Inflammatory culprits

By this point, most of us have blamed a breakout on a chocolate splurge or one too many sugary boozey drinks, but it turns out the relationship between skin and food is even more complex than that. So let’s talk about foods that see more likely to wreak havoc on your skin & can actually cause it to be oily, dry and inflamed. Skin experts have long known that nutritional deficiencies often first manifest by changes in skin quality, and yet, we frequently fail to discuss with our clients the many benefits that diet can have on their skin. I’m a firm believer that the two are connected–what you eat can influence how your skin appears. I hear it from my clients all the time. Below are the main culprits when it comes to skin challenges, but i want to be clear - life is about balance and by no means am i suggesting that you completely cut out these inflammatory baddies.

WORST —

• red meat: I see nothing wrong with indulging in the occasional hamburger but your skin will thank you if your diet focuses on lean sources of protein.

• gluten: Most often found in carbohydrates, and a diet high in carbohydrates is associated with wrinkles/ fine lines.

• sugar: If there were one food to cut back on to improve your skin I would vote for sugar. Sugar speeds up the aging process by making the skin less elastic, which causes premature wrinkles and sagging (this includes alcohol = wine)

• dairy: If you struggle with acne consider a trial of limiting your dairy intake. Dairy products, especially skim ones, have been linked to acne in multiple population studies.