Introduction
Carbohydrates are an essential part of a healthy diet, but did you know that they can also have a positive effect on your skin? Recent studies have shown that certain types of carbs can actually help improve the appearance of your skin. From reducing inflammation to increasing hydration, carbs can be a great addition to your skincare routine. In this article, we’ll explore the surprising side effects carbs have on your skin, according to science. We’ll also discuss which types of carbs are best for your skin and how to incorporate them into your diet. So, if you’re looking for a way to improve your skin’s health, read on to learn more about the surprising benefits of carbs!
Surprising Side Effects Carbs Have On Your Skin, Says Science — Eat This Not That
Carbohydrates are an essential part of a healthy diet, but did you know that they can also have an effect on your skin? According to science, eating too many carbs can lead to a variety of skin issues, from acne to wrinkles. Here’s what you need to know about the surprising side effects carbs have on your skin.
Acne
One of the most common side effects of eating too many carbs is acne. This is because carbs can cause an increase in insulin levels, which can lead to an increase in sebum production. Sebum is the oily substance that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. To avoid this, try to limit your intake of refined carbs, such as white bread, pasta, and sugary snacks.
Wrinkles
Eating too many carbs can also lead to wrinkles. This is because carbs can cause an increase in blood sugar levels, which can damage collagen and elastin in the skin. Collagen and elastin are proteins that help keep skin firm and elastic. To avoid this, try to limit your intake of refined carbs and opt for complex carbs, such as whole grains, legumes, and vegetables.
Dry Skin
Carbs can also lead to dry skin. This is because carbs can cause an increase in insulin levels, which can lead to a decrease in the production of natural oils in the skin. To avoid this, try to limit your intake of refined carbs and opt for complex carbs, such as whole grains, legumes, and vegetables.
Conclusion
Carbs can have a variety of surprising side effects on your skin, from acne to wrinkles. To avoid these issues, try to limit your intake of refined carbs and opt for complex carbs, such as whole grains, legumes, and vegetables. Eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water can also help keep your skin healthy and glowing.
We’ve all had acne at some point in our lives, however, some people have a more severe case than others. And while hormonal changes and medications appear to be the biggest culprits for flare-ups, diet may also play a role.
Aside from acne breakouts, certain foods may even dehydrate our skin or worse, tamper with collagen. Below, we lay out how four different types of carbs could aggravate your skin. And after, don’t miss Eating Habits to Lose Abdominal Fat As You Age, Say Dietitians.
Sugary foods such as donuts, cakes, candy, and other less-sugary refined carbs like white bread may be irritating your skin more so than you think. As cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green recently pointed out to Eat This, Not That!, while the relationship between diet and acne remains controversial, there’s a growing body of evidence that would suggest the two are connected.
“People with acne tend to consume more refined carbohydrates than people with little or no acne,” she said. “Foods rich in refined carbohydrates include bread, crackers, cereal, pasta (all made with white flour), white rice, noodles, sodas, sweetened beverages, cane sugar, maple syrup, and honey or agave.”
Regularly eating refined and processed carbs can cause your blood glucose (sugar) levels to increase rapidly, which then signals the pancreas to release insulin, causing the body to produce more oil which then leads to the development of acne.
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There are about 12 grams of carbs in an 8-ounce cup of 1% cow’s milk, per the USDA. Lactose, which is the naturally occurring sugar and main carbohydrate in cow’s milk, may cause people to have a skin breakout. Some 65% of the global population has a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy, which could be the reason why your skin reacts poorly to dairy.
Additionally, the two main proteins in milk, whey and casein, stimulate growth hormones in calves. The beverage may also yield the same effect in humans, as well. However, when our bodies try to break down these proteins a hormone called IGF-1 is—and it’s known to trigger skin flare-ups. Interestingly, skim milk appears to be the biggest culprit for breakouts, according to a 2014 review in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
Drinking too much alcohol, such as beer (which contains the most carbs out of any alcohol) can cause a slew of health complications over time, however, it may dry out your skin almost immediately. In fact, it may even cause your skin to prematurely age, especially if you’re routinely drinking alcohol and not drinking enough water.
“Alcohol has the ability to speed up the aging process and cause changes to skin’s texture, especially in females if it is not consumed moderately. This is because alcohol acts as a diuretic, it draws out liquid from the body,” Green said.
“Less fluid can lead to dehydration and take away moisture from the skin, contributing to dryness. This can make fine lines and wrinkles appear more pronounced.”
We all love a sweet treat now and then, however, if you find yourself reaching for a bag of Skittles or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups often, you could be damaging the collagen in your skin—aka, the protein that keeps your skin strong and may even promote elasticity and hydration. In fact, foods that comprise white sugar contribute to the formation of what’s called advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which form when protein or fat combines with sugar and ultimately damage collagen. Protect your supple skin by avoiding the candy aisle!
Now, be sure to check out 25 Healthy Foods That Give You Glowing Skin.