Choose a skin friendly diet

Skin changes are a natural part of getting older. However your daily diet and lifestyle can also affect the overall health and appearance of your skin.

Experts say that regularly eating certain foods in large amounts may contribute to skin damage and make wrinkles more noticeable over time.

Many women use expensive skincare products and beauty treatments to reduce signs of aging. But what you eat can also play an important role in keeping your skin healthy.

Refined sugar

Refined sugar is one food to watch. Candies cookies and sugary soft drinks can contain high amounts of added sugar.

Experts say too much sugar may affect collagen in the skin. Collagen is a protein that helps keep skin firm and flexible.  Damage to collagen over time may contribute to the appearance of wrinkles.

Full fat dairy products

Some dairy products are high in saturated fat, which has been linked to negative effects on skin health.

Dermatologist Dr Jessica Krant Margolies says research has linked Western-style diets which are often high in meat and dairy products and low in fibre, with changes in skin structure.

Processed meat

Processed meats are another food that may affect skin health. They can contain high amounts of sodium and eating too much sodium may contribute to puffiness including under the eyes.

Some preservatives used in processed meats may also affect collagen and skin health.

The bottom line

A reduction in collagen can affect the skin’s firmness and elasticity making wrinkles more visible with age. However, skin aging is a complex natural process.  No single food is responsible for wrinkles and overall diet lifestyle genetics and sun exposure all play a role.