Although aging is an inevitable and natural process, there may be other factors that hasten it. Dermatologists have observed that certain habits, skincare routines, and diets can accelerate aging and lead to premature wrinkling. There are specific processed foods and beverages that contribute to dehydrating skin, impairing your ability to age gracefully. We consulted with experts who identified four of these processed items and explained how each one can affect your skin’s hydration and aging.
Read on for suggestions and insight from Dr. Simran Sethi, MD, founder of RenewMD and skin by Dr. Simran Sethi, Dr. Elaine F. Kung, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Future Bright Dermatology, Dr. Cheryl Rosen, Director of Dermatology at BowTied Life and Dr. Jose Mier, Founder of Heliotherapy Research Institute and skin health expert.
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2 Salty Snacks That Can Speed Up Aging & Wrinkling, According To The Pros
1. Potato Chips
Many kinds of potato chips have super high salt content. Sethi notes that these foods will never help hydrate your skin (and this can contribute to faster wrinkling along with cracking and peeling). "Due to osmotic pressure, salt draws water out of cells, including skin cells, leading to dry skin,” Sethi explains.
Instead of salt, she suggests to try "seasoning foods with lemon, black or red pepper and dried herbs." Sethi adds that "over time, the body will stop craving higher levels of salt while remaining more hydrated."
2. Instant Noodles
Kung says that instant noodles are also loaded with sodium, which can also dehydrate your skin (leading to premature aging if eaten in excess along with similar foods). "Scientific studies have demonstrated that high salt intake has been shown to impair dermal tissue remodeling, inflammation in the skin, and increase hormonal vasoreactivity," Kung warns.
Therefore, she goes on, "salt may have implications in wound healing and aging." MSG is another ingredient in this food that can mean a more inflamed complexion. Ultimately, Kung says it's "well known to induce flushing of the skin, which can worsen conditions like acne rosacea."
2 Sugary Beverages That Lead To Dehydrated Skin
1. Soda
There are plenty of negative health effects of drinking soda that you’re probably aware of, like its sugary contents leading to weight gain or tooth decay, but what about your skin? “Many people don't realize that drinking soda can be bad for their skin,” Rosen explains. “Soda is loaded with sugar and empty calories, which can lead to weight gain, but the sugar in soda can also have a negative impact on your skin.”
Rosen says that heavy amounts of soda every day can lead to premature or faster aging because “it's packed with sugar and chemicals” that are harmful to the body. “Chemicals like phosphorus, potassium, and caffeine leach minerals from the bones and can damage the cells in the body. The sugar in soda is one of the leading causes of diabetes, which can also lead to premature aging,” she continues.
When you drink soda, Rosen notes, the sugar molecules bind to proteins in your skin, causing inflammation and acne. Soda can also “dry out your skin,” and make it more “susceptible” to wrinkles, and because soda contains caffeine, it can “dehydrate you, which can further damage your skin.”
2. Energy Drinks
The skin around your eyes is delicate, and as we age, it's normal to lose moisture in this area. Rather than hydrating this skin, energy drinks can dehydrate it, Mier warns.
Drinking these often can cause a sunken look— and ultimately mean darker under-eyes and more fine lines. These beverages "force the brain to stay alert," he says, which leads to poor sleep and puffy eyes, and "thin under-eye areas are prone to hyperpigmentation and itchiness."
Mier notes that caffeine often found in energy drinks inhibits the body's ability to remove fluid from tissues, and fluid builds up in tissues under the eyes— causing them to swell. The caffeine also constricts the blood vessels in that area, he says, which increases blood flow and even more swelling.
While some people may not be affected by caffeine, experts say, others are particularly sensitive to it. Like sodas, energy drinks have a diuretic (water-losing) effect, he stresses, making them a less-than-ideal drink of choice, even if you need a boost of caffeine. Thankfully, there are healthier choices that can help you not only stay awake, but keep your complexion looking radiant.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, our experts conclude that avoiding sugars and added chemicals whenever possible (and taking note of how much of this you consume on a daily basis) can help your skin look brighter, more hydrated and youthful. That is, if you also drink enough water, eat a balanced diet and use skincare products recommended by your dermatologist, as well!
