What you eat can have a major impact on your skin’s health and appearance. While skincare products play a role, diet is often the hidden culprit behind stubborn skin issues like breakouts, dryness, or dullness. If your skin isn’t responding to your usual routine, certain signs—like inflammation, acne, or uneven tone—could be your body’s way of telling you that your diet needs a closer look.
Dr. Mamina Turegano, a triple-board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist, recently highlighted four common ‘skin issues’ that may actually be linked to your everyday diet. Read on to get all her insights!
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1. Acne
The first and most common skin issue Dr. Turegano points out is acne—and she emphasizes that your diet could be playing a bigger role than you think. According to her, processed sugar and dairy are often the main culprits contributing to breakouts.
Processed sugar can play a major role in acne development. Consuming high-glycemic foods—such as candy, soda, white bread, pastries, sugary cereals, and sweetened beverages—can cause blood sugar and insulin levels to spike quickly. This surge can lead to increased oil production and trigger androgen hormones, which are often linked to clogged pores and breakouts. Dairy, especially skim milk and other low-fat dairy products like flavored yogurts and certain protein shakes, may also contribute to acne.
2. Rosacea
Alcohol, spicy foods, hot beverages, and citrus fruits are commonly linked to triggering or worsening rosacea because they can cause blood vessels to dilate and increase inflammation in the skin. For many people with rosacea, these foods and drinks lead to facial flushing, redness, and flare-ups due to their ability to raise body temperature or irritate sensitive skin.
3. Puffy face, accentuated under-eye bags
Foods high in salt and alcohol can contribute to a puffy face and accentuated under-eye bags because they both cause water retention and dehydration—two key culprits behind facial swelling.
When you consume too much salt, your body retains water to balance sodium levels, often leading to puffiness, especially around the delicate eye area. Alcohol, on the other hand, dehydrates the body and dilates blood vessels, which can cause the skin to appear inflamed or swollen.
4. Psoriasis
Alcohol, refined carbs and sugars, and processed cooking oils can all trigger inflammation in the body, which may worsen psoriasis symptoms by disrupting immune function and promoting skin flare-ups. Together, these dietary choices can feed the inflammatory cycle that drives psoriasis symptoms.
While your diet can absolutely play a role in skin health—triggering inflammation, breakouts, or even accelerating aging—it’s important to remember that persistent skin issues may also signal underlying health concerns. If you’re noticing ongoing problems despite dietary changes, it’s best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist or healthcare provider. They can help you identify root causes and guide you toward a treatment plan that works best for your skin and overall well-being.
