It’s natural for collagen and elastin to break down in your skin. We begin to lose collagen, which is responsible for keeping skin supple, healthy, and youthful looking, as early as our twenties, and the decline happens more rapidly around and after menopause. Lifestyle choices like constant exposure to sunlight and UV rays while not wearing protection breaks collagen down faster. Stress and lack of sleep are all culprits behind collagen loss. But don’t neglect the importance of a well-balanced diet filled with healthy, nourishing foods.
If you want to start with one change to help your skin look its best, try avoiding or keeping these seven collagen-destroying foods, which can contribute to fine lines and sagging.
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Pasta/Rice
You don’t have to cut pasta or rice completely out of your diet, but swapping it for brown rice or wheat pasta, or cutting back on it altogether may help lower your blood sugar levels and prevent inflammation. Refined carbs can damage collagen and skin tissue. Increasing the amount of protein you consume may help fend off any cravings you have for more refined carbs.
Bacon
Processed meats like bacon, ham, hotdogs, and salty deli meats contain nitrates and other chemicals that contribute to inflammation. Signs that your skin is suffering from the effects of inflammation can include more acne, dry patches, and increased eczema or rosacea.
Sugary Cereals
They come disguised as healthy breakfast food options, but many cereals are packed with sugar and are low in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and healthy fats. Once that sugar high ends, you may come crashing down and seeking more sugar before lunchtime. Sugar is also a leading contributor to inflammation in the body.
Soda
Similar to sugary cereals, soda contains an abundance of sugar. Drinking all of that sugar not only leaves you more thirsty and less hydrated than you’d be if you drank water, but it also contributes to inflammation in the body, which shows up on the skin.
Fried Foods
Yummy fried foods like French fries or fried zucchini sticks are major food sources of inflammation that can contribute to a breakdown in collagen. Enjoy them once in a while, but otherwise, try swapping them for air-fried potatoes or oven-baked appetizers.
Bread
Like pasta and rice, bread is a refined carb that tastes so good, but can increase inflammation in your body. Swapping white breads for whole wheat options can help.
Candy
Who doesn’t crave candy once in awhile, especially if you’re bored or driving a long distance and want to keep awake with a little sugar boost. The occasional chocolate bar or Twizzler is fine — but making candy a daily habit can increase inflammation, affect your skin, and cause dental issues.
Moderation is key with these seven foods — none of them will do your collagen any favors.
