The Unexpected Effect Eating Bagels Has On Your Skin

We hate to be the ones to deliver the news, but some of our favorite foods aren't champions for a clear complexion. In fact, they can actually do the opposite. "Many factors contribute to the development of wrinkles, acne, dryness, and general changes to our skin textures," cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green explained to Eat This, Not That. "Some of these factors include diet, dairy products, sugars, chocolates, fast foods and alcohol." 

Your committed nightly routine of toners, masks, and serums can help your skin both look and feel youthful. But, the truth is, a healthy and fresh complexion is more reliant on your diet than fancy skin products. Dr. Green listed a few of the more obvious enemies of our skin, such as fast food and sugar. But we're here to deliver some rather unsettling, and perhaps less well-known news concerning a popular breakfast item, and its relationship to our skin: the bagel.

Again, we're aware this news may be hard to chew on for most. After all, bagels are both delicious and versatile. You can fill them with soft scrambled eggs and salty bacon, or with whipped cream cheese and smoked salmon. But what does New York City's most beloved on-the-go breakfast do to our skin?

"Bagels have a massively high glycemic index, which increases insulin and leads to increased inflammation in the body, which is shown to possibly accelerate aging and worsen acne and rosacea," Elizabeth Tanzi, co-director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, told Shape. 

This is unfortunate news for those who look forward to popping into their favorite bagel shop on the way to work. Accelerated aging, breakouts, and rosacea flare-ups are not usually what people think about when enjoying a toasted blueberry bagel. If a clear and healthy complexion is important to you, it's time to consider placing bagels in the splurge group, along with fast food and desserts. They are delicious treats, but not for every day.