Sweets
Sugar
overload1 may kick-start a process called
glycation(糖化).
The theory: When you eat more sugar than your cells can process, the excess sugar
molecules2 combine with proteins, creating "advanced glycation end products" (appropriately referred to as "AGES"), explains Dr. Ostad. Ultimately, AGES may damage your skin's
collagen(胶原) (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," says Brian Kantor, a
cosmetic3 dentist who practices in New York City. If you treat yourself to something sweet, swish water around your mouth
afterward4 to remove any buildup.
Alcohol
A healthy liver means healthy skin.
"When your liver is functioning well,
toxins5 that could potentially affect the skin are expelled naturally through your body," says Dr. Ostad. "But if toxins build up in your liver, and aren't broken down properly, your skin can develop a variety of issues, like
acne(痤疮),
sallowness(灰黄), 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.
"
Inadequate6 sleep is linked to wrinkles,
uneven7 pigmentation, and reduced skin elasticity," says Dr. Ostad.
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
enamel8 and makes your teeth more
prone9 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(搪瓷,珐琅).
"You need to give your teeth time to remineralize after being bathed in an acidic beverage," says Maureen McAndrew, clinical professor at the New York University School of Dentistry. "I'd wait an hour after drinking before lifting a toothbrush."
That black
char10 on your burger? It may contain pro-inflammatory
hydrocarbons12, which could present a problem since inflammation breaks down the collagen in your skin, explains Dr. Ostad.
You don't necessarily need to
banish13 BBQ from your vocab, but at least make sure you scrape off the black stuff, and clean the
grill14 afterward so you don't contaminate your next meal.
Salty foods
You might not cook with salt, but that doesn't guarantee your
intake15 is low.
"Many canned foods are preserved with
sodium16, which can make you retain water and cause a 'puffy' look," says Ranella Hirsch, MD, former president of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology &
Aesthetic17 Surgery, and
dermatologist18 practicing in Massachusetts.
If you need a quick fix, combat fluid
retention19 with a moisturizer that contains caffeine (it's known for reducing puffiness when
applied20 topically).
Processed meats
Think: Deli meat, sausage, and bacon.
"Many of these meats have sulfites and other
preservatives21, which can trigger inflammation in the skin, and accelerate the appearance of aging," says Dr. Ostad. 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
swapping22 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.