A Million Ways to Love Your Skin: 8 Of The Worst Foods For Your Skin

If you want to maintain that unhealthy diet that continues to clog your pores, inflame your skin, and accelerate the aging process, then don't scroll down! But if you're ready to make some changes in your eating habits that will better your complexion and overall health, then continue reading.

Food! We love it, but sometimes it just doesn't love our skin. Here's a few foods you should avoid in order to regain control over your problem skin and reduce the signs of aging.

WHITE BREADS, PASTA, CAKE, ETC.

A high glycemic diet have been connected with cases of mild-severe acne. In simpler terms, diets consisting large amounts of refined carbohydrates and sweets such as bread, pasta, candy, soda and juice are bad for your skin. Why? Because, these foods cause a sudden spike in blood sugar, producing hormones that stimulate oil production resulting in clogged pores. Evidence has also shown that diets high in sugars encourage premature aging by damaging collagen and elastin, the connective tissues that keep the skin firm and tight.

Try this: Switch to whole grain foods. Not only are they healthy for your heart, they are high in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.

SALT

Do you find that no matter how much sleep you are getting you still have the look of sleep in your eyes? If you are plagued by dark circles under the eyes, watch your sodium intake. Chances are you're retaining water cause puffy, dark eyes. A meal that is high in salt can make your entire face swell, just like your fingers. Before buying packaged foods and snacks, check the salt levels, and be aware that most of the salt you consume does not come from a glass shaker

Try this: Roasted, unsalted nuts can satisfy a snack craving without the puffy side effects.

DAIRY

Cystic acne has been known to be a sign of a diet containing too much dairy, says celebrity esthetician Renee Rouleau. A series of recent studies have suggested that dairy products, especially milk, can trigger breakouts in people with existing acne problem skin. Researchers suggest that hormones in milk can stimulate the production of sebum and pore-clogging skin cells. If you struggle with acne appearing on the chin or along the jaw line, consider cutting out dairy for a week or two as an experiment.

Try this: Never drink skim milk, which has shown to be the strongest link with breakouts and yogurt seems to have the weakest effect.

PROCESSED SNACK FOODS

To put it simply, processed foods are bad for your health and your skin. As we have stated before, junk food made with additives and preservatives—such as white bread, chips, French fries, soda, and candy—causes your blood-sugar levels to spike.This results in inflamed skin and clogged pores.

Try this: Snack on fresh fruit and vegetables.

ALCOHOL

Alcohol doesn't do your complexion any favors. Regular boozing causes dehydration, which can lead to dullness in skin coloration, wrinkles and dry skin. It's may also cause flare-ups of skin issues like acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis. Alcohol has been shown to dilate tiny blood vessels near the skin's surface, creating redness of the skin. It also robs the body of essential vitamins and nutrients, which helps the skin produce collagen which renews and repairs the skin below the surface.

Try this: Cut back on the consumption of alcohol, especially if you find that it triggers skin redness and irritation.

CAFFEINE

Coffee and other caffeinated drinks have been known to dehydrate your skin, damaging the elasticity and collagen. This results in sagging and wrinkled skin. Caffeine can also increase your bodies level of cortisol. An excess of cortisol will, thin your skin, accelerating visible signs of aging.

Try this: If you simply can not go without your morning coffee, make sure to also drink the recommended amount of water throughout the day. This will help keep your skin hydrated.

SUGAR

We love sugar, but it just happens to be one of the worst things for our skin. Not only is it the most aging food we can consume, it also weakens our immune system! Too much of it makes your skin dull, and stimulates the bodies production of wrinkles, because it damages the skins collagen and elastin, two things that keep your skin looking young. In addition, sugar has been closely linked to the production of acne. "Redness and inflammation will continue and be constant factors if sugar isn't removed from the diet," says Becky Sturm, founder of the online beauty shopping website StormSister Spatique. When it comes to your skin, too much sugar in your body weakens your ability to fight off bacteria. More bacteria means more toxins, which results in terrible skin conditions.

Try this: Those who are plagued by pimples should avoid processed sugary cereals, and instead go for whole grains, fruits, and veggies.

FRIED FOODS &

MEATS COOKED AT HIGH TEMPERATURES

Fried foods can cause oil to build up in your body and on your skin. These oils/fats have been known to harbor bacteria, which cause illnesses and acne breakouts.

Heating meat at high temperatures produces a chemical reaction resulting in compounds called "advanced glycation end products" (AGES). These AGES, have been linked to oxidative stress and inflammation that can make your skin look lackluster and wrinkled. AGES are known to be found in French fries, potato chips, fried chicken and other foods cooked in oil at high temperatures.

Try this: Eat grilled and deep fried foods in moderation, to avoid the consumption of AGES.