When we talk about glowing skin we often mention getting the right vitamins and minerals from your diet. And when we think of “diet,” many of us focus only on the food we eat — swapping processed foods for more leafy greens or plant-based proteins, for example. Beverages sometimes get swept under the rug, but considering how you may actually be drinking far more frequently throughout the day than eating a meal or snack, it’s important to remember that the right drinks have major skincare benefits. Staying hydrated with water is obviously important, but so is keeping certain drinks that aren’t doing your skin any favors to a minimum.
“The major culprits in any processed drinks are added sugars and chemicals,” said Mark Tager, MD and author of the new book Feed Your Skin Right. “We are really encouraging people to read the labels to see how much added sugar has been included. This is usually in the form of fructose which has metabolic and skin effects. Sugars increase glycation in the body, which is the binding of sugar with protein molecules. When the excess sugar binds to collagen it changes its shape, making it more brittle. This contributes to the fine lines and cross-hatching we see in cheeks and lips. Every chemical has the potential to affect our microbiome which is responsible for creating hormones, neurotransmitters, and short-chain fatty acids that play important roles in skin health and beauty.”
What does this mean in terms of the drinks that you should consider shelving if great skin is a priority? Experts agree: these processed drinks are bad for aging skin.
At the top of the list, you’ll find sugary carbonated beverages. Most experts agree: there are NO benefits to drinking soda, and its sugar content can have a negative effect on your skin.
“The largest ingredient is sugar which has the largest negative impact on the skin,” says Dr. Nadir Qazi, DO , a board-certified physician, cosmetic dermatology surgeon, and owner of Qazi Cosmetic Clinic . “ Inflammation and dehydration are common among excessive soda drinkers. The second primary ingredient in pops and sodas is caffeine, which makes the skin more prone to lines and wrinkles that can take away your skin’s youthful glow.”
To kick your soda habit, Dr. Qazi recommends switching to coconut water. “Coconut water is rich in Vitamins C, K, and A which are all great for the skin,” Dr. Qazi says. “Although coconuts do provide a moderate source of naturally occurring sugar, it’s the refined sugars that steal the skin’s elasticity and provide the harmful toxins.”
“Coffee is among the most acidic and dehydrating beverages on the market,” Dr. Qazi says. “It’s full of toxins that can leave the skin dry and dehydrated, especially when consumed excessively. The caffeine in coffee may bring the rush you desire to get through your day; however, most coffee can rob your skin of the elasticity your desire and reduce your skin’s natural glow.”
Looking for a coffee alternative to kickstart your morning? Dr. Qazi suggests replacing your morning coffee with a morning tea. “Green tea has antioxidants that prevent inflammation, redness, and puffiness from plaguing your skin,” Dr. Qazi says. “Not only can green tea replenish the skin with rich antioxidants, but can also boost collagen production.”
Don’t forget to consider beverages when you’re ramping up your skincare routine. Staying away from sugar and caffeine can help skin stay healthy, at any age.
Lisa Fogarty is a lifestyle writer and reporter based in New York who covers health, wellness, relationships, sex, beauty, and parenting.