These two drinks can accelerate aging

As time passes, hydration becomes more important than ever for the health and beauty of our skin. However, some drinks can accelerate the aging process by depriving our skin and body of vital moisture.

Dermatologists Dr. Elaine F. Kung and Dr. Cheryl Rosen, as well as general practitioner and skin health expert Dr Jose Mier, have warned of two such drinks that should be avoided to prevent dehydration and premature ageing.

Sweet carbonated drinks

“While it’s no secret that sodas aren’t the healthiest of drinks, it’s important to be aware of the damage they can cause when it comes to our skin,” says Dr. Rosen.

Diet sodas, he explains, are often sugar-free, but can still contain “chemicals that are harmful to the body” and even cause premature aging and inflammation.

“Chemicals like phosphorus, potassium and caffeine leach minerals from the bones and can damage cells in the body,” she told SheFinds.

Dr. Kung agrees with Dr. Rosen and points out, “The glucose and fructose found in sodas bind to the amino acids present in the collagen and elastin that support the dermis, creating advanced glycation compounds (AGEs).”

He notes that the glycation of amino acids makes it difficult to restore collagen and elastin fibers, which contributes to the faster formation of wrinkles and dehydrated skin.

Energy drinks

The skin around the eyes is delicate, and as we age, it is normal for the area to lose moisture. However, instead of hydrating the skin, energy drinks can dehydrate it, warns Dr. Mier.

Frequent consumption can cause darker under-eye circles and more wrinkles.

Energy drinks “force the brain to stay awake,” Dr. Mier points out, leading to poor sleep and puffy eyes. He notes that caffeine, which is often found in energy drinks, inhibits the body’s ability to remove fluid from tissues.

Fluid accumulates in the tissues under the eyes, causing them to swell. Caffeine also constricts blood vessels in the area, he says, which increases blood flow and even more swelling.

While some people may not be affected by caffeine, others are particularly sensitive to it. Like sodas, energy drinks have a diuretic effect, which makes them a less than ideal choice, even if we need an extra dose of caffeine.