotage your skin, contributing to issues like acne and dryness,” he continued.
“So being aware of these foods is super important, particularly as we age and our collagen production wanes.
“The lower levels of collagen in our skin will mean that any bad dietary habits will have an even greater effect on our appearance.”
Excessive salt
Salt is an essential ingredient in cooking, enhancing the flavours of our meals.
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However, according to Dr Reilly, excessive salt intake can lead to water retention in the body, making your skin look bloated and puffy.
He said: “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.”
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,” Dr Reilly said.
“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.”
Processed meats
He warned that processed meats in your diet, such as bacon, sausages and deli meats, could be causing harm to your skin.
Dr Reilly said: “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.”
Dairy products
Dr Reilly warned that many dairy products, for example non-organic milk and processed cheeses, may contain high levels of hormones.
He said: “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, which 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.”
Mass produced white bread
A freshly baked baguette or crusty ciabatta is hard to resist, but foods high on the glycaemic index, such as certain white breads, can have a serious impact on your skin if not eaten in moderation, he said
That’s because the sugar molecules in mass-produced white bread binds to the collagen proteins in our body, weakening them.
Dr Reilly added: “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.”