Does the food you eat have an impact on the condition of your skin?

July 30, 2019

Does the food you eat have an impact on the condition of your skin?


“You are what you eat.”  We've all heard this expression over the years. When it comes to your skin, this is often the case as well.  Did you know that the foods you consume can have a great impact on the appearance of your skin? Let’s take a look several foods that can wreak havoc on your skin. Is your favorite food on the list?

Salt

Hold the salt shaker! Before you think to add extra salt to your food, know that too much sodium is a big no-no for healthy looking skin. Salt is usually the main cause of puffiness, so if you have bags under your eyes and a puffy face, try cutting back on sodium and you may just see a difference.


White flour products

Eating white bread, pasta, and baked goods made with white flour are bad for the skin. They are known as high glycemic foods and they can contribute to acne flare-ups. If you’re experiencing pimples, try to cut these products out of your diet as much as possible.

Sugar

The next time you’re craving something sweet, grab some antioxidant-rich berries and nix the sugary candies.  Sugar can actually damage the skin’s collagen and elastin fibers, causing them to deteriorate more quickly. The result? Lines and wrinkles. Do you still love sweet flavors? Try raw honey instead of sugar or infuse your water with fruit and skip the soda.

Alcohol

Before you say, “Pour me another,” think of what you are drinking. Consuming more than the occasional glass of wine or having a cocktail on a special occasion may be the culprit if your skin is looking less than stellar. When we have a glass of water, it hydrates our skin. The opposite is true when it comes to alcohol. Alcohol dehydrates the skin, causing it to look dull and sallow. 

Red meat

No one said the occasional burger is out of the question (I just enjoyed one the other night), but a diet high in red meat can cause inflammation. In fact, red meat contains something called arachadonic acid, which can trigger inflammation.If you already have a skin condition such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, red meat may make the condition worse.

Processed foods

Cookies. BBQ chips. Spray cheese in a can... you know the foods to which I am referring. These foods contain many preservatives to increase shelf life. Unfortunately, these include things such as sulfites and sodium nitrate.  These ingredients can cause many different reactions in the skin, from itchiness and redness to rashes. Not only are processed foods lacking in nutritional value, they may be hurting your skin.

Coffee

I know I am not alone in this. I simply cannot function without my morning cup of coffee. Did you know, though, that coffee can actually age the skin? Coffee behaves like a diuretic and can dehydrate the skin, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. To help combat this problem, be sure to drink one glass of water for every cup of coffee you consume to stay properly hydrated.

Another option? If you typically find yourself needing a caffeine pick me up in the afternoon, consider Matcha instead. Matcha is a potent antioxidant that can give you a natural source of energy.

Moderation is key

No one is saying that you need to eliminate the above foods for good. In fact, research suggests that those who allow themselves the occasional food splurge are more likely to make healthy choices the rest of the time. You can make some better choices, though.

Craving something sweet? I like to freeze grapes and eat them as a snack. Another favorite sweet treat? I like to cut a banana in half and freeze it. I then dip it in melted dark chocolate and add some slivered almonds to it. I pop it back in the freezer just for a bit so it firms up. It is delicious!

Or go ahead and have that piece of cake, but have a smaller amount than normal. My friend Nikki and I split dessert when we go out to dinner and we each get to enjoy our sweets, but with a much smaller portion than normal.

Rather than salting your food, try using fresh herbs and spices for added flavor. Small changes for the better can have a positive impact on your complexion.

What can you do?

Be  sure you are pampering your skin with healthy, plant-based skin care. At Seed, we only use plant-based, good for you ingredients. From Sea Kelp and antioxidant-rich Green Tea to ultra luxurious Abyssinian Seed and Argan Oils, our products will help your skin look its best!





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