We are constantly told that eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is good for us, but it isn’t just our internal organs that can benefit - our skin can too. If you didn’t know already, what we eat actually has an impact on the condition of our skin. From breakouts to wrinkles, most kinds of skin conditions can be related back to a part of your diet that might not be quite right. If you are experiencing an issue with your skin, trying to reduce or increase certain types of food could make a big difference.
Alcohol and Sugar
Consuming too much alcohol and sugar can lead to an increase in wrinkles. If you’ve ever heard the saying that drinking alcohol makes you look older - this is exactly why. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it dehydrates you as you drink it. The more dehydrated you get, the drier your skin becomes as its natural moisture is drained. It’s thought that if you predominantly have wrinkles on your forehead, it could be due to having too much sugar in your diet. There are theories that parts of your face are linked to various organs throughout your body, with your forehead supposedly being linked to your digestive system. Sugar can interfere with and irritate your digestive tract resulting in deep wrinkles on your forehead.
Sodium
If your diet is high in sodium, you might find that your skin is extra dry and full of cracks. Consuming too much salt can cause your body to hold onto more water as it gets worried about dehydration. While holding water might sound like it will keep your skin nice and moisturized, the opposite actually happens as the extra water is held in places where it can be used for vital body processes. This keeps moisture away from the skin leaving you with dry, cracked, and uncomfortable patches over your body.
If your diet is high in sodium, you might find that your skin is extra dry and full of cracks. Consuming too much salt can cause your body to hold onto more water as it gets worried about dehydration. While holding water might sound like it will keep your skin nice and moisturized, the opposite actually happens as the extra water is held in places where it can be used for vital body processes. This keeps moisture away from the skin leaving you with dry, cracked, and uncomfortable patches over your body.
Dairy
Dairy products are heavily consumed by many of us on a daily basis, but having too much dairy in your diet is thought to lead to oily skin. Having damp, oily skin can cause breakouts and acne. While having high levels of dairy can cause other issues throughout your body, most people wouldn’t immediately associate their acne problems with that extra glass of milk they have before bed every night. Although cutting down on dairy might not be enough to get rid of your acne entirely, it might just help you get it under control a bit quicker.
Water
We all know how important water is to us, after all, life wouldn’t exist at all without it. Despite this knowledge, a lot of us still struggle to consume the recommended daily intake. Not having enough water in your diet causes your body to hold onto any that does make its way inside (the same as it does if you consume too much sodium). Increased water retention can cause dark circles to form under your eyes. It seems to be a common thought that dark circles mean you are tired and need some extra rest, but it could actually be a combination of tiredness and dehydration - both of which are not good for your skin or overall health and wellbeing.
High-Glycemic Foods
High-glycemic foods such as white bread are thought to be linked to an increase in blood sugar and insulin levels. Too high levels of these result in the production of hormones that can quickly lead to acne. Changing from white bread to whole grain could help keep your skin in good condition.
High-glycemic foods such as white bread are thought to be linked to an increase in blood sugar and insulin levels. Too high levels of these result in the production of hormones that can quickly lead to acne. Changing from white bread to whole grain could help keep your skin in good condition.