Chandigarh, May 15: The beverages people casually sip every day may be doing more harm to their skin than they realise, according to Dr Terry Shintani, a Harvard-trained medical doctor and nutritionist.
In a recent video posted on Instagram, Dr Shintani cautioned that certain popular drinks—ranging from soft drinks to frappuccinos—could significantly dull the skin and accelerate visible aging.
“People are often focused on what they put on their skin, but what you put in your body matters even more,” said Dr Shintani.
“Many of the beverages we consume daily are loaded with sugar, chemicals, and stimulants that silently affect your skin’s texture, tone, and elasticity.”
Among the worst offenders, he said, are soft drinks and cold drinks, which contain high levels of sugar and artificial additives. These substances can trigger a process called glycation, which breaks down collagen and elastin—proteins essential for maintaining firm and youthful skin.
“Glycation leads to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which cause skin to lose its suppleness,” Dr Shintani explained.
Alcohol, another common beverage, is no less damaging.
“Alcohol dehydrates the skin and impairs the liver’s ability to remove toxins. This combination results in a dull, tired appearance and can even contribute to blotchiness or redness,” he said.
He added that over time, frequent drinking can cause skin to age prematurely, with visible lines and dryness.
Even trendy café drinks aren’t off the hook. Dr Shintani highlighted frappuccinos as deceptively harmful due to their sugar, dairy, and whipped cream content.
“They spike your blood sugar and increase inflammation, which can lead to acne and early wrinkles,” he warned.
Energy drinks, often marketed as performance boosters, were also flagged for their high caffeine and sugar levels.
According to Dr Shintani, these stimulants strip moisture from the skin and disrupt sleep cycles, both of which are vital for skin repair.
“You might feel awake, but your skin is exhausted,” he said.
Sugary drinks of all varieties—including sweetened teas, fruit punches, and flavored waters—round off the list of skin saboteurs.
“People think if it’s not soda, it’s safe. That’s not true. If it has sugar, it’s feeding inflammation, and inflammation ages the skin,” Dr Shintani added.
The message is clear: what you drink is just as important as what you eat or apply to your skin. While these beverages might offer a temporary boost or taste satisfaction, their long-term impact on skin health is far from sweet.
“If you want youthful, radiant skin, start by cleaning up your drink choices,” Dr Shintani said.
“Hydration and nutrition from the inside out make all the difference.”
