FOODS THAT ARE BAD FOR YOUR SKIN

It has always been well known that chocolate, fried foods and other less-than-healthy eating choices led to breakouts and flawed complexions. However, conflicting studies published in 1969 and 1971 suggested that no link existed between diet and skin problems.  However, new research has revived the theory that certain foods and dietary habits increase the likelihood of acne, wrinkles, irritation, skin cancer and more.

Below are five groups of foods that are bad for your skin.

Carbs and Sugar

Researchers have found a connection between acne and diets packed with refined carbohydrates and sugar such as bread, sweets, pasta, fizzy drinks and juice. These foods cause your blood sugar levels to increase, unleashing hormones that stimulate oil production and make pore-clogging skin cells shed faster. There's also some evidence that diets high in sugar encourage premature aging by damaging collagen and elastin, the connective tissues that keep the skin firm and supple. So if you're prone to acne or "break-outs"or concerned about wrinkles, try replacing processed carbs with more protein, vegetables and whole grains, which don't cause a rise in blood sugar.

Salt

Are you plagued with dark circles under your eyes? Do you look exhausted no matter how much sleep you get? If so you may need to watch your sodium intake. In many cases, the discolouration appears when puffy eyelids and under-eye bags cast shadows on your face. Chances are you're retaining water thanks to last night's kebab. A meal with a high salt intake can, in fact, make your entire face swell. Plus, iodized salt has been linked to breakouts, making it all the more important to avoid foods high in salt.

Alcohol

As anyone who's suffered a hangover knows, alcohol doesn't do your body any favours and it can be particularly rough on your complexion.  Dehydration caused by heavy drinking can lead to dullness, wrinkles and dry skin. It can also trigger flare-ups of skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis. In some people, alcohol dilates the tiny blood vessels near the skin's surface, creating a flushed appearance.  It is also known to rob the body of vitamin A, which helps the skin renew and repair itself through the production of collagen.

Not eating good fats

Not all fats are bad fats and we must remember to keep good fats in our diet.  Our skin requires essential fatty acids to maintain hydration and our body can't produce them on its own. Healthy fats like the omega-3 fatty acids, found in walnuts, soybeans and fatty fish like salmon, help prevent wrinkles, inflammation, dry skin and acne. Olive oil contains oleic acid, which is thought to hydrate the skin, protect against skin cancer and increase absorption of omega-3s and other nutrients. Other oleic acid sources include avocados and nuts such as almond and macadamia.

Dairy Products

In recent years, studies has suggested that dairy products, especially milk, can cause pimples, whiteheads and blackheads in people prone to acne. Researchers think that naturally occurring hormones in milk stimulate the production of sebum and pore-clogging skin cells. If you struggle with hormonal acne, which tends to appear on the chin or along the jaw line, try cutting out dairy to see whether or not there is an improvement.