Common foods that are secretly giving you acne, under eye bags and more

You may have heard of 'superfoods' - the sort of things foodies are keen to get their hands on in the latest craze to help improve health. However, while you're eating all these superfoods, you may be unaware that there are common food items you're also consuming which are harming your skin.

All of this could be rendering your hard work useless. The interest in natural methods for healthier skin continues to rise with people keen to save money amid rising costs - and the last thing people want to do is spend money and get no results.

Dr Dave Reily, Head Scientist at Absolute Collagen, has warned that common foods could be making your skin worse. He explains: "It’s no secret that what we eat directly impacts our health and well-being. While many of us know how our diet affects our digestion, and energy levels, we often overlook its effects on our skin."

The expert suggests that our diet plays a significant role in maintaining a youthful appearance, potentially influencing conditions such as acne and dryness. Therefore, it is crucial to be mindful of the foods we consume, especially as we grow older and our natural collagen production diminishes.

As collagen levels in our skin decline, the impact of poor dietary habits on our appearance becomes even more pronounced, experts caution. So to help you get the most out of your diet Senior Scientist at Dr Reilly, has shared five foods to avoid if you want healthier-looking skin. Here's what you should know.

Five common foods to cut down on for better skin

1. Excessive salt

Whilst salt is tasty, as we all know too much isn't good for us. An excessive salt intake can lead to water retention in the body, making your skin look bloated and puffy.

This side effect is especially noticeable in the delicate skin around your eyes. This can easily contribute to the increased appearance of undereye bags.

Branching out on the types of herbs and spices you use in your cooking is a great way to reduce your reliance on salt. You should also read product labels, keeping a close eye on the sodium content of your frequent buys, the experts say.

If you're finding it difficult to cut down on salt, try to stay well-hydrated. Consuming ample water can assist in eliminating excess sodium from your body, which may help in reducing puffiness in the skin.

2. White bread

The allure of a freshly baked baguette or a crusty ciabatta is undeniable, yet foods with a high glycaemic index like white bread can significantly affect your skin when not consumed in moderation. This happens because the sugar molecules in white bread bind to the collagen proteins in our body which weakens them.

Collagen is a major component of our ligaments and connective tissue, with wound-healing and skin-boosting properties. When this collagen is weakened, it increases the likelihood of fine lines and wrinkles over time.

Luckily you can still have bread, don't worry. Just opt for alternatives like multigrain, granary, and seeded bread, which are lower on the glycaemic index, if you can.

3. Alcohol

While water is crucial for maintaining skin hydration, alcohol sits at the other end of the spectrum and consuming too much can lead to dehydration and a lacklustre complexion. This is because alcohol is a diuretic, meaning the body releases more urine, losing more water, salt and nutrients than usual. The increased loss of vital nutrients impacts your body performing other functions, such as collagen production.

The optimal solution is to minimise alcohol consumption. However, for those who wish to indulge occasionally, reducing intake can significantly benefit your skin's appearance. Consider trying a sober weekend each month or opting for a low-alcohol version of your preferred beverage.

4. Processed meats

The sun is coming out even more and whilst this means more and more BBQs, too many processed meats in your diet, such as bacon, sausages and deli meats, could be causing harm to your skin. This is due to the fact that such products frequently contain elevated levels of hormones and antibiotics, which can lead to hormonal imbalances in the body.

This imbalance subjects your body to stress, leading to numerous skin-related side effects. These may range from increased oiliness and acne breakouts to potentially worsening conditions such as dry, flaky, and inflamed skin. Because of this, it's best to eat these foods in moderation.

5. Dairy products

Just like processed meats, there's lots of dairy products such as non-organic milk and processed cheeses which may contain high levels of hormones. This can contribute to hormone imbalances, leading to increased oil production and breakouts.

To avoid this, try swapping cow's milk for nut milk or opting for organic dairy products, which typically have lower hormone levels. You can also try to incorporate more of the dairy products that can actually aid your skin’s appearance into your diet. For instance, high-protein dairy products like Greek yoghurt and cottage cheese can help to repair skin tissue, making your skin look healthier and brighter.