5 Foods You Didn't Realize Are Inflaming Your Skin

Millions of Americans suffer from inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis. Inflammation is an immune system reaction, and while most people know medication can help their symptoms, they don’t realize that a few simple dietary changes can also make a big difference.

The Vivash Medspa team is committed to helping patients enjoy healthy, vibrant skin at every age, which means incorporating regular facial treatments and lifestyle changes to support skin health. Our team identifies five common foods that could affect your skin.

1. Sugary foods and refined carbs

Most people know that sugar consumption can lead to diabetes, weight gain, and cavities, but it can also significantly damage skin health. This includes sugars in sweet foods and refined carbohydrates in white-flour products, such as white bread, white pasta, and many baked goods.

Sugar consumption causes blood sugar spikes, which in turn trigger hormones responsible for oil production in the skin. This leads to clogged pores, inflammation, and an increase in skin symptoms, such as redness and breakouts.

High blood sugar levels also damage collagen and elastin, two proteins that help keep skin firm, smooth, and resilient. A high-sugar diet damages these protein fibers, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of premature aging.

Try snacking on fruit and using natural sweeteners sparingly. Another smart move is to replace white-flour foods with whole-grain options.

2. Processed meat and deli meat

Hot dogs, sausages, bacon, and cold cuts may taste great, but they’re very high in saturated fats, preservatives, and other chemicals that can trigger inflammation. Most processed meats also contain high levels of salt, which can dehydrate the skin and compromise its natural protective barrier. 

Instead, opt for lean proteins, like poultry, or plant-based proteins, like beans or tofu. Nuts and seeds (unsalted or lightly salted) can help satisfy cravings for salts and fats.

3. Dairy products

Dairy provides your body with calcium and other important nutrients, but it can also be a source of inflammation for many people. People who are lactose intolerant may be especially prone to dairy’s inflammatory effects, but hormones and fats in whole milk products may play a role, too.

The best way to determine whether dairy affects your skin is to keep a food diary, tracking your diet and noting any increase in symptoms, such as breakouts or redness. You can also opt for low-fat dairy or plant-based products, like almond or oat milk. 

4. Fried foods

Fried foods are undoubtedly popular, but unfortunately, they can also significantly cause inflammation. They are often high in unhealthy fats that trigger inflammation in the skin and elsewhere in the body. Frying typically involves high temperatures that break down oils, resulting in chemicals called free radicals that can contribute to premature aging.

Ideally, you should avoid fried foods whenever possible, but if you need to indulge, consider investing in an air fryer and using olive or avocado oil. 

5. Alcohol

After all this data about inflammation and skin, you might feel like you ended a drink to relax. But don't overdo it: Alcohol increases the risk of inflammation, too. Alcohol dehydrates your body, increasing the risk of irritation. It also dilates blood vessels, making redness worse.

For clearer skin, opt for mocktails using fresh fruit juice, or better still, drink water (flavored with fresh fruit chunks, berries, melon, or cucumber if you like).

Improve your diet, improve your skin

While some foods can cause inflammation, others help prevent it. Eating anti-inflammatory foods is a great way to nourish your skin and provide it with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and beautiful.

Common anti-inflammatory foods include:

• Leafy greens
• Colorful fruits and vegetables
• Berries
• Lean proteins
• Whole grains
• Healthy fats (in moderation), like olive oil and avocado oil 
• Oily fish
• Plant-based foods

Baking and steaming instead of frying also help you avoid unhealthy oils. You can also invest in an air fryer for crisp food without excess fats. 

Improving your diet and regular skincare are important for your skin. To learn more about the treatments we offer that can help your skin look and feel great, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Vivash Medspa in Mahopac and Cold Spring, New York, today.