You are what you eat. It may seem like an old cliché, but it is unquestionably true that the food and drinks that you put into your body can have a profound impact on all aspects of your health and wellness, including the quality of your skin. While it’s a fact that certain foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids can give your complexion a much-needed boost, some foods and ingredients can also do your skin harm. A poor diet can also lead to inflammation which may damage collagen and make your skin look older. For anyone trying to promote the most radiant, healthy-looking skin, we recommend being aware of the following potentially-damaging foods:

White Starches

Foods with a high glycemic index like white bread, bagels, and white potatoes can increase the levels of sugar in your body and cause issues for your skin. Too much sugar in the bloodstream, can damage collagen and lead to inflammation, making your skin more vulnerable to blemishes and other imperfections.

Sweets

As we have already stated, sugar can have adverse effects on your skin. Although they may be delicious, sweets like baked goods and candy can be damaging. Consuming too many sweets can break down the skin’s collagen and elastin, making the complexion look dull and causing the appearance of age signs like wrinkles over time.

Milk

Many skin care experts believe there is a strong link between drinking milk and persistent acne for adults. This is especially true of skim milk. Even after it has been pasteurized, milk is often loaded with growth hormones and growth factors that can make their way into our bloodstream. Once there, they may affect insulin, cause inflammation, and ramp up oil production that can lead to breakouts.

Margarine

It’s true that some fats can be essential for maintaining soft, healthy skin. However, all fats are created equal. The trans fats often found in margarine, can dry out your skin and lead to an increase in fine lines and wrinkles.

If some of your favorite foods are on this list, don’t panic. Enjoying these foods in moderation, as opposed to completely avoiding them, can still make a difference and help you improve the quality of your skin. For more information or to schedule a complimentary skincare analysis appointment, please contact AYA^™ Medical Spa or come into one of our locations (Avalon, Phipps Plaza, Northside) today. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for additional skincare tips, news, and more.