Ageing is a natural process, though some lifestyle and dietary choices can speed up the process. While an excellent balanced diet rich in nutrient-dense foods keeps you with young, elastic skin and overall health, there are foods to avoid consuming regularly if you do not want to look older than you are. Here are 6 common foods that could make you look older than your years.

Crunchy sugary snacks and drinks
Probably topping the list of dietary culprits that shorten your life and lead to premature ageing is excessive sugar intake. When you drink and eat high amounts of sugar, it triggers glycation, where the sugar molecules bind with proteins like collagen and elasticity of your skin, thereby causing dangerous molecules that are termed advanced glycation end products, or AGEs. AGEs damage the skin structure, making it look saggy and wrinkly. According to a study by Journal of Dermatological Science, it is observed that AGEs formation accelerates in a high sugar diet, which results in rapid formation of elastic skin and thereby leads to rapid ageing of the skin.

Processed foods
Many processed food, such as packaged snacks and frozen meals, have preservatives, unhealthy fats, and added sugars. These types of food cause inflammation in the body, which has been considered to be one of the causes of premature ageing. Chronic inflammation is accepted as a condition that damages the skin's cells and accelerates collagen degradation and elastin degradation, and gives a decayed look.

Fried foods
Food deep-fried in hydrogenated oils or reused oils are rich in trans fats. They cause inflammation, which is linked to higher levels of skin dryness and wrinkling. Trans fats also cause heart diseases, which negatively affect the skin since they interfere with the proper blood circulation and nutrient delivery to the skin. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, high trans fat diets lead to increased inflammation, one of the agents causing cell damage, which is then visible in the form of signs of ageing.

Alcohol
Moderate drinking seems to have certain health benefits, while too much alcohol consumption causes major problems in skin and health. It causes dehydration of the skin and gives a dry, tired look to the face. It also results in low levels of vitamin A in the body, which is vital for cell renewal and turnover. Chronic alcohol consumption may also lead to broken blood vessels and unevenly colored skin. Another study, published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, reported that severe alcohol intake causes inflammation and oxidative stress, hence promoting the accelerating factors of ageing as well as impairing the skin.

Salted foods
Such as processed meat, can cause the body to retain water, which creates puffiness and bloating. Over time, excess sodium is also contributing to the disturbance in the appearance of the skin due to sucking moisture out from cells, causing dehydration. Chronic dehydration weakens the skin's barrier so that fine lines and wrinkles stand out.

Red and processed meats
Although lean red meat can be included in a diet, frequent consumption of high-fat and processed meats like bacon, sausages, and hot dogs has been related to premature ageing. It is such a natural event that these high saturated fat and preserved meats trigger inflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, nitrates and nitrites are such chemicals, used for the processing of meats which interfere in cellular activities with time. In an article published in the journal Research Reviews, it has been stated that a diet rich in red and processed meat increases the risk of chronic diseases. These diseases can accelerate the ageing process and cause an ageing appearance.

Dietary tips to prevent premature ageing
Skin is something that keeps its users looking youthful and healthy if only they have done the right diet. A diet rich in antioxidants, fruits, and vegetables; among those are berries, spinach, and kale, which antioxidants fight free radicals that can cause ageing. One should also undertake a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are present in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, as these fats reduce inflammation, keeping skin supple. Another vital is a sufficient intake of water, and water-rich foods such as cucumbers and watermelon hydrate the skin and keep it looking bright. These along with a diet that's rich in whole grains and lean proteins will provide the necessary nutrients to help cells repair and regenerate.

While ageing is part of life, the rate at which it happens can be greatly affected by your choices regarding what to eat. Limit your sugars, bad fats, and sodium, and increase your antioxidants, healthy fats, and hydrating foods - you'll surely help your skin. Conscious food choices benefit your skin but also enhance your general well-being.