The health of your skin is very closely tied to the health of your gut. Thus, what you eat definitely impacts your skin! Now, while you can eat healthy foods to achieve clear skin, there are certain foods that will actually hinder your progress.
These foods, while tasty, have been known to worsen skin conditions and cause breakouts. Of course, it’s quite impossible to avoid these foods fully (where’s the joy in life, then?) so we suggest that you consume these foods in moderation.
If you have serious skin conditions (such as eczema) then please speak to your doctor to find out the ideal diet for you.
So, what foods should you avoid for clear skin? Which food causes acne? What foods worsen your skin?
We’ve got you covered.
Here’s a list of 5 food items you might want to avoid in your quest to attain and maintain clear skin. They are considered, unfortunately, to be the worst foods for skin!
1. Processed Foods
Processed foods (cakes, biscuits, meats, cereals, frozen meals, chips, and soft drinks) are one of the worst enemies of clear skin. This is because they contain a ton of refined sugars and unhealthy fats, which can mess up your hormones, clog up pores, and lead to inflammation.
Processed meat, in particular, also has a high level of sodium, which can dry out your skin and negatively impact collagen production. So, stay away from processed foods as much as you can if you wish to have clear, healthy skin.
2. Dairy Products
Milk, cheese, and other dairy products contain hormones that can increase sebum production and trigger breakouts. Dairy (particularly derived from cow’s milk) is believed to cause inflammation, due to the hormones present in milk products. It’s also a common allergen, which can trigger acne and other skin issues.
Although there’s still research to be done that directly links dairy and skin issues, it’s not a bad idea to ditch dairy for clear skin and instead choose other alternatives.
3. Refined Carbs
White bread, pasta, and other refined carbs can cause blood sugar spikes, which induces a rise in insulin, which then causes an increase in oil production, ultimately leading to inflammation and breakouts. Since they also tend to be high in glycemic index, they can promote the growth of acne-causing bacteria. They also cause an increase in cortisol (the stress hormone), which can further lead to breakouts.
4. Alcohol
We hate to rain on your parade, but it’s true that booze is not kind to your skin! Alcohol dehydrates the skin and can make existing skin conditions (particularly acne) worse. It’s also a diuretic, which means it can cause you to lose water and vital nutrients. Not to mention, alcohol is often loaded with sugar, which we already know is bad for skin health. It also dilates the pores of the skin, causing blackheads and whiteheads.
Additionally, alcohol impairs your sleep cycle, hindering your skin’s regenerative processes (which occur when you’re sleeping well). Thus, if you’re dreaming of clear skin, stay away from booze!
5. Caffeine
Like alcohol, caffeine is a diuretic and can dehydrate your skin. It’s also a stimulant, which can increase stress levels and trigger breakouts. Plus, it can interfere with sleep, which then hinders your skin’s natural regenerative process.
So, if you’re looking for clear skin, it might be best to cut back on the coffee. At the very least, avoid milk and sugar in your coffee and cut down on how many times you have coffee in a day. And don’t have coffee in the hours before bedtime!
However, applying coffee topically to your face does have its benefits since it has antioxidants — you can use coffee grinds to make a homemade exfoliant or mix ground coffee and milk/lemon juice to make a nourishing face mask that can combat sun spots and fine lines.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for clear skin, it’s best to avoid these five foods mentioned above. This list of foods that cause acne should help you understand how exactly skin issues are connected to your diet.
Now, while you don’t have to avoid these foods altogether, moderation is very important.
For the most part, stick to a healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. And be sure to drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.