6 Foods to Avoid and 3 to Eat for Healthy, Young-Looking Skin

You could classify some foods as enemies of your youthful skin as you age. Professional dieticians and doctors agree that some foods are harmful, not helpful, to maintaining youthful skin. Others when paired with a anti-aging routine can help to restore a more youthful appearance.

1. Rice Cakes

   Once thought to be the best fat minimizer on our planet, scientific studies show that rice cakes cause a dangerous increase in your blood sugar. Your body converts this extra sugar to glucose, which adheres to proteins (like collagen) that combat wrinkles. The glucose damages these wrinkle-fighting proteins beyond repair when the conversion of sugar to glucose happens naturally.

2. Candy

   There is a good reason your teenager has pimply skin. Adolescents are notorious for loving candy, heavily infused with processed sugar. Numerous dermatologists note that in countries and cultures that feature diets not heavy in candy consumption, teens typically do not develop acne. Heavily sugar-dependent candy, as noted above, degrades, if not destroys, both collagen and elastin, both of which keep your skin soft, youthful, and springy.

3. Supposedly “Healthy” Cereal

   Whole grain cereal (contrary to package claims), typically are heavily refined and contains much added sugar. As you now know, this leads to the conversion of sugar to glucose, which promotes skin wrinkling.

4. Milk

   Milk may help your body stay fit, but, it does little to help your skin. Since many dairy cows are fed growth hormones, these added hormones stay “biologically active” even after undergoing pasteurization. Research studies seem to show that these residual hormones traverse to your blood stream wherein they lower insulin production and increase oil production. However, organic milk should be devoid of synthetic growth hormones so it doesn’t impact your skin.

5. Chips

   A popular snack and sandwich companion, chips are loaded with refined carbs, both inflicting damage to collagen proteins and your DNA through “oxidative stress.” This produces excessive so-called fine lines and wrinkles. A research study (2014), published in The Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, named refined carbs as the primary cause of adult wrinkles and acne.

6. Juices and Soda

   Juices, although supposedly good for your body, are also noted for their sugar delivery efficiency. Lacking fiber, you experience increases in blood sugar, which prematurely ages your skin.

3 Plus 1 Foods that You Should Eat Daily to Keep Skin Youthful

These three foods promote flawless skin and you should eat them whenever possible.

1. Eggs
   

   Once judged to be harmful to your cardio-thoracic system, eggs are now recommended. Why? Eggs are loaded with protein, while offering little fat. Containing healthy doses of vitamin A, eggs reduce dry skin, the appearance of wrinkles and brown spots that come with aging skin.

2. Spinach and Strawberries

   With large amounts of vitamin C, spinach promotes skin cell growth, keeping your skin looking “plump” and refreshingly youthful. Strawberries, also containing vitamin C, promote healthy skin. They are also naturally sweet and tasty. Some nutritionists recommend adding strawberries to a spinach salad for a double dose of vitamin C.

3. Wild-Caught Salmon and Sweet Potatoes

   Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that help your skin stay moisturized, wild salmon (not farm raised) is great for your skin. Moisturizing your skin from inside out, eating wild caught salmon keeps your skin hydrated, critically important for youthful looking skin.

   Sweet potatoes promote healthier, youthful skin. Why? They deliver the vital antioxidant, beta-carotene. This antioxidant is noted for preventing both fine lines and wrinkles to your aging skin.

4. Bonus Food: Olive Oil

   The bottom line: The more olive oil you consume, the younger your skin will look. Dr. Paula Moynahan suggests, “When you cook, use olive oil instead of vegetable or canola oil. If you like seasoned breadsticks, you’ll love using olive oil for dipping freshly baked bread.” Your breadsticks morph into a treasured appetizer, instead of a tummy filler before your meal.

Summary

Your skin needs moisture to keep its youthful smooth elasticity. Some foods are helpful to your skin, while others are harmful. Some of the harmful foods deliver positive results to your overall health, but have negative effects on your skin.

Fortunately, the skin-positive foods are tasty – and effective – in promoting healthy skin. Eating wild salmon also helps your cardio (heart) health (omega-3 fatty acids), while moisturizing and hydrating your skin.

Paula Moynahan

Dr. Paula Moynahan is a double board certified plastic surgeon in Connecticut and and New York state. She is focused on addressing the signs of aging through various treatments including surgery, nutrition, and skin treatments.