Did you know that our skin and hair are a reflection of what’s going on inside our bodies? What we eat plays a huge role in how they look and feel. While we often put significant effort into maintaining our bodies — following skincare routines and trying various hair treatments—we tend to overlook a major factor: our diet. The foods we regularly consume could be major red flags for our skin and hair health. From processed, salt-laden junk foods to alcohol, these dietary choices can trigger breakouts, inflammation, premature ageing, and even hair thinning.
Learn which foods to avoid to protect your skin and hair health. (Source- Freepik)
Foods to avoid
Indianexpress.com consulted Dr Anindita Sarkar, chief medical officer and clinically trained dermatologist at AAYNA Clinics, to understand the effects of some foods on skin and hair. She shared a list of food that maybe silently damaging your skin and hair:
- Sugar: Dr Sarkar reasons, “Sugar promotes inflammation, accelerates skin ageing, and may worsen acne by increasing sebum production and insulin levels.”
- Spicy Foods: According to the dermatologist, spicy foods can dilate capillaries and induce facial redness, particularly in rosacea-prone individuals.
- Caffeine: She explains, “Caffeine can lead to dehydration of the skin, making it appear dry and dull. However, it also has some anti-inflammatory effects.”
- Chocolate (especially with sugar and fat): The dermatologist says that chocolate is high in sugar and saturated fats, which may increase inflammation and trigger acne.
- Alcohol: The dermatologist highlights, “alcohol acts as a diuretic, leading to dehydration and dull skin. It also promotes the formation of free radicals which accelerate aging.”
- Processed Foods: She says processed foods are usually heavy in chemical ingredients, additives, and preservatives that might irritate skin or throw off hormone balance, and deficient in vital nutrients.
- Fatty and Fast Foods (including hydrogenated oils): They often lack vitamins and minerals, are high in trans fats and preservatives, and contribute to clogged pores and breakouts, Dr Sarkar says.
- Salt: Dr Sarkar shares that overconsumption of salt causes bloating and water retention, which makes the skin appear puffy, particularly around the eyes.
- Starches from Refined Flour (white bread, pastries, etc.): High-glycaemic index foods can spike insulin levels, potentially worsening acne and contributing to inflammation, the dermatologist explains.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.