Can What You Eat and Drink Affect Your Skin?

You know the saying: you are what you eat.

In truth, we all know it’s not that literal, but what we eat plays a major role in how our body and skin function. A very common skin condition that most people want to get rid of (or prevent) is cellulite. Cellulite is characterized by fat deposits underneath the skin. It’s a common skin condition that affects people who are slim or plus-sized, affecting more women than men.  

There are many skincare products on the market that claim to treat cellulite. Some of these skincare products are gimmicks. Others are all-natural, effective, and get the job done. You know about skincare products for cellulite, but what foods and drinks cause cellulite? What role do the ingredients in our fridge play, if any? 

Without leaving you in suspense, the answer is yes, your diet plays a significant role in how your skin looks and feels. If you have cellulite and don’t want to exacerbate the problem, these are the ingredients to avoid in your diet, as they result in three primary factors: inflammation, glycation, and excess fats, which all form cellulite.

Sugar

Certain foods not only worsen the problem but can also cause it. Sugar is one of the major causes of cellulite, as it can produce more fat cells in the body. Additionally, it causes inflammation and glycation. You've probably heard of inflammation, but what is glycation?

Simply put, glycation is the process in which excess glucose exists in skin fibers, which can trigger an adherence of sugar molecules in collagen, elastin, and proteins. It’s also responsible for many health conditions, such as diabetes. As a general rule of thumb, avoid foods and drinks that have high amounts of sugar. Some common culprits are:

• Drinks: soda, juice, sports drinks, energy drinks
• Foods: candy, pastries/baked goods, ice cream, yogurt 

Carbohydrates

Carbs can cause cellulite, even healthy complex carbs, such as beans and whole grains. If eaten in excess, these foods can lead to fat, which may result in cellulite. This isn’t to say you should avoid complex carbs, but you should consume them in moderation. Refined carbs, such as cereals, fruits, bread, and pastries are even more likely to cause this common skin condition and should be eaten sparingly, if at all. 

Oils

Just like carbs, there are good oils and bad oils. Oils such as olive, avocado, and grapeseed are some of the healthier oils to enjoy. Palm oil and partially hydrogenated oils are on the list to avoid. However, no matter what oil you use, all types are high in calories.

Our recommendation is to completely avoid processed oils and oils with saturated fats. Eat healthy oils in moderation. We understand that oil is an essential part of cooking, so it may be difficult to replace. Consider these healthier, low-calorie alternatives:

• Water
• Jarred condiments
• Tahini
• Apple sauce

A good diet and good skincare products can improve your skin. Just remember this short list of ingredients and foods that cause cellulite and apply smart choices, without cutting out all the foods you enjoy.