What’s the worst food for your skin? Well, it depends on who you ask. For instance, if you’re a dermatologist and I say “greasy french fries” well that’s one answer. When I was younger my mother would say “chocolate” (because she doesn’t want me eating any), then that’s another answer altogether. I’ve rounded up the truly worst of the worst. These six foods below might not be derailing your weight loss efforts, but they may just be destroying your skin. Here are the worst-ever foods for your skin you’ll want to avoid if you’re trying to clear, brighten, and tighten up your skin.
White Sugar
You might have thought that white sugar was just the worst of all the bad foods you could eat, but it turns out it’s even worse than you could imagine. First off, white sugar is refined and stripped of all nutrients—it has literally no fiber or vitamins (unlike natural sugars like honey and maple syrup).
Secondly, white sugar has a high glycemic index; this means your body converts it into glucose faster than any other carbohydrate. And finally, white sugar is linked to obesity and diabetes because it’s addictive in nature—your brain rewards eating sweets by releasing dopamine (the feel-good hormone), so not only do you get hooked on this sugary substance, but over time your body becomes less sensitive to its effects. All told: stay far away from this stuff!
Refined carbs
Refined carbs have been stripped of their nutritional value, and they’re more likely to make you fat than any other type of carb. They also spike blood sugar levels in the body, leading to insulin resistance and inflammation. These are two major factors that can lead to acne.
Refined carbs include white breads and pastas; white rice; pastries and cakes; cookies; muffins; bagels; most cereals (except for plain oatmeal); fruit juices (except pure fruit juice or diluted with water).
Processed meats
Processed meats are a major source of sodium, which is bad for your skin. Salt and other processed ingredients can lead to bloating, acne, puffiness, and other skin conditions. If you have sensitive skin that’s prone to breakouts or inflammation (like I do), then it might be time to cut back on your salted foods—especially those that come from cured or preserved meats. Processed meats like hot dogs or luncheon meats can lead to an increase in acne breakouts and dark spots on the face.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it dehydrates you. The problem is that your skin needs water to stay healthy and supple. Dehydrated skin can look dull and feel rough to the touch. It can also cause wrinkles and premature aging (yikes).
Alcohol doesn’t just wreck your sleep cycle; too much alcohol can damage collagen production and make your skin appear older than its true age—so limit yourself to two drinks per day if you’re trying to lose weight or maintain healthy skin!
If you’re going out for drinks, opt for water with lemon or lime instead of sugary cocktails or beer—this will help keep your skin looking youthful!
Fast foods
Fast food is one of the worst culprits when it comes to destroying your skin from the inside out. With all that salt, fat and sugar in every bite, it’s little wonder that fast foods are so hard on your body. Here are just a few reasons why:
They’re high in calories—and they can lead to weight gain.
They’re high in sodium which causes inflammation, which leads to premature aging and acne (for example).
And they’re full of sugar—which causes breakouts too!
Your skin is an organ, and as such it requires nutrition like any other body part. You wouldn’t put junk into your mouth, so why would you want to put it on your face? Avoid these at all costs if you want clear and healthy-looking skin.
