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Go into any drugstore or beauty boutique, and chances are you’ll see rows upon rows of products designed to improve your skin. From pricey serums to plain old cream, there’s a remedy for almost every skin imperfection. But if you’re taking care of your skin and still experiencing problems, the culprit could be your diet.
While it may seem obvious, we don’t always consider that our skin is connected to other parts of our bodies – like the digestive system – and can reflect what’s going on there. So, what foods should you avoid to improve your complexion, and therefore your health overall? We’ve got a few of the worst culinary skin offenders right here.
Fried Foods
Ever notice how your nose and cheeks develop an oily sheen after chowing down on doughnuts or cheese-laden burritos? Eating deep-fried foods can cause the skin to produce more oil than necessary, possibly leading to acne. Plus, long-term consumption of fried foods can lead to excess weight, circulatory issues, and heart disease, which are problems in and of themselves and can prevent the proper nutrients from getting to your skin. The result? Dull skin that’s prematurely aged. Though they may be delicious, saving these greasy selections for once-in-a-blue-moon occasions is best.
Alcohol
Cocktails, wine, and beer are not friends of a healthy complexion or reaching your weight loss goals. Since alcohol is a diuretic that makes you urinate more, regular booze intake can dry you out from the inside. That means a greater chance of dry, peeling skin, more fine lines, and a sunken appearance. For optimum results, you’ll want to lay off alcohol entirely. But if you must indulge, try to stay under the CDC’s recommended limit for moderate alcohol intake: one 12-ounce beer or 5-ounce glass of wine per day for women and two per day for men. For bonus points, increase your water intake afterward to regain the fluids you lose.
Soda
While they’re bubbly, refreshing treats, traditional sodas like cola have many no-no ingredients that can wreak havoc on your skin and digestive tract. First, most of them are loaded with sugar, which can increase your insulin levels, causing inflammation and stimulating sebum production (the oily stuff that comes out of your pores). More sebum equals a greater chance of acne. Many sodas are also caffeinated, causing a mild diuretic effect. And right after bariatric surgery, sodas can cause real problems. Bottom line? Stick with water when thirst calls – your body will thank you.
Processed Meats
Cold cuts, sausages, and bacon are great ingredients for quick and easy meals, but since they’re heavy in sodium, they can cause water retention, leading to a puffy, swollen-looking face. Plus, their many preservatives often lead to inflammation within the body, which can cause acne and other not-so-nice effects. Like fried foods, many processed meats tend to be fatty, leading to the overproduction of oil on the face and weight gain. So, next time you’re hankering for beef, pass up the processed stuff and go for lighter, fresher meat selections like baked chicken breast. Your payoff is fresher-looking skin.
Candy
Your parents warned you that treats like chocolate and Sour Patch Kids would ruin your teeth, but they probably didn’t mention the potential damage to your skin. Let us fill you in: The excess sugar content in most candies can spike your blood sugar, leading to a chemical reaction in the body known as glycation. Among other things, glycation can lead to a breakdown of the collagen fibers that help keep your skin springy. Less collagen means more premature aging. Like the different foods and drinks on this list, it’s best to save these extreme sugar bombs for rare occasions. (Your dentist and bariatric surgeon will be happy, too!)
Coffee
If you start your day with a cup (or more) of Java, you’re not doing your complexion any favors. Like alcoholic beverages and sodas, coffee’s diuretic effect can dry you out, making minor imperfections more noticeable. Its caffeine content also causes your body to secrete more cortisol – the so-called “stress hormone” – which can increase acne breakouts. If you prefer to drink your coffee as a sugar-laden concoction, you could also set yourself up for premature aging via glycation (see “Candy” above). For the best possible skin results, forgo coffee entirely. But if you can’t give it up, switch to plain old black coffee and limit yourself to a cup or two daily.
Ice Cream
It’s so delicious! But a regular Rocky Road habit can wreck your skin in more ways than one. Some people find that dairy can aggravate their acne breakouts, and ice cream’s high sugar and fat content affects your skin in much the same ways as fried foods and candy. (See a pattern here?) Make ice cream an occasional ritual to put your best face forward, and opt for non-fat, low-sugar yogurt when you want a cold, sweet treat. As for post-bariatric surgery? Look, the occasional sweet treat is fine, but ice cream is a little too easy to consume…so be very careful with your portions and self-control.
An added benefit to giving up (or limiting) all of these items is the positive impact it will have on your weight loss journey. While all of these culprits damage your skin- they can also be responsible for the inability to lose weight and live your healthiest life. Talk to an experienced surgeon like Dr. Tsuda to understand how you can improve your skin and your life simultaneously.
