after a series of holiday parties, BBQs, or mojito-
filled beach days: "What you eat affects your skin
—for better or worse," said Dr. Ariel Ostad,
fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.
While a few indulgences won't age you overnight,
a continuously poor diet can accelerate the aging
process of your skin (and teeth) over time. Here,
6 foods to consume in moderation in order to
look as young as you feel.
Health.com: 13 Everyday Habits That Age You
Faster
Sweets
Sugar overload may kick-start a process called
glycation. The theory: When you eat more sugar
than your cells can process, the excess sugar
molecules combine with proteins, creating
"advanced glycation end
products" (appropriately referred to as "AGES"),
explained Ostad. Ultimately, AGES may damage
your skin's collagen (the protein that keeps skin
firm and youthful).
Unsurprisingly, too much sweet stuff is also bad
for your smile.
"Sugar sticks to your teeth, encouraging bacteria,
decay, and discoloration," said Brian Kantor, a
cosmetic dentist who practices in New York City.
If you treat yourself to something sweet, swish
water around your mouth afterward to remove
any buildup.
Health.com: 10 Easy Ways to Slash Sugar From
Your Diet
Alcohol
A healthy liver means healthy skin.
"When your liver is functioning well, toxins that
could potentially affect the skin are expelled
naturally through your body," Ostad said. "But if
toxins build up in your liver, and aren't broken
down properly, your skin can develop a variety of
issues, like acne, sallowness, and wrinkles."
Drinking can also trigger rosacea outbreaks.
To top it off, alcohol is dehydrating and bad for
your sleep, which was associated with
accelerated aging in a Case Western Reserve
University study.
"Inadequate sleep is linked to wrinkles, uneven
pigmentation, and reduced skin elasticity," Ostad
said.
Charred meat
That black char on your burger? It may contain
pro-inflammatory hydrocarbons, which could
present a problem since inflammation breaks
down the collagen in your skin, explained Ostad.
You don't necessarily need to banish BBQ from
your vocab, but at least make sure you scrape off
the black stuff, and clean the grill afterward so
you don't contaminate your next meal.
Health.com: 6 Ways to Have a Healthier
Barbecue
White wine
White wine falls into its own category because of
its surprising dental damage. While a glass of red
will give you instant "wine mouth," the acid in
white wine damages your enamel and makes
your teeth more prone to longer-lasting stains.
So if you always end your day with a glass of
chardonnay, your teeth may be more vulnerable
to those coffee stains the next morning.
Here's what not to do: brush your teeth
immediately after drinking (same goes for any
acidic drink). Brushing already acidic teeth can
further the erosion of your enamel.
"You need to give your teeth time to remineralize
after being bathed in an acidic beverage," said
Maureen McAndrew, clinical professor at the
New York University School of Dentistry. "I'd
wait an hour after drinking before lifting a
toothbrush."
Salty foods
You might not cook with salt, but that doesn't
guarantee your intake is low.
"Many canned foods are preserved with sodium,
which can make you retain water and cause a
'puffy' look," said Dr. Ranella Hirsch, former
president of the American Society of Cosmetic
Dermatology & Aesthetic Surgery, and
dermatologist practicing in Massachusetts.
If you need a quick fix, combat fluid retention
with a moisturizer that contains caffeine (it's
known for reducing puffiness when applied
topically).
Health.com: 13 Shockingly Salty Foods
Processed meats
Think: Deli meat, sausage, and bacon.
"Many of these meats have sulfites and other
preservatives, which can trigger inflammation in
the skin, and accelerate the appearance of aging,"
Ostad said.
They also tend to be high in salt, which can make
you look puffy. (Not to mention, processed red
meats have been linked to heart disease.) Try
swapping the deli meat on your sandwich for
chicken or turkey. If you can't say goodbye for
good, use less meat, and load up on veggies.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld from Glo Mobile.