SEOUL, June 23 — Few things unite the internet quite like being told that everything enjoyable is bad for you.
The latest example comes courtesy of a South Korean plastic surgeon, whose ranking of the five foods and drinks he says can make the face look “uglier” has gone viral, prompting equal parts curiosity, disbelief and the inevitable soul-searching over late-night instant noodles.
According to The Korea Herald, Dr Choi Hyun-nam stressed that the foods on his list do not change a person’s facial structure. Instead, he said they may leave the face looking puffier, more prone to breakouts and more susceptible to premature skin ageing.
Coming in fifth were salty favourites such as ramyeon, potato chips and seasoned crackers. Choi said their high sodium content can encourage water retention, giving the face a puffier appearance.
Sugary treats, including cakes, pastries and even trendy Dubai-style chewy cookies, ranked fourth. Too much sugar, he warned, can damage collagen, gradually reducing the skin’s firmness and elasticity.
Fried comfort foods took third place. Fried chicken, French fries and doughnuts may satisfy cravings, but Choi said greasy meals can contribute to blemishes and leave the complexion looking dull.
Processed meats such as ham and sausages claimed the runner-up spot. Often packed with sodium, saturated fat and preservatives, they can promote inflammation and may speed up visible signs of skin ageing, according to the surgeon.
But the biggest offender was not food at all.
Topping Choi’s list was alcohol.
He said drinking can dehydrate the skin, compromise its natural protective barrier and accelerate the ageing process. Excessive alcohol consumption may also affect liver function, potentially contributing to a darker-looking complexion.
The ranking has fuelled lively discussion online, with many users joking that the list amounted to an attack on some of life’s greatest pleasures.
For anyone hoping for better news, however, there was one small consolation: the humble instant noodle only came in fifth.
