How Thanksgiving foods positively and negatively affect the skin

AUSTIN (KXAN)-- Experts say certain foods in your Thanksgiving meals can have positive and negative effects on your skin's health.

Our skin is the largest organ in our bodies, and it often reflects our overall health according to Dr. Weilan Johnson, a medical and surgical dermatologist with US Dermatology Partners in Georgetown.

To avoid or control certain skin conditions, it is important to know which foods can affect skin health. According to Johnson, many food types--good and bad for the skin--are included in Thanksgiving meals.

"Obviously, food is a very important part of Thanksgiving for most people, and eating a nutritious diet is very helpful for maintaining skin health, certain foods can particularly contribute," Johnson said.

Good holiday foods for the skin

• Turkey: The best part about turkey is that it is very high in protein. Protein helps with hair and nail growth. It is also high in Zinc, which is key in reducing inflammation. Inflammation is also known as a contributor to skin conditions like Eczema and Psoriasis according to Johnson.
• Cranberries: Cranberries are high in Vitamin C, an important building block for collagen which helps improve skin firmness and smooths the skin according to Johnson.
• Sweet potatoes: This delicious side dish is high in antioxidants called beta-carotene. Beta-carotene helps to combat skin damage, especially skin damage you get from the sun according to Johnson.
• Pumpkin pie: Pumpkin pie dessert in moderation is high in Vitamin A. Vitamin A helps to protect against skin aging and inflammation according to Johnson.

Bad holiday foods for the skin

• Foods considered high in refined sugars: These can be foods high in glycemic index such as white rice, white bread and white pasta. These types of foods can worsen inflammatory skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema, according to Johnson.
• Alcohol and caffeine: These types of drinks are known to worsen skin conditions like Rosacea, according to Johnson. Alcohol often causes excess redness or flushing of the face, and alcohol can contribute significantly to rosacea flares.
• Dairy: Some people also find their skin may be sensitive to dairy products, according to Johnson. For those dairy-sensitive, it is important to stay away from Thanksgiving dishes such as mac-and-cheese, mashed potatoes and creamed corn.

Johnson said although these foods may cause some skin complications, it is important to understand that everybody's skin responds differently.

"If you feel like you're having any skin issues, working closely with a board-certified dermatologist would be important to identify if there is any link between your skin issues and any foods or drinks that you may be consuming," Johnson said.