Taking care of your skin involves more than just a skincare regimen; your diet plays a crucial role in keeping you looking youthful. Dr. Suganya Naidu, the Medical Director at Skinmatics, outlines 5 foods that could be accelerating the ageing process, no matter how diligent you are with creams and serums.

1. Sugar
Too much sugar leads to a process called glycation, which weakens your skin’s collagen and causes it to lose firmness and glow. Dr. Naidu warns that sugary treats like cakes can contribute to fine lines, especially around your eyes, commonly known as crow’s feet.

2. White bread and pasta
These refined carbohydrates cause a surge in blood sugar, which, in turn, damages your skin’s collagen. Dr. Naidu explains that these foods can weaken your skin’s elasticity, essentially “toasting” it from the inside out.

3. Salty snacks
Even if you skip sugary foods, excessive salt is just as damaging. Sodium-filled snacks like chips lead to water retention, resulting in puffiness and a tired look. Dr. Naidu aptly describes it as “chipmunk cheeks” the next day.

4. Alcohol
While a drink may help you unwind, alcohol leaves your skin dehydrated, causes redness, and dilates blood vessels, leading to a dull complexion that’s hard to refresh.

5. Trans fats
These unhealthy fats, found in fried and processed foods, produce free radicals that quicken the ageing process. Dr. Naidu describes them as “crispy on the outside but wrinkly inside,” a painful truth for the skin.

To keep your skin radiant and youthful, be mindful of what you consume.