5 worst foods for your skin, top plastic surgeon reveals

You might be spending hundreds of dollars on skincare, thousands on cosmetic treatments, and many more on Gua Sha or other tools. And yet if you are struggling with breakouts, dullness, or premature ageing, it's time to look deeper. No, you don’t need another bottle of snail mucin or colour-changing moisturizer. The problem might be sitting right on your plate. Yes, that’s right. The real villain could be the food you are eating. Dr. Anthony Youn, a board-certified holistic plastic surgeon based in Michigan, has shared a list of foods that could damage your skin from the inside out. Some foods may even surprise you. Let’s take a look.

Yes, you read that right. White bread may look seemingly harmless, but this common comfort food is one of the biggest enemies of good skin. Dr. Youn pointed out that white bread has a high glycaemic index. This means rapidly rising blood sugar levels. These blood sugar spikes increase insulin production and trigger inflammation and excess oil production. Over time, this simple food can lead to acne, redness, and even speed up the ageing process.

Once on your lips and forever on your face. That’s right. That spicy snack you grab to kill boredom, or to fill your tummy, might be the reason why all the expensive creams and your 7-step skincare routine are not working. “Foods like flaming hot Cheetos are filled with chemicals and bad fats,” Dr Youn said. These ingredients can increase systemic inflammation in the body. And, yes, inflammation doesn’t only affect your internal health, but also pops up on your face as puffiness, breakouts, and irritation.

Chocolate lovers, take note. Though dark chocolate is linked to many health benefits, the white ones - milk chocolate is not your BFF. Milk chocolate is loaded with sugar and dairy, two ingredients that can wreak havoc on your skin. So, Dr Youn recommends staying away from milk chocolates and instead opting for dark chocolate.

This might be quite a surprise, but yes, skim milk is not exactly your skin’s best friend. Though skimmed milk is often assumed to be a ‘healthy’ alternative, it could be fueling acne. “Studies show that drinking skim milk is associated with getting pimples,” the doctor said.

Yes, breakfast cereals are convenient. You can have a filling and nutritious breakfast on the go. It is indeed a lifesaver, but not necessarily healthy for either your gut or your skin. “Sugary cereals like Froot Loops are horrible for your skin, especially when you combine them with skim milk,” the doctor warned. Sugary cereals, regardless of which brand you pick, are not as healthy as you think.

Along with avoiding the foods mentioned above, try to stick to a healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables for glowing skin. Remember, skincare begins from within.

​Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.​