How student’s lifestyle of boozing and unhealthy diet could affect her skin in ten years’ time

ANTI-AGEING potions are big business with even Poundland launching its own range – but how you feed your skin from the inside has a far bigger effect than any beauty product.

Nutritionist Kim Pearson says: “You can use every anti-ageing cream on the planet but if your diet is not good, then it is likely to show on your face.”

Lynsey Clarke asked Kim to diagnose skin issues that student Izzie Deibe, 20, of St Albans, Herts, could face due to her diet in ten years’ time – and forensic medical artist Auriole Prince shows the “aged” look.

Dehydrated skin

CAUSE: Alcohol

Kim says: “Like many twenty-somethings, Izzie is prone to bingeing on nights out.

“Drinking excessive alcohol decreases the body’s production of anti-diuretic hormones used to reabsorb water. As a result, your body loses more fluids than usual through urination and this can lead to dehydration.

“Dry, tight skin, which can make us look older, can be caused by dehydration. Aged skin naturally retains less water and loses its elasticity, so wrinkles become more pronounced over time.”

Solution: “On nights out, alternate every alcoholic drink with a glass of water,” says Kim.

“And supercharge water by ­infusing it with things such as mint and cucumber or citrus fruit. In the summer months, you could turn your favourite herbal tea into an iced tea.

“Also, Izzie should have single clear spirits with soda or tonic and a slice of fruit rather than sugary mixers.

“The NHS recommends no more than 14 units of alcohol a week. It also suggests spreading this drinking over three or more days rather than bingeing.”

Sagging skin

CAUSE: Sugar

Kim says: “While there are positive aspects to Izzie’s diet, sweet treats, processed foods and orange juice contain lots of sugar.

“Our body breaks down carbohydrates we eat into the simple sugar, glucose, which we then use for energy. But when we eat excess sugar or too many high-glycemic carbs such as bread, fizzy drinks and sweets, these sugars bind to the collagen and elastin proteins in our skin.

“This damaging process, known as glycation, stiffens and weakens these important skin structures contributing to lax, sagging skin.”

Solution: “Read labels carefully and be mindful of how much sugar you’re eating,” says Kim.

“Replace the sugar in your tea or coffee with natural sweeteners such as xylitol or stevia.

“And cut down on refined carbohydrates by replacing white carbs for alternatives.

“Try brown pasta, cauliflower rice or opting for rye bread instead of your usual white sliced loaf.”

Wrinkles

CAUSE: Fried food
Kim says: “Izzie doesn’t eat too many fried foods other than a fried egg.

“Fried food has the same effect as smoking, pollution and alcohol – they all produce free radicals.

“These are a natural by-product of our body’s energy production system but too many of them – unstable molecules – can cause damage to cells through the process of oxidation.

“This can speed up the ageing process and lead to premature wrinkles.”

Solution: “Limit fried foods. Izzie could swap a fried egg for a poached or boiled one,” says Kim.

“Antioxidants like Vitamins A, C and E and flavonoids neutralise free radicals so get these in your diet by eating fresh veg, steamed or raw, colourful fruits and green tea.”

Patchy skin

CAUSE: Processed food

Kim says: “Unhealthy fats found in processed and fast food can cause inflammation.

“Low-level inflammation can occur in the body with no noticeable symptoms but, if you have increased levels of systemic inflammation, it can lead to issues such as weight gain as well as skin problems such as ­patchiness and redness.

“There are a number of common culprits when it comes to bad fats and inflammatory foods – watch out for pizza, chips and processed meats such as burgers, pepperoni and hot dogs.”

Solution: “Izzie could swap a post-night-out McDonald’s for leftover brown pasta or some oatcakes with almond butter, and switch her hangover Chinese for a homemade version using vegetables and protein,” says Kim.

“Add anti-inflammatory foods such as oily fish, turmeric, tomatoes, unroasted walnuts and flaxseeds.”

Puffy skin

CAUSE: Salty meals

Kim says: “When you’re busy it can be tempting to ditch cooking in favour of a quick-fix microwave meal.

“But ready-meals are notoriously high in salt, which can lead to water retention.

“Not only will you feel bloated and uncomfortable, it will mean your skin is likely to appear puffy.

“The same goes for any food with high salt content which Izzie’s ready-made pesto sauce and veggie sausages will likely have.”

Solution: “Prepare in advance for busy days by batch-cooking healthy meals at the weekend and freezing portions for DIY microwave meals you can make in minutes,” Kim says.

“Alternatively, have a handful of five-minute meals in your arsenal for occasions such as these, such as an omelette with steamed vegetables that you can make with whatever is in your fridge.

“Make your own pesto sauce from basil, pine nuts, garlic and olive oil. And check the salt content of processed foods such as sausages.”

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