Salty Foods
In moderation, salt is good for you, but in excess it can have an adverse effect on your skin, says Keith-Thomas Ayoob, PhD. Foods that are high in sodium lead to water retention, which can lead to a puffy, swollen appearance. If you’ve gone out to eat or accidentally gone a little heavy with the salt while cooking dinner, make sure to drink plenty of water to flush it out of your system.
Dairy
Amy Shapiro, RD says that while everyone is different, some people may age faster depending on their dairy consumption and their sensitivity to dairy. Allergies and sensitivities to dairy can create skin conditions that can speed up the aging process. Shapiro says, “Dairy foods can cause some individuals to get skin reactions, such as eczema or psoriasis, itchy red, scaly patches on the skin that are red and inflamed…They can exacerbate these skin issues and, often times, when we eliminate dairy, the skin improves.”
Popcorn
Skip the movie theatre popcorn and the microwave popcorn! They’re both loaded with salt and trans fat that speeds up the aging process. To make popcorn a healthier snack, choose DIY popcorn.
Sugary Drinks
It’s no secret that sodas, sugary cocktails and powdered beverages are unhealthy drinks that should be avoided at all costs. Here’s one more reason you should steer clear of sugary drinks: “Colas contain phosphoric acid, which can speed up erosion to the enamel…Bad teeth will make you appear older than you are, and all those empty calories aren’t doing you any favors either,” says Ayoob.
Alcohol
The key to looking youthful? Hydration! Anything that drains hydration from your pores will make you look much older than you are. When you combine excessive alcohol consumption with poor sleeping habits, you’re setting yourself up to prematurely age. Ayoob says that heavy drinking paired with poor sleep can lead to dehydration, which will ultimately lead to wrinkles and fine lines. He says, “Drinking alcohol can make you sleepy at first, but there’s a rebound effect later on that can prevent good quality, deep sleep,” he notes. He continues, “One or two drinks are fine, but more than that also puts a strain on the liver, which is the body’s detox organ.”
