Breakfast Habits That Are Aging Your Skin Faster, Say Dietitians
There is nothing wrong with your skin changing over time. Aging skin is a natural process that everyone goes through in the same way that we experience changes throughout our entire body as we age.
While it's something everyone experiences, there are certain things that can accelerate the skin aging process, such as not wearing sunscreen, extreme levels of stress, and poor diet choices.
We wanted to focus on the foods that may cause damage to your skin, so we talked with some expert dietitians about the worst breakfast eating habits that may age your skin faster.
Continue reading to find out what they said, and for more healthy eating tips make sure to check out The 7 Healthiest Foods of All Time.
Eating too much sugar in the morning
We all love a good donut, muffin, or pancake in the morning, but according to Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, author of The First Time Mom's Pregnancy Cookbook and Fueling Male Fertility, "excessive sugar can be wreaking havoc on your skin health."
Consuming large amounts of sugar can lead to the release of advanced glycation end products (or AGEs), which are known to accelerate skin aging. So while grabbing a donut every now and then is totally fine, it's important to be aware that getting in the habit of it can damage your skin health.
Eating white toast instead of whole wheat
Another important thing to consider when it comes to a healthy breakfast is avoiding white bread toast whenever you can. "White grains are stripped of their nutrient-rich properties and are really just another version of sugar," says Courtney D'Angelo, MS, RD, author at GoWellness, "and during the refinement process, the high B-vitamin content is lost."
Whole wheat bread goes through much less processing so it still has its B-vitamins intact, which according to D'Angelo can "help reduce inflammation."
You are skipping the produce
If your egg breakfast is all bacon, egg, and potato and no veggies, you may notice your skin ages faster than your peers. Avoiding certain foods can help in the skin aging process, but there are also foods you can add to your diet that can help you have healthy, glowing skin.
"Fruits and veggies are loaded with antioxidants that can help support healthy skin," says Manaker, "so including berries with your oatmeal or a handful of spinach with your morning eggs can help you get your fill in a natural way."
Adding sweeteners to your coffee
Last but not least, how you make your morning cup of coffee can also impact the way your skin ages over the years. Whether you enjoy a hot cup of coffee or an iced one, adding too much of a sweetener can negatively affect your skin.
"Sugar is pro-inflammatory, promotes an unhealthy microbiome, and can cause blood sugar spikes, which are all characteristics of accelerating the aging process," says D'Angelo.
When it comes to making a healthy breakfast that will give your skin some love, it's important to limit your added sugars and incorporate ingredients like fruits and veggies. And don't forget, staying hydrated is the number one habit to help your skin.
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