Foods That Can Harm The Skin

Many individuals find taking care of their skin and keeping it as healthy and picture-perfect as they would like it is much harder than they anticipated. Countless products on the market offer the promise of a perfectly smooth and blemish-free face, but the fact is, problems will always arise if individuals do not eat the right sort of food. It is possible for everyone to unintentionally sabotage their skin through their diet. The good news is, with some simple dietary adjustments, everyone can get clear and healthy skin in no time.

Processed Foods

Processed foods such as packaged cookies, tv dinners, candy bars, and crackers, are known to increase how much acne individuals must deal with, as well as clogged pores and similar skin issues. On top of keeping their body from running efficiently, too much of these foods can also cause an individual's blood sugar to shoot up. This will then cause more oily skin, which often leads to more acne. These foods are not natural, and all of their good nutrients are sucked out during the manufacturing process. They are okay for a snack now and then, but should not be eaten on a regular basis.

Dairy

While dairy provides good calcium for the body and milk is known for strengthening bones, there may also be a downside to these foods, as far as how the skin reacts. Many times, the cows producing milk are given extra hormones to increase their milk supply to meet the demand for milk from consumers. These hormones then get into the liquid and eventually make their way to the bodies of those who drink milk. Dairy not only affects the skin but can also cause digestive and other health issues. If this is a suspected culprit for skin issues, affected individuals should try to stick with small servings and not over-do it. They can also look for fortified dairy alternatives to make up for the nutrients they will miss from regular dairy products.

Fast Food

Fast food joints thrive by frying a lot of their foods in oil, making them delicious and desired by customers of all ages. Unfortunately, this adds a lot of unhealthy fat to the food and makes fast food quite a bit harder for the body to break down when it's eaten. This makes an individual's digestive system weaker and leads to a slower metabolism and poor circulation. Besides all of this, the extra grease and fat in fast food can clog the pores, which makes individuals quite a bit more prone to developing acne.

Artificial Sweeteners

Many individuals put artificial sweeteners in their coffee or tea, and they are also found in diet sodas to replace sugar. These products contain absolutely no nutritional value and can actually keep the body from running as efficiently as it could be. There are still countless studies being done as to how the human body reacts to different artificial sweeteners because they are still so new in the grand scheme of things. However, they seem to throw blood sugar off-balance, which can result in a variety of skin issues. They can also irritate the gut as the body cannot digest them very well at all (which is why they're often listed as being calorie-free), which can also trigger problems in the skin. As such, it is best to stick with what's familiar and eat healthy, natural foods that have proven to be good for the body.

Caffeine

The thought of giving up caffeine seems next to impossible for most individuals. Unfortunately, it often comes down to being a choice between that daily boost or having countless skin issues. Caffeine has been known to thin the skin, thus making individuals more inclined to form wrinkles and look older. On top of that, it dehydrates the body, making skin appear unhealthy and lack the nutrients it needs to possess a radiant glow. In our fast-paced society, cutting back on caffeine is a challenge, but it is something individuals will not regret in the long run.

Salt

Chips, French fries, popcorn, and pretzels are just some of the many foods with high sodium (salt) content countless individuals find themselves craving on a daily basis. Resisting the urge to consume them is a must when it comes to maintaining good skin. Salt, especially when consumed in excess, weakens the skin, making individuals age faster. It also has a tendency to cause individuals to retain water, making everything look puffier, particularly the face. To help take this effect away, individuals should cut back on packaged food with a lot of salt and reduce how much they add to dishes later. Instead, they should look to natural herbs and spices for flavor to enjoy food while also keeping their skin healthy.

Simple Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are known for being a major comfort food. Bread, pasta, and pastries are all quite filling and are a go-to for many individuals after a stressful day of work. These simple carbohydrates are, unfortunately, a cause for acne if they are consumed in excess. They spike blood sugar, affect hormone levels, and, in the end, make individuals break out. If individuals consume these foods in moderation and increase their overall activity level, they will be sure to give their body and mind a better boost than when they binge-eat carbs. When carbohydrates are necessary, individuals are far better off consuming whole wheat or whole grain versions of the things they love to actually get some health benefits from them, which the ‘white' versions do not provide.