A dietitian has issued is raising awareness about the potential skin-damaging effects of certain ‘health-conscious’ foods. Registered dietitian and certified diabetes care specialist, Michelle Slowey, is highlighting four foods often consumed more frequently during the summer months that could be doing more harm than good.
Summer is the perfect season to indulge in fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables. However, according to Michelle, some of the UK’s favourite seemingly healthy snacks might be causing inflammation, puffiness, breakouts and premature ageing.
Research indicates that acne worsens for over half of individuals during the summer. A study involving 452 participants suffering from acne vulgaris found that 56.33% experienced a worsening of their acne during the summer months, compared to just 11.35% who reported a deterioration in winter, reports Surrey Live.
1. Corn
Corn may seem like a wholesome summer accompaniment, but nutritionally, it’s closer to a starch than a vegetable. It rapidly breaks down into glucose, and if not paired with protein or healthy fat, it can cause blood sugar spikes, warns Michelle.
She explains: “That kind of spike often leads to systemic inflammation, which can manifest on your face as redness, puffiness, or dullness. It’s not about completely eliminating corn – just be mindful of how often and with what you consume it.”
2. Sweet fruits like cherries or mangoes
Nutrition expert Michelle warns: “Yes, these are antioxidant-rich and filled with nutrients, but they’re also among the highest-sugar fruits in season. The key is balance.”
One cup of cherries has around 13–20g of sugar, and a single mango can hit 45g. Add a lean protein like low-fat yoghurt or cottage cheese to higher sugar fruits to slow absorption.
Michelle added: “Why does that matter for your skin? Sugar spikes insulin levels, which triggers sebum production and inflammation, both major acne culprits. Over time, excess sugar leads to glycation, a process that stiffens and weakens collagen, making skin more prone to wrinkles and sagging.”
3. Store-bought smoothies
Labelled as ‘green’ or ‘natural’, store-bought smoothies may not be as healthy as they seem, suggests nutritionist Michelle, who describes them as ‘sugar bombs in disguise’. They often use fruit juice or sugary purées instead of whole fruits, cutting fibre and jacking up your blood sugar levels, some packing over 30g of sugar per serving.
“That kind of sugar hit can disrupt your gut microbiome, leading to inflammation and interfering with skin clarity,” she explains. “Poor gut health will limit your absorption of skin-friendly nutrients like vitamin C and E.”
4. Frozen fruit bars and dairy-free desserts
Although they may appear as healthier options than traditional ice cream, according to Michelle, many such frozen treats contain an array of gums, emulsifiers, and artificial sweeteners. These additives might aggravate the gut, especially in those with sensitive digestion.
When your digestive system is irritated, it’s not uncommon for the skin to reflect this with issues such as water retention, puffiness, or hormonal acne. Michelle emphasised: “A lot of seemingly random skin issues are actually rooted in gut health, so it’s worth paying attention to what’s in your treats.”
She proposed a deliciously healthy alternative: “Try a banana ‘nice cream’ dessert instead. Mix a frozen banana with almond milk, a tbsp of nut butter, and a bit of pure maple syrup in a food processor to make a healthy frozen treat.”
