Characterised by discolouration or bumpy skin, skin inflammation is a common concern amongst women and often takes the form of acne or puffy skin. While skin inflammation can be attributed to sun damage, many a times it is the foods we consume that are the real monsters behind inflamed skin. Want to know what these foods that can lead to skin inflammation are? Here’s a low-down...
 

Sugar

Sugar

A simple carbohydrate like refined sugar serves as an instant cause of inflammation for your skin. Consuming these foods cause your insulin levels to spike leading to inflammation in your skin, which means your skin could very well suffer a bout of acne or any kind of allergy. But that’s not the only thing that makes sugar so harmful for your skin. The bad news is that inflammation also breaks down collagen, which leads to saggy and dull skin. So cut it down, stat!

 

Processed meat

Processed meat

Sausages, hot dogs and bacon—these are the foods you need to stay away from if you want to save your skin. These meats are high in saturated fats and contain inflammatory compounds and preservatives that slowly damage our immune system resulting in digestive disorders and skin irritations. Hence, if you’ve been suffering from skin concerns and stomach infections, it’s best to stay away from processed meat.

 

Dairy

Dairy

Dairy contains natural hormones that can lead to inflammation in the skin. Sounds absurd but when you drink milk, you are, basically, consuming hormones from both the male and female cows involved in reproduction. What’s worse, lactose is known to raise blood sugar, which is one of the prime causes of skin inflammation.

 

Sodas

Sodas

If you love your aerated drinks and sodas, know this—your skin doesn’t feel the same way. The reason being sodas lack fiber—a nutrient imperative for your skin since it prevents blood sugar fluctuations. In the absence of that, your skin suffers from skin inflammation and premature ageing.

 

Fried foods

Fried foods

Yes, you love your French fries but are they doing any good to your body? Hell no! What’s worse, along with slowing your metabolism down, they’re causing acne by increasing the sebum production in your skin. When food is fried in high temperatures, they produce high levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which leads to skin inflammation. So the next time you get a fried food craving, it’s time to think about the repercussions.

 

Gluten

Gluten

If you have acne prone or irritable skin, gluten can mean danger to your skin. This is because gluten raises your insulin levels, which makes your acne worse. The surge of insulin also leads to excess of male hormones, which worsens your breakouts. That’s not all, gluten makes your gut more permeable—something that causes your immune system to become sensitive and lead to inflammation in the form of acne and rashes. Hence, it’s best to cut down on foods that contain gluten such as wheat, rye, barley or semolina.