When you were younger, your parents and/or teachers may have told you, “You are what you eat.” Well, you may not be a slice of pizza and a pint of beer, but if grease and diuretics are a big part of your diet, your skin will tell on you in a second.
It is common knowledge that staying hydrated is important for your health and for your skin. If you never touch another moisturiser in your life, you will still look great if you avoid sun exposure and drink at least 2L of water a day (more if you are active, and it’s hot outside). You also know that fresh fruits and vegetables are full of vitamin C and antioxidants that help keep your skin clear. Fatty acids keep your skin plump and dewy.
There have been articles posted for years on the benefits of a good diet, but is it necessary to stick to just healthy foods? Can you drink your water, eat your healthy stuff, and then treat yourself to some of the “extra” foods every now and then? While you are taking in all the good stuff, what items on the list of discretionary foods can you get away with now and then?
Let’s take a look at the foods that won’t help in your endeavor towards healthy skin and why you should avoid them.
White Bread, Pasta, and Cake
Avoid processed grains where possible. White bread, pasta, cake, and heavily processed crackers all have high glycaemic indexes. They will spike your blood sugar levels and leave you feeling hungry sooner than whole grain breads and complex carbohydrates.
On the flipside, the grains in wholegrain bread will help to provide your skin with healthy oils. Whole grains are full of antioxidants and nutrients, and they are made of quality carbohydrates that the body breaks down at a slower rate, leaving you with more stable blood sugar levels.
Alcoholic Beverages
Having the occasional cocktail is not going to age you significantly, especially if you stay adequately hydrated. However, you should be very careful with your consumption. If you have ever woken up the morning after over-indulging and felt a thirst you just couldn’t seem to quench, then you know how dehydrating alcohol is.
Not only does it make your head hurt and your stomach churn when you drink too much, but it also dehydrates your skin cells and leaves your complexion dull and sagging. Raise a toast now and then, but make sure you order a big glass of water with every glass of wine, beer, or other adult beverage.
Salt
Too much sodium leads to water retention and puffy skin. You probably have more than enough sodium in your diet without salting your food.
If you feel like your food is too bland, add some black pepper or another spice that does not have the same sodium content that salt does. A lot of your spice choices are actually full of nutrients that are good for your skin, as opposed to salt.
For results focused nutritional or skincare advice make an appointment to see our skincare specialists or Dietitian. Contact Us Today!
