Is Skin Deep Beauty Really Everything?

For years I did not have a skincare routine. I guess I’ve always been under the impression that they are useless as I have been blessed with skin that almost never breaks out. My friends always exclude me from conversations about new “miraculous” creams and serums meant to make your skin glowy and pretty much perfect.This made me conduct a bit of research on my own and my findings will maybe change your perception of skincare regimens.

Spending considerable amounts on expensive creams will not necessarily make a difference to your complexion. Actually, it has been proven that making a change into your eating habits will protect your skin from breaking out.

Types of foods and drinks that are rich in fats and sugars can cause blemishes and pimples. So next time you go for that nice and juicy piece of junk food, think about how this can affect your skin. That does not mean that you can never eat pizza or chocolate, but rather that the key to a healthy life is moderation.

Here is a list of foods that you might want to avoid to keep your skin healthy:

High-Fat Foods

1. Fast Food: Items like burgers, fries, and fried chicken are high in unhealthy fats and can trigger inflammation, potentially leading to acne.
2. Processed Snacks: Chips, crackers, and packaged baked goods contain trans fats and saturated fats, which can exacerbate acne.
3. Dairy Products: Full-fat dairy products, including cheese and ice cream, have been linked to acne in some studies due to their hormone content.

High-Sugar Foods and Drinks

1. Sugary Beverages: Sodas, energy drinks, and sweetened teas contain high levels of sugar that can spike insulin levels and increase oil production, leading to pimples.
2. Candies and Sweets: Consuming large amounts of candies, chocolates, and other sugary treats can lead to insulin spikes and inflammation, contributing to acne.
3. White Bread and Pasta: Refined carbohydrates found in white bread, pasta, and other processed foods can increase blood sugar levels, leading to increased sebum production and acne.

Combination of Fats and Sugars

1. Pastries and Baked Goods: Doughnuts, cakes, and muffins are typically high in both fats and sugars, making them double trouble for acne-prone skin.
2. Ice Cream: High in sugar and fat, ice cream can contribute to hormonal imbalances and inflammation, leading to breakouts.
3. Pizza: The combination of high-fat cheese and processed, refined flour in the crust can exacerbate acne issues.

Another thing to be considered is the sun. When you spend too much time in the sun with no UV protection, your skin can dry up which can lead to the surface of the skin cracking. The best solution is to apply some sort of sunscreen before going out in the sun.

Lastly, I know you’ve heard it all about how good water is for you and how you’re supposed to drink at least 2L per day. Over 60% of our bodies are composed of water so yes, water is a requirement for our entire body and that includes our skin as well.

In conclusion, it is our lifestyle that dictates the state of our skin. My advice is to use your common sense in your daily life and this should keep your skin healthy and glowing. And remember to scrub and exfoliate.