Fried foods can negatively affect the skin in a few specific ways.
1. They May Contribute to Inflammation and Acne
Deep-frying exposes fats to high temperatures, causing them to break down and form potentially harmful compounds we then ingest. These by-products may contribute to oxidative stress in the body, which occurs when unstable molecules called free radicals damage cells and promote inflammation.
Oxidative stress and inflammation can lead to inflammatory skin conditions such as acne.
One study involving nearly 2,500 adolescents and adults found that those who ate oily and fried foods more than three times a week had greater acne severity than those who ate a healthier, vegetable-heavy diet. This study was observational, however, so it didn’t directly prove fried foods cause acne; it only showed there was a link.
2. They May Accelerate Skin Aging
High-temperature cooking, including frying, causes the Maillard reaction, a chemical process that leads to browning and the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs are harmful compounds that form when sugars react with proteins or fats, and it can trigger oxidative stress and inflammation.
AGEs also impact the skin by binding to collagen and elastin (structural proteins in the skin that provide firmness and elasticity), making these proteins stiffer and less flexible. AGEs can build up over time and contribute to premature skin aging, including wrinkles, sagging, dullness, and hyperpigmentation.
3. They Can Worsen Symptoms of Eczema or Rosacea
Some foods contribute to inflammation, including processed foods, fried foods, and foods rich in refined carbohydrates, sugar, or trans fats.
These are staples of what experts call an “inflammatory diet.” “Inflammatory diets may contribute to an overall inflammatory environment in the body that can spill onto the skin,” Malhotra says.
These types of diets potentially worsen symptoms of chronic inflammatory skin conditions like atopic dermatitis (eczema) and rosacea.
In a study of young adults, higher intake of trans and saturated fatty acids was associated with greater susceptibility to eczema. Trans fatty acids are commonly found in fried foods (though they aren’t unique to them).
Saturated fatty acids are also found in some fried foods.
“However, individual skin conditions and triggers are much more complicated than any one food,” Malhotra says. Fried foods are a trigger for some people, while others don’t see any effect.
4. Promote Glycemic Spikes and Sebum Production
Some fried foods, like doughnuts and french fries, qualify as high-glycemic carbohydrates. These are foods that cause a quick spike in blood sugar and insulin, making it difficult to manage blood sugar and body weight.
High-glycemic diets can raise insulin levels, stimulating a hormone called IGF-1 that’s linked with cell growth. This pathway can increase sebaceous (oil-producing) gland activity and sebum production, which can contribute to acne.
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