What Goes In, Shows on Your Skin

Walking into a beauty store or down the aisles of a supermarket, you would think that creams and potions make the biggest difference in improving your skin. There are a million and one products on the market to improve your skin’s appearance, but one of the steps to a glowing complexion is watching what you put in your body, not on it. You are what you eat, after all!

Just like the liver or digestive system, your skin has a part in processing toxins and nutrients from what you eat, which is why you might look green while sick or flushed after drinking all night. Not a great look for anyone! Before rushing out to buy a new concealer, consider what you’ve eaten first – you might be surprised to learn that these 10 common foods have a hand in causing blemishes, dehydration, and more.

Deep-Fried Foods

The high oil content and refined carbohydrates of deep-fried foods can contribute to inflammation in the whole body, including the skin.

Fatty Meats

Foods high in saturated fat can increase your levels of insulin growth factor, which stimulates the production of sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen that can lead to acne production.

Dairy Products

Several studies suggest that cow’s milk dairy products may increase insulin levels and even growth hormones in the blood, which both contribute to higher sebum production and cortisol, causing acne in some.

High-Glycemic Foods

High-glycemic foods like white bread, white pasta, and potatoes alongside other white starches can cause acne breakouts and premature aging by triggering high blood sugar levels, which can lead to a process called glycation wherein sugar molecules bond to collagen, a substance responsible for skin’s elasticity.

Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners like Splenda can also cause glycation to take place, reducing the effectiveness of the skin’s collagen and contributing to visible aging.

Whey Protein

Whey protein is found in cow’s milk dairy products and has the same effect on the skin, often contributing to acne breakouts and higher oil production.

Alcohol

Alcohol is notoriously dehydrating, which can speed the aging process and cause dryness on the skin, making it look flaky and emphasizing wrinkles and texture.

Fast Food

The oil, carbohydrates, salt, and fat in many fast-food products can contribute to a higher risk of acne in those who eat it regularly.

Spicy Food

Spicy foods can trigger rosacea, a process wherein blood vessels dilate, sebum production heightens, and skin becomes more sensitive. Rosacea can look like anything from flushing to a rash, depending on your skin’s sensitivity.

Soda

The high sugar and artificial sweetener content in soda products can damage your collagen supply through glycation as mentioned earlier. It can also thin the skin and cause wrinkles due to high phosphate levels.

All these foods and drinks are ok in moderation, of course, but if you are looking for the secret to better skin, consider cutting down or finding substitutes. The condition of your skin is often a clue to what’s going on inside, so treat your whole body just as well as you would your face – and get ready for a softer, smoother, and more hydrated complexion.

If you’re interested in enhancing your look even more, try one of our rejuvenating treatments like the Glow 3D Aquafacial or smooth uneven texture with Venus Viva. A combination of inner and outer beauty tricks can provide your best glow yet!