8 foods that are damaging your skin
If you’ve been doing everything possible to minimise fine lines, wrinkles and dry skin only to find there’s been no noticeable difference, you may be neglecting one key area – your nutrition. To give your skin a much-needed boost, Women’s Health Mag recommends cutting out these common foods. See the change for yourself!
1. Salt – Not only does a diet too rich in sodium increase your risk of heart attack and stroke, but it doesn’t do much good for your skin, either. Too much salt can dry out your skin, leaving you looking more tired and perhaps older than you really are.
2. Artificial sweetener – Low-calorie sweeteners might be better for your waistline, but when it comes to your skin, they’re just as bad as sugar. Artificial sweeteners can trigger inflammation, making you look puffy. If you’re craving something sweet, stick to natural sugar sources like fruit.
3. Alcohol – We all love a tipple now and then, but because alcohol is so dehydrating, it can take away all the moisture in your skin, leaving it dry and tired-looking. If you simply have to have that glass of vino, make sure you drink plenty of water to make up for the moisture taken away in the process.
4. Fried foods – You can pretty much deep fry anything these days, and while those greasy foods may taste delicious, they’re wreaking havoc on your skin. Because nasty oils and trans fats clock the arteries and stiffen blood cells, restricting circulation and leaving your skin looking dull and tired.
5. Red meat – It’s a great source of protein and iron, but consuming red meat more than once a week has been linked to a higher chance of developing wrinkles, since carnitine found in red meat hardens the walls of your blood vessels.
6. Carbs – Carbohydrates are an essential part of anyone’s diet, but eating excessive amounts can damage the collagen in your skin, preventing it looking healthy, taut and plump. In fact, not only will too many carbs make you look tired, but you’ll also feel tired, too.
7. Processed meats – Processed meat has gotten a lot of bad press in recent years, and it appears it’s not entirely unfounded – particularly when it comes to your skin. Because deli meats are packed with preservatives, your skin is more likely to become inflamed, leaving you looking sallow and tired.
8. Spicy foods – A bit of a kick in your dinner is great for your metabolism, but not so good for your skin. Because spicy foods dilate the blood vessels, your skin can take on an irritated, uneven, unclear and tired appearance. You don’t have to forgo them all the time, however. Simply opt for a milder option.
What tips do you have for keeping skin looking healthy and youthful? Let us know in the comment section below.