What you drink can have just as much impact on your skin as what you apply to it. While some beverages hydrate and nourish your skin from the inside out, others can do quite the opposite—contributing to dryness, inflammation, and premature aging. From dehydrating diuretics to sugary sips that break down collagen, certain drinks may be silently making your skin look older than it is.
Dr. Shintani, a Harvard-trained doctor and nutritionist, revealed six beverages to avoid drinking because they can make your skin look older. Read on to learn more.
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1. Soft drinks
He says “these six beverages are not good for your skin,” adding that the number one culprit is soft drinks.
Soft drinks are loaded with added sugars, which trigger a process called glycation. In this process, sugar molecules bind to collagen and elastin proteins, making them stiff and brittle. Over time, this leads to wrinkles, sagging, and loss of skin elasticity.
“This is no surprise because its high sugar content spikes blood sugar levels, which can cause cross-leakage of skin collagen and cause wrinkles.”
2. Diet soda
Diet sodas may be calorie-free, but they’re far from skin-friendly—especially when it comes to premature aging. While marketed as a healthier alternative to sugary drinks, diet sodas can actually contribute to skin aging.
“Diet sodas and artificially sweetened beverages are no better because they promote inflammation that can also damage the skin," he notes.
3. Alcohol
Alcohol can age your skin more quickly by dehydrating your body and skin, which can make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable.
“Alcohol is bad for your skin because it’s dehydrating,” he says.
4. Energy drinks
Energy drinks can contribute to premature skin aging due to their high sugar and caffeine content. The excess sugar can trigger a process called glycation, which damages collagen and elastin—the proteins that keep your skin firm and youthful—leading to sagging and wrinkles.
Dr. Shintani says, “Energy drinks only have sugar or sugar substitutes in them, but the caffeine intake from them is also dehydrating.”
5. Dairy food
Dairy-based drinks, like milkshakes or lattes, can potentially accelerate skin aging for some people—especially those who are sensitive to dairy. Dairy can stimulate oil production and inflammation, which may worsen skin conditions like acne or rosacea, creating an uneven or aged appearance.
“Research indicates that dairy in any form can increase the risk of acne,” he says.
6. Frappuccino
Frappuccinos may be delicious, but they’re also one of the worst beverages for your skin’s youthful appearance. These popular blended drinks are typically loaded with sugar, dairy, and caffeine—a triple threat when it comes to premature aging. Dr. Shintani calls out this specific drink because of its “combination of high sugar, high caffeine, and milk, all of which are not good for the skin.”
