Does What I Eat Really Affect How My Skin Looks?
In a word, yes. Surely you’ve heard that eating too many chocolate bars causes acne. While dermatologists have long dismissed many such notions as myths, researchers now believe there’s a degree of truth behind them. And they’ve got studies to prove it. This one conducted a few years ago, for instance, found — through science! — that people with consistently high blood sugar levels appeared noticeably older than their less sweet-toothed counterparts. So, should you swear off all that is tasty and go on a water fasting diet?
Let’s not be so extreme. Instead, use this handy guide to the precarious relationship between food and face.
If you drink:
It can cause:
Dehydration, which can lead to collagen loss and wrinkles.
The solution:
Water helps, but cut back to two cups a day to keep skin in good long-term shape.
If you eat:
It can cause:
Insulin spikes, which produce enzymes that break down collagen and elastin through glycation.
The solution:
Favour complex carbs (berries) over simple ones (candy). They take longer to break down, causing a less intense surge.
If you drink:
It can cause:
Puffy, inflamed skin. Alcohol widens blood vessels and can be a trigger of rosacea.
The solution:
Limit yourself to a single drink and favour red wine (antioxidants!) over sugary cocktails.
If you drink:
It can cause:
Breakouts. The hormones in dairy may trigger extra oil production in those with sensitivities.
The solution:
If your skin seems prone to dairy-related acne, see if a week of goat cheese and almond milk help.
