How Your Diet & Drinking Affect Your Skin

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and is one of the clearest indicators of your health and wellness: soft, smooth skin can signify youth and vitality, while tired or blemished skin can imply the opposite. At 18|8 Men’s Salon in Chicago, we know that looking and feeling your best goes beyond having a superb men’s haircut, beard trim, or even men’s facial; the health of your hair and skin truly begins with how you fuel your body. Getting your diet and alcohol intake under control is the first step toward healthy, clear, and smooth skin.

Dehydration & Premature Aging

Both alcohol and caffeine dehydrate the body, which can cause dryness, dullness, and flaking of the skin. When your body is dehydrated, your skin tries to compensate for the loss of hydration by retaining water, which can cause puffiness and bloating, especially around your eyes. Thinking of passing up that glass of water for something else? Think again – regular or recurring dehydration can cause premature aging of the skin, meaning you can expect wrinkles to appear faster. To avoid premature aging, try to cut back on alcohol, coffee, and other highly caffeinated beverages, and instead, drink more water to ensure you are adequately hydrated.

Redness & Irritation

Poor diets – meaning diets low in nutrients and high in sodium, sugar, and caffeine – can cause discoloration of the skin, including redness or blotchiness. A poor diet can also affect the texture of your skin; a lack of vitamins and nutrients can cause a decrease in collagen production, leaving skin dull with little elasticity and rough texture. To keep your skin looking and feeling great, try to cook your meals at home when you can, and eat whole foods that are high in nutrients, protein, and healthy fats, such as vegetables, lean meats, nuts, beans, seeds, and eggs. Be sure to get in a variety of colors and textures, including leafy greens and whole fruits to keep your skin looking its best.

Inflammation & Acne

Teenagers aren’t the only people who experience acne. Consuming alcohol and moderate amounts of sugar will cause inflammation which can lead to a host of skin issues, including acne. Avoid unsightly breakouts by staying away from foods with high sugar content, including candies, cakes and cookies. And be aware that many foods and drinks have a much higher sugar content than you’d expect, like fruit juice, energy drinks, and even “healthy” smoothies.

Book A Men’s Facial At Your Chicago Men’s Salon

Incorporating even small dietary changes can make a big difference in the texture, feel, and overall appearance of your skin. The new year is a perfect time to start making better choices, including improving your diet and limiting your alcohol consumption. Take advantage of the fresh start by creating healthy habits that will provide you with a lifetime of great skin. Alongside these lifestyle changes, book an appointment at your trusted Chicago men’s salon for a facial. Our skilled experts will clean, exfoliate, and moisturize your skin to get it looking fresh and youthful again. Book an appointment today and get ready to look and feel your best!