WHAT FOODS CAUSE ACNE?

Food Guide To Keep Acne At Bay

Talking of skin conditions, acne is one of the most common ones faced by men and women, especially in their adolescent and early adulthood years. It may not be a hazardous ailment but can be very annoying as one has to regularly deal with pimples, spots, blackheads, and whiteheads on the face, shoulders, back, and other parts of the body. The sebaceous glands produce oil and are responsible for acne in adolescent years, although it can trigger at any age in one’s lifetime. The role of diet has long been debated when discussing the factors that cause acne. While no food is known to cause acne directly, some foods can trigger or aggravate a break-out.

This skin condition can be very frustrating, but one doesn’t have to live with it. One can learn to manage it better by trying and avoiding certain foods that may trigger such a break-out. In this article, we’ll discuss what foods cause acne and what foods can help avoid it.

Avoid these foods to reduce the risk of acne

There are various causes of acne. These include sebum and keratin production, bacteria, hormones, and blocked pores. The direct connection between food and acne is not established yet. But some foods may play a role in the development of acne.

• Dairy products: Some studies have shown a correlation between the consumption of cow milk and acne, especially in teenagers and young adults. It was found that people who regularly consumed milk or ice-cream were far more likely to develop acne than others.
• Refined food: Bread, pasta, canned beverages, soda, and white noodles are refined carbohydrates that are quickly absorbed in the bloodstream and increase blood sugar levels. High insulin levels can cause acne development.
• Chocolates: Several surveys and research have found that people who consume chocolates regularly were more likely to develop acne. Again, many of these see a link between the two but have not yet been able to establish a cause-and-effect relationship.
• Fast food: High-fat diets have also been found to trigger or aggravate acne. Frequently consuming nuggets, burgers, French fries, and hot dogs put people at higher risk of acne development.
• Food sensitivity: Food sensitivity means one’s immune system mistakenly identifies the food as a threat and launches an attack against it. This can aggravate acne. Identify and avoid such foods.

What to eat to avoid a break-out?

There’s plenty of healthy and tasty food that you can choose over the items mentioned above to keep a tab on acne break out. They not only ensure you keep acne at bay but also takes care of your overall health and lifestyle.

• Fresh fruits and vegetables: Fresh foods and vegetables are rich sources of vitamins and antioxidants. These contain the risk of acne break-out.
• Drink plenty of water: Drinking a lot of water helps in flushing out toxins from the body, which ensures healthy glowing skin. Drinking water also cuts down sugar cravings.
• Vitamin C: Citrus fruits help in detox and also ensure you have healthy skin.
• Vitamin A: Adopt a diet that includes spinach, carrots, papaya, and sweet potatoes. They help in balancing sebum levels.

Many of us desire to have flawless skin. But acne and its scars leave us disappointed. Make sure that a proper diet is a long-term lifestyle effort rather than a short-term fad. Ignore false claims, misleading campaigns, and quick fix dieting. Remember, every individual is different, and each one of us has different dietary needs. Avoid unrealistic, dieting goals, and unsustainable food fads. There are no short cuts to getting rid of acne. A healthy diet and balanced lifestyle should not be treated as a temporary solution but a life-changing experience. By eating healthy, you are not only looking for a cosmetic makeover for your skin but are also ensuring you make a healthy choice for yourself.