Does eating soy sauce frequently cause the skin to darken?
Disease description:
I'm particularly concerned about beauty and usually pay close attention to skincare. Recently, a friend told me that regularly consuming soy sauce can darken the skin. I often like to use soy sauce when cooking, so I've become very worried. I'd like to ask if this is true.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin
There is generally no basis for the claim that "eating soy sauce frequently will darken the skin." Regular consumption of soy sauce does not directly lead to darker skin. The analysis is as follows:
Although soy sauce has a dark color, its main components are amino acids, sugars, salt, and others. After consumption and digestion, these components do not directly affect melanocytes in the skin. Human skin color is primarily determined by genetic factors and the body's own melanin, and is not directly related to diet. Soy sauce does not contain melanin or any other components that can influence skin color. Prolonged sun exposure increases the activity of tyrosinase, accelerating melanin production, which may lead to skin darkening.
To prevent skin darkening, it is important to focus on sun protection, such as applying sunscreen and using umbrellas when outdoors, to reduce the skin's exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Maintaining a balanced diet daily and consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C and vitamin E, such as oranges, kiwifruit, and nuts, is also beneficial. These nutrients help inhibit melanin production and provide antioxidant effects.
Soy sauce contains relatively high levels of salt, and excessive consumption may negatively affect health—for example, leading to increased blood pressure. Therefore, it is recommended to consume soy sauce in moderation.
