What you eat has a major effect on the health and vitality of your complexion. Consuming a balanced diet, rich in fruit, vegetables and wholegrains is more likely to promote luminous skin than a diet based on takeaways or fried foods. So, what foods are contributing to the ageing process? Here are a few foods you might want to avoid or consume less of.
Crisps and chips
Foods fried in oil can promote inflammation in the body. Furthermore, fried foods that contain trans fats can raise cholesterol levels, putting pressure on your heart. If you’re in the mood for carbohydrates, try sweet potato or whole-wheat pasta instead.
Sugary foods
Consuming too much processed sugar causes dark circles, dehydration and accelerated signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles. Sugar is damaging to collagen and elastin as excess sugar molecules attach themselves to collagen fibres, resulting in a loss of flexibility and strength. This causes the skin to become more susceptible to sun damage, sagging, loss of firmness and ageing. If you feel in need of a sweet treat, try eating a few squares of dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants which fight free radical damage and accelerated signs of ageing.
Fatty and processed meats
Fatty and processed meats increase inflammation and are high in saturated fats. As well as being bad for the skin, these meats are bad for your health as they can increase the risk of heart disease. Try consuming lean meats instead, like turkey or fish.
Alcohol
Consuming too much alcohol has a negative effect on your complexion. Alcohol can cause dehydration, sagging and flushed skin. If you suffer from rosacea, it’s best to avoid alcohol as it makes your skin worse.
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