Foods to avoid for healthy skin

We all know that diet is the key to good health, but are we aware that skin health also depends on how we eat? There are certain foods that, by common sense, we know are not healthy at all; however, there are others that we consume without fear and that may be responsible for premature wrinkles, dry skin, dermatitis, or the dreaded cellulite. Shall we review the foods you should avoid for healthy skin?

Sugar and other artificial sweeteners

Sugar weakens the skin and reduces the production of collagen and elastin, which promotes the appearance of wrinkles and sagging.

Many would consider artificial sweeteners a healthy alternative to replace refined sugar; however, sweeteners like aspartame or saccharin can cause facial irritation and eyelid inflammation.

To prevent these reactions, it is best to consider consuming natural alternatives, such as honey or stevia.

Milk (of animal origin)

High consumption of dairy products can lead to acne because there is a higher amount of hormones that stimulate the production of sebaceous glands. Furthermore, there is a lot of evidence that a large percentage of the population is intolerant to animal-based milk without knowing it, which translates into poor digestion, mucus, and episodes of dermatitis. If you suspect that milk is not sitting well with you, try plant-based milks, which are much lower in fat and easier to digest—you know: almond, rice, oat, soy, hazelnut... Mmm! Delicious!

Salt

Excessive salt consumption causes dryness of the eyes, skin, and scalp; this lack of hydration leads to premature wrinkles. But excess salt also causes swelling in the legs, ankles, and eyelids. If you want to forget about cellulite, bags under your eyes, and dark circles, one of your first steps should be to eat without salt. Your health and your skin will thank you.

Coffee

You are considered to be overdoing it with coffee after the third cup... Because it generates an increase in levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), which accelerates aging, dehydration, and dullness of the dermis. In other words, you wake up, but your face is a sorry sight! It is much better to play sports, which, believe it or not, generates energy for the whole day, produces endorphins, and makes you feel happier.

Alcohol

Alcohol is associated with the loss of vitamin A, the substance responsible for the regeneration of hair, skin, and nails.

When this vitamin is missing, the production of collagen and elastin slows down, translating in the long term into a lack of flexibility, luminosity, hydration, and thickness of the skin.

Processed foods

We already know that almost all processed and industrial foods are not exactly healthy, yet we still consume them from time to time. In addition to weakening the metabolism and causing circulatory problems, they also result in poorly oxygenated skin and a deterioration of its appearance. So, one more reason not to consume them!

You know that if you want healthy, toxin-free skin, you must take care of yourself from the inside out. Go Herberos!