When it comes to taking care of your skin, what you put in your body can have just as much of an impact as what you put on it.

While healthy foods can help keep your skin looking clear and radiant, some foods can actually agitate your skin and cause breakouts, redness, or dryness. Here are the 10 worst foods for your skin as identified by dermatologists.

Sugar

There is a lot of evidence to suggest that sugar can be harmful to the skin. Eating too much sugar can lead to inflammation throughout the body, which can trigger acne and other skin issues.

For this reason, it’s best to limit your intake of sugar as much as possible.

Processed Foods

Processed foods can be high in salt, sugar, and other ingredients that can be detrimental to the skin. These types of foods can also disrupt the balance of healthy bacteria in your gut, which can contribute to skin issues like acne and eczema.

Dairy

Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt can be problematic for many people with acne-prone skin. The hormones in dairy can cause inflammation and increase oil production, which can lead to breakouts.

If you have acne, it’s a good idea to cut back on your dairy intake and see if that helps improve your skin.

Fried Foods

Foods that are high in unhealthy fats, such as fried foods, can be particularly bad for the skin. These fats can contribute to inflammation and trigger acne.

It’s a good idea to limit your intake of fried foods and opt for healthier cooking alternatives like grilling or baking.

Caffeine

Caffeine can be a double-edged sword when it comes to the skin. While it can provide a temporary boost of energy and focus, too much caffeine can also disrupt sleep and lead to stress, both of which can be harmful to the skin.

It’s best to limit your caffeine intake and see if that helps improve your skin.

Alcohol

Alcohol can be dehydrating and can cause inflammation throughout the body, which can lead to skin issues like redness and acne. It’s best to limit your alcohol intake and make sure to drink plenty of water to help offset its effects.

Salt

Consuming too much salt can cause the body to retain water, which can lead to puffiness and swelling in the face. In some cases, it can also contribute to acne breakouts.

It’s best to watch your sodium intake and make sure to drink plenty of water to help flush excess salt out of your system.

Spicy Foods

For some people, eating spicy foods can cause flushing and redness of the skin. Spicy foods can also trigger acne breakouts in some people.

If you notice that your skin tends to flare up after eating spicy foods, it’s best to avoid them as much as possible.

High-Glycemic Index Foods

Foods that are high on the glycemic index, such as white bread, pasta, and sugary snacks, can cause a spike in insulin levels. This can lead to inflammation throughout the body, which can contribute to skin issues like acne.

It’s best to opt for low-glycemic index foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Red Meat

Some studies have suggested that consuming red meat can be harmful to the skin. The high levels of saturated fat in red meat can cause inflammation throughout the body, which can trigger acne breakouts.

It’s a good idea to limit your intake of red meat or cut it out of your diet altogether.