As if you needed another reason to stop drinking diet soda. Here’s one that might convince you: this drink critically accelerates skin aging. In a recent study, researchers found that participants who drank diet soda every day for about ten years had noticeable differences in their skin compared to those who did not drink it at all. Their skin was significantly more wrinkled and dry and had more age spots.
In the course of a day, it can be easy to overlook the many steps we take to care for our skin. We apply serums, creams, lotions, and masks in an effort to keep our skin healthy and glowing. And when we eat, we do our best to make clever food choices that protect our skin from the inside out. But despite our best efforts, there may be one thing that’s hurting our skin without us even realizing it: soda.
The impact of diet soda on skin radiance
Drinking soda on a regular basis has been shown in a research study that was conducted in 2014 and published in the American Journal of Public Health to be associated with severe skin damage. The outer layers of the skin of people who regularly consume soda are more likely to be harmed, and their bodies produce less collagen as a result, according to the findings of some researchers.
Drinking soda on a regular basis raises your risk of developing wrinkles and other indications of aging before their time, and it also reduces your body’s capacity to heal wounds completely and fast. Therefore, if you want to maintain your skin looking young and attractive for the years to come, it’s time to rethink your demands for cola. Putting forth a little bit of extra effort right now can pay off in a big way down the road.
What is diet soda harmful to your skin’s health?
Sodas include chemicals that are harmful to skin health. “Acidifiers,” chemicals meant to give sodas their acidic flavor, are one of the most common types of soda additives. Citric, phosphoric, and malic acid are examples of acidifiers that can injure skin cells. Furthermore, sodas include a lot of sugar and other sweeteners, which are known to cause inflammation and destroy collagen fibers. As a result, sodas frequently include preservatives and colours that, over time, might trigger allergic reactions or irritate the skin.
Recent study, however, has indicated that certain soda additives may also contribute to aging by raising oxidative stress and damage DNA. According to studies, these chemicals can hasten skin aging by up to 30%. It severely reduces the skin’s general health and vitality. They can also have other negative consequences, such as worsening inflammatory disorders and hastening cognitive deterioration. Finally, these findings emphasize the necessity of adopting good drinking choices, especially when it comes to liquids with “empty” calories like soda.
Healthy alternatives to soda? There are many!
Many healthy soda substitutes might help you keep your skin bright and youthful. Water, fresh fruit juices, and herbal teas are the best options. Water is a fantastic choice since it hydrates the body, which aids in energy production and gives your skin a healthy glow. Fresh juice is high in vitamins and minerals that help combat the effects of aging. Herbal teas are also a good option if you want a pleasant drink with few calories but a lot of antioxidants.
Sparkling water is also a healthy option because it is low in calories and includes no artificial sweeteners or flavors. A virgin mojito with no soda sounds like a great deal for a pleasant and tasty cocktail.