Most of us have experienced an acne flare up when stress is on the rise or we make modifications to our diet, as this skin disorder affects 40 to 50 million Americans in the U.S. There are numerous myths that surround acne that we take for face value. Some people say eating chocolate or greasy foods can lead to breakouts, while others suggest refined sugars like soda are to blame for redness and inflammation. The truth is, to keep your skin looking clean and clear, you should not only practice good hygiene but also feed your face.

To avoid having a breakdown over your breakouts and get the best skin ever, Ashley Lied, sports nutritionist specialist from Trusted Nutrients in Boca Raton, Fla., tells Medical Daily which drinks we should clear from the cabinet and how they may be hurting our skin complexion.

1. Alcohol

You may have to blame your skin complexion woes on the alcohol. The excessive consumption of alcohol can actually dehydrate the skin, leaving it less plump and fresh the next day. This can actually speed up the aging process of the skin and can be a toxin to the cells responsible for detoxifying the body, since alcohol is a hepatotoxin. Lied believes this is why “it's always good to drink a glass of water after a night of heavy drinking.”

This doesn’t mean you should give up alcohol altogether. Clear shots. such as vodka, gin, and tequila, are the best options, since there is no extra sugar, salt, or other harmful ingredients. Dark shots like rum, whiskey, and tequila may not contain any additives, but they do contain congeners, and produce extra fermentation, Dr. Jessica Krant, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center told The Huffington Post. Congeners are the main cause of hangovers, which contribute to alcohol’s unique taste and smell, which can seep in our pores.

2. Coffee

A morning cup of Joe, just like alcohol, can dehydrate the body, which affects the skin. Coffee contains acrylamide — a chemical which is listed as a carcinogen in California’s Prop 65 — which may cause harm to the body and skin. This chemical forms in coffee when coffee beans are roasted, but not when coffee is brewed at home, or in a restaurant.

The consumption of caffeinated coffee has also been found to impair glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes patients, causing insulin resistance, according to a 2004 study published in the journal Diabetes Care. Coffee with the addition of milk and sugar could trigger acne breakouts. Late coffee consumption could also lead to poor sleep. Lied told Medical Daily, “Personally, when I don't get enough sleep, my pores open and my skin just looks horrible and unhealthy. Therefore, coffee is a definite no-no.”

3. Juice

Not all juices are created equal when it comes to your skin health. Store-bought juice can often contain sugar and preservatives, which all contribute to acne and lead to dull skin. Moreover, these juices contain less fruit and have no fiber.

Lied suggests making your own juice at home so it’s fresher and healthy. These juices can act as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, astringent agents to help build and repair skin collagen and connective tissue. “If you take ripe fruit and no sugar or water, it's going to taste delicious, and it's going to be a great source of vitamins and fiber,” she said.

4. Milk

Dairy has long been suspected of being one of the main triggers of acne. The hormones and antibiotics in milk affect our hormones and leads to redness and inflammation. The more fat the milk you drink contains, the more hormones it’s going to have, since they are fat soluble. “Since skin problems are hormone related, you are going to be affected by consuming large amounts of milk or dairy products,” Lied said.

5. Soda

The substances, such as caffeine, in this sweet and sugary beverage are believed to create issues in the body such as insulin resistance, weight gain, and diabetes, which could trigger acne. The refined sugars in soda may be associated with the development of acne pushing the body to secrete a lot of insulin and testosterone, which can clog pores and irritate the skin. According to Lied, “Clogged pores are the main reason behind zits and break outs, so drinking soda and any other "high sugary" drinks is only going to promote this.”

Drink responsibly, and cheers to clear and healthy looking skin.