Your diet can affect a lot of things in your life, from the amount of sleep you get to your emotional stability. Knowing this, you might not be surprised to hear there are foods that also affect your appearance. If eaten consistently over time, they may even make you look older than you are.
This doesn’t mean you should steer clear of these foods and never indulge. A few servings here and there are not going to negatively impact you. But, be mindful of what you are eating and understand the link between food and your overall well-being.
Sugary Treats
When you consume more sugar than your body can use, the extra sugar molecules mix with proteins to form “advanced glycation end products” (appropriately referred to as “AGES”). These AGEs might harm the collagen in your skin. Collagen is a protein that is needed to help your skin look firm and youthful. If it is damaged, it is not able to do its part. Sugar can also increase inflammation which negatively affects your desire for smooth, clear skin.
Processed Meats
Bacon, sausage, and deli meat include sulfites and other preservatives that can cause skin irritation and hasten the signs of aging. They frequently include a lot of salt, which can make you appear puffy. Additionally, red meat that has been processed has been related to heart disease. Try using chicken or turkey instead of the deli meat on your sandwich. If you can’t say goodbye permanently, eat more vegetables and less meat.
Spicy Food
In addition to aggravating rosacea-prone skin, spicy food might be harmful during menopause when the skin’s blood vessels are thought to be more reactive. Menopausal women may notice that their skin looks blotchy and less young during this period because spicy food dilates their blood vessels. Don’t worry if you add some spice every once in a while, but frequent flare-ups may result in spider veins, puffiness, and/or permanent redness. Whenever possible, order mild cuisine.
Alcohol
Alcohol is incredibly dehydrating. This dehydration can take a toll on your skin if you consistently partake in girls’ night or poker night with the guys. Since your skin is 63% water, you want to do all you can to make sure it is hydrated and looking its best. When your is not at its peak hydration level, it can’t protect against wrinkles and will feel dry and uncomfortable.
Conclusion
These are just a few foods that may contribute to you looking older than you are. Be mindful as you age to get a wide variety of foods, focusing on the ones that benefit you the most.
