Is Diet Soda Bad for Your Skin?

Last week, at the meeting of the American Diabetes Association in Chicago, researchers presented new information suggesting diet soda consumption is associated with obesity.  The study, which was conducted over the course of 10 years, followed 474 adults aged 65 to 74, and those who drank diet soda had a 70 percent increase in waist circumference over those who did not.  Drinking two or more diet sodas per day was associated with five times the increase in waist circumference than in non-drinkers.  This is most likely because aspartame, an ingredient in many diet sodas, has been found to stimulate the appetite in mice.  Weight gain with diet soda has been shown to take place even when people eat the same amount of calories over time, according to research in Acta Physiologica Hungaria.

So this got me thinking…is diet soda also bad for your skin?

Caffeine = Source of Antioxidants, but Thins the Skin

Oh, caffeine.  America’s most abused drug, caffeine has been found to be a significant source of antioxidants in at least one study through its inclusion of caffeic acid.  Low amounts of caffeine help to fight weight gain by stimulating the metabolism and enhancing performance, according to the Journal of Applied Physiology.  However, these benefits are not additive once a certain threshold level of caffeine is reached, typically around 60 mg, that in a single cup of coffee.

Caffeine is also often used in skin care products due to the fact that it temporarily constricts the blood vessels, making the skin appear smoother and less wrinkled.

The problem is, if you’re using caffeine to help look thin and young, there is also evidence caffeine thins the dermal (underlying) layer of the skin, as previously mentioned in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.  Considering the fact that the dermis naturally thins by about 7% with each decade of life, it’s not exactly a process most of us wish to accelerate.  Thankfully, with retinoids, peptides,  alpha hydroxy acids, and certain antioxidants (e.g., vitamin C, coffee berry, idebenone), it has been shown that collagen production can be increased within the skin, negating these effects somewhat.

Phosphoric Acid = Bad for Nutrient Absorption

The bad news is phosphoric acid has been linked to eroded tooth enamel, increased incidence of kidney disease, and possible lowered bone density, though the latter point may simply be due to the fact that people drink less milk when they are consuming diet sodas instead.

The good news is that the amount of phosphoric acid in your average can of diet soda is very low –  about the same as in a serving of chicken.  So unless you are consuming as much diet soda as, well, me (about 3-4 cans a day, *turns away sheepishly*), it’s not likely to be much of a problem.  Especially if you stop now.

Carbonated Water = Great for Rinsing Your Face!  (Not diet soda, just the water )

When I originally started this article, I naturally assumed to find carbonated water had detriments to the skin.  Other than the widespread (unproven) belief that carbonated water cannot flush toxins from the system, carbonated water has not actually been proven to harm your skin.  Actually, carbonated water may help your skin when used topically:  A study from the Archives of Dermatological Research has found that rinsing your skin with carbonated water rather than regular water is more hydrating, as it actually increases your skin’s lipid levels.  Bathing in carbonated water has also been shown to increase blood flow, according to the European Journal of Applied Physiology. Who knew we were going to need sparkling water bottles beside our sinks?!  (Or soda chargers – the more economical way to carbonate…)

In addition, carbonated water also creates bicarbonate ions, which are likely to neutralize some of the sodium in diet sodas.  Still, many nutritionists and trainers still say diet soda makes you bloat, and advise clients to avoid all carbonated beverages starting at least 2-3 days before a big event.

Bottom Line = Remove This as a Daily Staple

I feel like I am going to need a memorial service for my own diet soda habit after writing this article, but truth be told, the habit needs to pass over to the other side.  The truth of the matter is, far more possible detriments than benefits from diet soda exist, and none of them are pretty:  eroded tooth enamel; thinner skin; diabetes; weight gain.  The fact that diet soda has been correlated with weight gain alone is enough to alarm dermatologists, who often find great changes in skin firmness after fluctuations in weight, particularly in older patients.  Not to mention the more serious risks!  Bottom line:  Drinking too much diet soda seems to be a habit to kick to the curb, not only for the future of your looks, but also your health.

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Image source: Irochka – Fotolia.com