There are two main factors that accelerate the ageing process: UV rays and glycation-based products so if you want to maintain your skin young don’t forget to use sunscreen and make sure you keep an eye on your diet. Yes, certain foods can affect the health of your skin and we’ve got the exact list that can help you make some adjustment to your meals.
Now everyone is unique and has a different metabolism and for some people eating some of these foods won’t necessarily lead to collagen loss and total skin damage, but it’s always good to be moderate and eat what’s best for your health, not just for a young skin. So take what’s valuable for you from this list and glow wherever you go!
- Sweet potato fries for French fries
Unfortunately, even if they hit the spot in the satisfaction department, French fries can also determine cellular damage to your skin. In fact, all foods that are fried at high temperatures release free radicals that lead to oxidative stress and accelerate de ageing process, weakening the skin’s elasticity. They are also salty and that can draw water of your skin layers causing dehydration and finally, wrinkling.
A better alternative to French fries is either backed sweet potatoes, either fried sweet potatoes. They contain beta-carotene and other anti-aging compounds that can stimulate collagen production.
- Sprouted bread for white bread
The combo between protein and refined carbs causes the formation of AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products) that increases the risk of chronic diseases and accelerates the ageing process. They create inflammation in the body which directly affects the health of your skin.
A better alternative to white bread is the sprouted grain bread that doesn’t contain refined sugar but it’s rich in good for the skin antioxidants.
- Honey or fruit for white sugar
The worse skin enemy- sugar contributes to collagen loss but also leads to all kinds of skin conditions. It stimulates the AGEs process and speeds up ageing, especially if sunlight is involved. So, the next time you consider eating ice cream on the beach, choose a cold slice of watermelon instead or a sugar-free popsicle.
- Olive oil or avocados for margarine
Do you like butter croissants, bread and butter? Well, you might want to take it easier with that butter knife because the trans fatty acids in butter and the partially hydrogenated oils in the margarine makes the skin vulnerable to UV radiation and damage its elasticity.
You can enjoy an avocado toast instead or an olive oil bruschetta because avocado and olive oil are both rich in antioxidants that can enhance your body’s collagen production.
- Stick with poultry for processed meats
Make sure you remove all the processed meats from your diet because bacon, pepperoni and hot dogs can be extremely harmful for your skin. They contain saturated fats, high amounts of salt and sulfite that weaken the collagen structures, leading to inflammation and a dehydrated skin.
Swap them with leaner meats or more healthy protein sources like eggs or beans. Turkey and chicken meat contain amino acids and proteins that are essential in the collagen formation.
- Feel out dairy
Although it depends from one person to another, dairy products can also increase inflammation and lead to oxidative stress. So choose to eat a diet low in dairies if you want to avoid premature ageing.
Leafy greens, figs, beans and almonds are great plant-based sources of calcium that enhance the collagen production instead.
- Think twice about soda and coffee
Drinks that are high in caffeine not only affect your sleep but they can also be damaging for your skin. Lack of sleep increases the dark circles under your eye and enhances wrinkles formation. And if your coffee also contains sugar or milk, two other ageing factors we’ve discussed, the situation is worse. So try to enjoy a cup of golden milk instead that contains turmeric, a rich in antioxidants ingredient and help your body produce more collagen.
- Drink alcohol in moderation
Alcohol causes a lot of skin problems from puffiness to rosacea and wrinkles. It depletes your body from nutrients, especially from Vitamin A, it leads to dehydration and loss of collagen. Since Vitamin A plays an important role in cells regeneration, make sure you drink alcohol in moderation and always make sure you’re well hydrated while drinking.
- Avoid cooking in high heat
Polyunsaturated oils like sunflower or corn oil can increase the number of free radicals in your body leading to skin inflammation and sorts of other diseases. So if you want to prevent wrinkle formation and to keep your skin hydrated, opt for monosaturated fats instead that are rich in Vitamin E, antioxidants and phytosterols.
- Switch out rice cakes
Rice cakes are bad for your skin because they have a high glycemic index and can increase your blood sugar levels acting as an ageing accelerator. Swap your rice cakes with a healthier snack like humus with carrots or chickpeas that are high in skin-healthy antioxidants.
- Counteract fructose with lipoic acid
Fructose can break down the collagen tissues and speed up wrinkle formation so if you want a plump skin, give up corn and agave syrup because they are even more dangerous than regular sugar. However if it’s hard for you to renounce these sweeteners, make sure you also include ingredients that are high in lipoic acid in your diet to prevent collagen for damage.
There are other ways to keep your skin healthy
Youth Fountain from ALLKME is a natural, plant-based collagen booster that can help your body produce more collagen while increasing your skin’s elasticity, improving its own natural moisture level and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This formula contains 33 natural foods that are high in antioxidants and other skin-healthy ingredients. Achieve no make up confidence with this amazing supplement or embrace a healthy ageing.
