Many people dream of sporting healthy, glowing skin. However, such exceptional beauty doesn’t come without effort. In addition to applying skincare products from emed you will also have to make certain lifestyle changes. For example, some foods have a more negative effect on the skin than others. Therefore, you must learn to identify and avoid those harmful foods. It will help prevent harmful conditions, like acne, rashes and eczema.
Role of Collagen in Skincare
Collagen is a protein that gives your skin a glowing aura. It delays the signs of ageing by preventing lines, crow’s feet, wrinkles and saggy skin. It makes up close to 70% of all skin protein. Collagen’s loss is the primary reason your skin starts showing signs of ageing. So, if you wish for perfect skin, collagen is your best friend.
Role of Your Diet in Skincare
There are foods that boost collagen in your skin, just like there are some that can decrease it. The harmful foods instead accelerate the ageing process. You must stay away from them!
1. Fried foods
Do you love your skin? Yes? Then avoid fried foods. Deep-fried foods contain hydrogenated trans fats, which negatively affects the complexion. The free radicals released by fried foods can cause cellular damage to the skin. Prevent that damage, and you’ll prevent wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Avoiding fried foods will help your skin maintain its elasticity for a long time. Additionally, most fried foods contain a significant amount of salt, which may lead to dehydration. Avoid fried foods to avoid wrinkles.
2. White bread or sandwich bread
Refined carbs are not suitable for excessive consumption. When coming together with protein, they form something harmful to the skin, called Advanced Glycation End Products or AGE(s). AGEs accelerate the ageing process in the skin. White bread carries a very high glycemic content. It can increase inflammation in the body, which in turn accelerates ageing.
3. White sugar or granulated sugar
Excess sugar can wreak havoc on your body. It damages multiple organs, including the skin. Just like white bread, sugar also contributes to the formation of AGE compounds. It is especially hazardous when exposed to the sunlight while eating sugar, like eating ice cream at the local beach. Other sugary treats, like cookies and doughnuts, also have a high glycemic content, making them bad for the skin. Please try alternate snacks and foods to satisfy your craving for sweets, like dark chocolate or fruits.
4. Processed meats
With time, processed meats are becoming popular in Pakistan. Nowadays, it is common to see Pepperoni, sausages and salami in local shops. You must eat them in moderation if you wish to keep healthy skin. Remember, processed meats are full of sodium, sulfite and saturated fats. All these compounds weaken collagen and dehydrate the skin, making them extremely harmful. Sodium alone can cause water retention and puffiness in the skin, especially around the eyes. Instead, choose to eat lean meats in place of processed meats, like turkey and chicken.
5. Alcohol
While red wine may be flaunted as a good source of antioxidants, many studies suggest that alcohol consumption is worse for your skin regarding acne and premature ageing. This is because alcoholic drinks often contain sugar, which blunts the effects of insulin and contributes to ageing by depleting collagen. Alcohol also has a dehydrating effect on your body. It prevents the skin from retaining moisture and causes dark circles around the eyes. Alcohol also tends to make you lose body heat from blood vessel dilation.
6. Spicy food
Spicy foods can elicit flare-ups in an existing skin condition, like acne. Such inflammatory skin conditions occur because of excess heat in the body. Spicy foods have warming properties –that’s why they should be avoided.
7. Caffeine
Caffeine increases the cortisol levels in the body, which may cause inflammation in your skin. It also throws hormones out of balance. As a result, caffeine consumption can contribute to the early ageing of the skin. Coffee also dehydrates the skin. If you feel you cannot quit your coffee consumption, make sure to hydrate frequently.
8. Nuts
Some nuts are excellent for health, carrying a balance of different healthy compounds. However, certain nuts have a higher than normal ratio of omega-6 fatty acids. This inflammatory compound may trigger flare-ups in existing skin conditions, even cause new ones. Walnuts, pine nuts, pecans and Brazil nuts are the worst for your skin.
9. Dairy products
Dairy products are inflammatory, which can aggravate an existing skin condition, like acne or rashes. Dairy products also contain growth hormones that throw the natural hormonal balance out of order, especially estrogen –further harming the skin. It’s better to use alternate products for better skin. Most dairy products, especially cheese, lead to increased skin oil production, which blocks the skin pores. Please remember that low-fat yoghurt can also have a negative effect on your skin by aggravating acne.
