Thanksgiving may be just a happy memory but holiday season is in full swing. It’s time for parties, family gatherings and festive holiday dinners. We all know what this can do to our waistlines, but how many of us consider the effects such indulgences may have on our skin? University-affiliated dermatologists Dr. Paul Friedman, M.D. and Dr. Susan Stuart, M.D. provide insight into which foods to be aware of this holiday season. The following holiday tips for healthy skin are provided courtesy of them.
Sugar/Sweets: Gingerbread Cookies, Custard Cream Pie, Candy Canes
Treats high in sugar can be skin’s worst enemy. Dr. Stuart warns, “Sugar speeds up the process of collagen and elastin breakdown, causing the tissues to become weak or inflexible. This is the quickest way to develop wrinkles.” Additionally, harmful bacteria love sugar, and will convert it into toxic waste which will be stored in our bodies.
Animal Protein/Processed Meats: Turkey, Ham, Deli Meat Tray
In many households, holiday meals are centered around a cooked turkey or ham, and some holiday parties serve deli meat as the center-piece. Dr. Friedman explains why it is best to leave these items untouched, “Animal protein is acidic and creates an environment suitable for harmful, acne-causing bacteria. As the acidic environment overtakes the body’s alkaline properties, the body is thrown out of balance – harmful bacteria’s ideal stomping ground.” And don’t forget that processed sandwich meats, though convenient during the busy holiday season, are high in sodium and cause tissues to swell, deflating the skin of its elasticity.
Alcohol: Spiked Cider, Hot Toddy, Seasonal Beer
Resist the temptation of warm, spiked cider and other holiday cocktails since these aren’t the healthiest way to ring in the season. “Alcohol dehydrates the skin, stripping it of its plump, firm appearance. The holiday skin hangover is the perfect recipe to promote the growth of bad collagen and scar tissue,” notes Dr. Friedman.
Caffeine: Hot Chocolate, Hot Tea, Coffee
Not just for holiday time, these staple beverages may actually cause harm to your skin. Dr. Stuart explains, “Skin needs fluids in order to replenish cells and maintain healthy cell growth. Caffeine is a diuretic, which causes dehydration and robs skin of moisture.” Dr. Friedman adds, “Caffeine also disrupts sleep patterns, triggers stress hormones, and causes spots and oily skin.”
Dairy: Eggnog, Cheese, Warm Milk
The most popular holiday drink, eggnog, is a skin-wrecker. The amount of whole milk and heavy cream that the recipe calls for is the enemy of all complexions. Dr. Stuart breaks it down, “Dairy, like milk and cheese, contain naturally occurring growth hormones. These hormones are added to the individual’s own level of hormones that are already found in the body, resulting in a hormonal increase that is directly associated with oily skin and acne.” Sad to say, but if you want to maintain the pH balance of your skin, maybe this year the holiday cheese plate should be skimmed over too.
So what’s a holiday reveler to do? You know the drill … Whenever possible, stick to a diet of lean protein, vegetables, whole grains and fruits. Make water your beverage of choice. It’s ok to indulge occasionally in the foods of the holiday season but be aware that the operative word in that statement is occasionally. The best way to avoid temptation is to eat a healthy meal before you attend a holiday party. That way you won’t be so hungry that your willpower is sapped. Can’t resist a holiday treat? Enjoy it, don’t beat yourself up about it but don’t use it as an excuse to throw healthy eating out the window. Yes, there’s always tomorrow to start eating healthy – but there’s no time like today.
