Acne, a common skin disorder, affects nearly 10% of the world’s population. Many factors are responsible for the development of Acne, including sebum and keratin production, imbalance of hormones, clogged pores, inflammation, and the spread of a bacterial infection. The link between your diet and Acne is quite controversial, but your diet plays a significant role in the development of Acne. Read on to learn how certain foods worsen your skin condition.
How Does Acne Develop?
Acne forms when pores get clogged with dead skin cells, bacteria, or both. This clogging also happens when your body produces excess sebum. It results in inflammation, pimples, and other types of lesions. In addition, during puberty, your body has a hormone called insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which enhances sebum production and worsens the skin condition. Certain foods also aggravate the synthesis of IGF-1. Therefore, avoiding such foods may help prevent breakouts.
• Dairy Products
The more dairy products you consume, the more likely you will have Acne. They increase insulin levels, independent of effects on blood sugar, which may worsen the skin condition. In addition, cow’s milk contains amino acids that stimulate your liver to produce more IGF-1, which is directly linked to the development of Acne. Avoid frequent consumption of dairy products to avoid acne severity. However, more study is required to determine the cause and direct relationship between dairy and Acne.
• Sugar
Sugar and foods with high glycemic index are significant contributors to acne breakouts. This is because they elevate your body’s level of insulin. The overdose of insulin causes an increase in sebum production which leads to the clogging of pores and follicles. In addition, it causes inflammation and creates an ideal environment for P. Acnes bacteria. So if you can’t say goodbye to sweets, the best workaround is to reduce the quantity of high-sugar food. A few bites are enough to eat after dinner to avoid the dreaded insulin spike.
• Fast Food
Fast food is the primary culprit of several health concerns. French fries, hamburgers, pizza, and all the greasy stuff is rich in saturated fats, and processed ingredients disturb your hormone and blood sugar levels. If you crave your favorite fast food, try making a home version. For example, go for baked potatoes and white meat instead of fried potatoes and red meat.
• Chocolate
Cocoa in chocolate is not bad for your skin. In fact, it is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and zinc, which are highly beneficial for your health. It is the dairy and sugar in a chocolate bar that severe cases of Acne. So next time you reach for a chocolate bar, try opting for a higher percentage of cocoa. Avoid milk or white chocolate, which leads to inflammation and Acne.
The Bottom Line
Food is not your enemy. On the contrary, it can solve various health concerns if you eat it right. Incorporate flax seeds, whole grains, green vegetables, plenty of water, and fish oil into your daily diet to prevent Acne. Always keep track of what you consume and how it affects your body.
*Information in this article is not medical advice and may not be factually accurate. It is intended for entertainment purposes only. Consult with a physician before attempting any tips in this blog post and to get the most up to date factual data about any procedure or treatment.
