Popular Drinks That May Cause Lasting Damage to Your Skin, Says Science

You may be a sunscreen devotee, shell out big bucks for the latest skincare products, and adhere to a strict regimen of facials, but without the right diet, your skin may still suffer.

However, it's not just what you're eating that could be causing your complexion complaints—there are numerous drinks you're likely downing on a daily basis that could be wreaking havoc on your skin. Read on to discover which drinks you should cut from your diet now if you want to get glowing. And if you want to get healthier from the inside out, start with The 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.

Soda

You may know that soda is bad for your waistline, but you might not realize just how much damage it can do to your skin, as well. According to a 2014 study published in the American Journal of Public Health, regular sugar-sweetened soda consumption can increase cellular aging by as much as two years. Not only that, but research published in the February 2020 volume of the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that high-sugar diets were linked to skin inflammation and may contribute to a person's psoriasis risk. That's not the only reason to ditch those daily sodas—just check out the Dangerous Side Effects of Drinking Soda Every Day, According to Science.

Red wine

Red wine may be good for your heart health, but it can cause serious problems for your skin if consumed in excess, experts say. According to a survey from the National Rosacea Society, among 353 individuals polled, red wine was the most common rosacea trigger among drinks studied. Furthermore, research suggests that individuals with sulfite sensitivities—a condition thought to affect approximately 1 in 100 people, and up to 10% of individuals with asthma—may experience skin inflammation related to the use of these common additives in wine.

Energy drinks

Those energy drinks may help you get through the day, but they're doing no favors for your skin. In addition to the inflammation-promoting sugar most regular energy drinks contain, a review of research published in the Journal of Health Sciences found that energy drinks may cause dehydration, which can leave anyone's skin looking less than healthy. What's more, a 2016 study published in the International Wound Journal found that caffeine may inhibit wound healing, meaning that, if you're a regular consumer of energy drinks, you may be left dealing with the after-effects of breakouts and injuries for longer.

Milk

Want to get a glowing complexion? Reducing the amount of milk you drink might be the easiest place to start. A 2018 meta-analysis published in the journal Clinical Nutrition found that consumption of skim, low-fat, and whole milk were all associated with an increased risk of acne.

Beer

If you find that you're suffering from skin issues, your beer intake may be to blame. A 2010 comparative study published in the Archives of Dermatology found that consumption of non-light beer was positively associated with an increased risk of psoriasis among women. Combined with the dehydrating and inflammation-promoting effects of alcohol, this could spell trouble for your complexion in the long run.

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