Are you having problems with your skin? Have you tried every product out there all to no avail?
Are you having problems with your skin? Have you tried every product out there all to no avail?
For some, the problem may be what you're putting in your body, rather than on it. Why is it that everything that tastes good is bad for us?
Taking a look at your diet, keep a diary and eliminating causes one by one can really help identify exactly what is causing the problem.
Here are some common foods that can wreak havoc on your skin:
1. Salt
Salt retains fluid from the body and it is something you should take note of if you have been experiencing puffy eyes or dimpled skin. If you have a late night takeaway chances are your body will retain the salt from it and you will have puffy eyes in the morning!
2. Chocolate
For years we’ve heard myths about how sweets can make you break out, the not-so-sweet truth is that these stories are true. Studies show chocolate may actually make acne worse.
3. Alcohol
Yep, another one of our favourite vices dehydrates the skin and makes us look older and washed out. Hydrate your skin with at least two litres of water per day—preferably working your way up to three to four litres—for a ‘fresh’ appearance, and limit alcohol as much as possible.
4. Bread, Sugar, and High Carb Foods
The increased insulin levels in carbs cause the skin to secrete sebum, a greasy substance that attracts acne-promoting bacteria, as well as causes inflammation in the skin.
5. Whole grains
While whole grains are better for you than white ones, celebrity nutritionists say that even complex carbs can be damaging to your skin. Especially for gluten-sensitive people (and that’s most of us), any kind of gluten can create inflammation and an immune response that can result in acne and other skin problems.
6. Dairy
Studies say that there is something called IGF-1 (insulin growth factor) in milk, which is similar to insulin and can cause an increase in sebum, the oily substance that clogs pores for some people. Shockingly, as little as one cup of milk can cause this. Research has shown slimline milk, in particular, can cause other skin issues as well: Removing the fat from milk means more lactose (sugar) that can contribute to rosacea, acne, and other skin problems. Try eliminating dairy for two weeks to see if this could be causing your acne.
7. Soy milk
If you cut-out dairy most people will go to soya. But, soya is another highly reactive food that can create an immune reaction and inflammation that create skin problems.
8. “Empty” foods
It’s no surprise that foods lacking in nutritional value are not so great for your skin. Nutritionally, empty foods like junk food or takeaways, for example, not only spike blood sugar but lack antioxidants, which fight free radicals for younger, more radiant skin. The big culprit contributing to these skin issues is salt. As we mentioned above, high salt food and even table salt increases bloating and gives you that puffy eye appearance. Replace high sodium, processed foods with natural foods, not in a box, package or can as often as possible and skip salt at the table.
Even foods that seem good for you with labels like “fat-free” are equally as bad. ‘Fat free’ almost always means increased amounts of sugar, preservatives, and other junk that can ruin healthy skin.
