Overeating added sugar in your first meal of the day can harm your skin.
It's very typical for your skin to change over time. Ageing skin is a natural process that everyone goes through, just as we change our entire body as we get older.
While it's something that everyone goes through, some factors might speed the ageing process, such as not wearing sunscreen, being under much stress, and eating a bad diet.
We wanted to focus on meals that could harm your skin, so we spoke with numerous nutritionists about the worst breakfast habits that could rapidly age your skin.
1. Overeating sugar in the morning
We all love a nice doughnut, muffin, or pancake in the morning, but "excessive sugar can be going to interfere on your skin health," says Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, author of The First Time Mom's Pregnancy Cookbook and Fueling Male Fertility.
Sugar consumption can cause the creation of advanced glycation end products (or AGEs), which have been linked to skin ageing. So, while grabbing a doughnut now and then is OK, it's crucial to keep in mind that making it a habit can harm your skin's health.
2. Eating white toast instead of whole wheat
Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to a healthy breakfast is to avoid white bread toast as much as possible. "White grains are stripped of their nutrient-rich qualities and are essentially sugar," explains Courtney D'Angelo, MS, RD, author at GoWellness, "and the high B-vitamin content is lost during the refinement process."
Because whole wheat bread is cooked less, it protects its B-vitamins, which can "help reduce inflammation," according to D'Angelo.
3. You are skipping the produce
If your daily breakfast consists entirely of bacon, egg, and potato with no vegetables, you may notice that your skin ages more rapidly than that of your friends. While avoiding some meals can help slow the skin's ageing process, there are also foods you can incorporate into your diet to promote healthy, beautiful skin.
Adding berries to your oatmeal or a handful of spinach to your morning eggs can help you naturally get your antioxidant fix, says Manaker. "Fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants that can help maintain good skin," she adds.
4. Adding sweeteners to your coffee
Finally, but certainly not least, how you prepare your morning cup of coffee can affect how your skin ages over time. Adding too much sweetness to your coffee, whether it's a hot cup or an iced one, can harm the appearance of your skin.
"Sugar is pro-inflammatory, contributes to an unhealthy microbiome, and can cause blood sugar spikes, all of which lead to the accelerated ageing process," D'Angelo explains.
It's vital to limit added sugars and include items like fruits and vegetables when cooking a nutritious breakfast that will benefit your skin. Remember that being hydrated is the most important habit you can develop to assist your skin.