When it comes to keeping your skin looking healthy, smooth, and radiant as you age, what you put on your face is only part of the equation. Your everyday diet can also influence your complexion, from supporting collagen production and hydration to contributing to inflammation that may make fine lines, dullness, and other signs of aging appear more noticeable. You don’t need to completely overhaul the way you eat to give your skin a little extra support.
In fact, experts say that cutting back on one common food may be a smart place to start if younger-looking, healthier skin is your goal. While enjoying any food occasionally is unlikely to make or break your complexion, regularly eating certain foods can work against some of the processes that help skin stay resilient and vibrant over time. Here’s the one food experts recommend limiting, and why your skin may thank you for it.
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1. Processed Sugar
Eating a lot of processed or added sugar can affect your skin in ways that may make signs of aging more noticeable over time. When there’s more sugar circulating in your bloodstream than your body needs, some of it can attach to proteins such as collagen and elastin—the proteins that help keep skin firm, smooth, and flexible. This process is known as glycation and can make these supportive proteins less effective. A diet high in added sugar may also contribute to inflammation, which can leave some people’s skin looking more irritated, puffy, or prone to breakouts.
Cutting back on processed sugar won’t erase wrinkles overnight, but over time it can help create better conditions for healthy-looking skin. Eating fewer sugary drinks, candies, baked goods, and other foods high in added sugars may help reduce blood-sugar spikes and inflammation while limiting some of the damage associated with glycation. Pair that change with plenty of water and a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and protein, and your skin may look calmer, brighter, and more even. Think of reducing added sugar less as a quick anti-aging trick and more as one way to support your skin’s health from the inside out.
