Acne is a skin condition where the skin’s pores are clogged and serve as breeding grounds of bacteria, which are responsible for skin inflammation. It affects more than 600 million people worldwide. But it is more common among females than males. As to why females have higher rates of developing acne, explanations vary.
Moving forward, the factors that influence acne include diet, hormonal imbalance, overproduction of sebum oil stress, and bacteria.
But with the combination of the right facial wash, toner for acne-prone skin, and a balanced diet, you can achieve clear skin. So if you are suffering from acne, here are some food items that you shouldn’t include in your diet.
Dairy Products
To the dairy lovers out there, bad news- it worsens acne. We know. Who doesn’t love dairy? Butter is the perfect match for hot pancakes and coffee in the morning.
Unfortunately, it’s high in protein that is known to trigger the production of IGF-1, a hormone similar to insulin, that is likely to cause breakouts. Blame it on the hormone, though. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you cannot eat dairy at all. You can simply reduce your consumption.
Refined Grains and Sugar
Carbs are converted into sugar, which is easily absorbed into the bloodstream. It then triggers the production of insulin, which releases more sebum oil. And as we have mentioned, sebum oil clogs your pores. If you have acne-prone skin, high consumption of carbohydrates can be bad for you.
Some examples of high carbs are bread, cereal, white rice, sodas, cake, and pasta. It’s recommended to incorporate low-carb food in your diet. They will help you get clear skin and reduce the risks of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Fast food
Do you love burgers and fried chicken? How about nuggets and french fries? Fast food is rich in fat. And they can contribute to the overproduction of sebum oil. That’s why you are more likely to have a breakout when you consume fast food that much. Indeed, it can be addictive. But they are bad both for your skin and health.
Try fruits and vegetables instead. Mixed with savory spices, they can make a tasty snack. Might as well replace sodas with water. It can help flush toxins that also contribute to acne.
Chocolate
This can be heartbreaking news for the chocolate lovers out there-it can aggravate acne. A study shows that cocoa, the main ingredient of chocolate, can influence breakouts. In fact, an experiment involving acne-prone males proves that it indeed can worsen acne. They got more lesions after eating 25 grams of chocolate. So which do you choose, chocolate or clear skin?
Whey Protein Powder
Whey protein is a good source of amino acids that promote muscle strength and mass. In fact, it’s the favorite supplement of the gym-goers. The only downside is, it can trigger acne. As we have mentioned, protein stimulates the production of the hormone that is linked to acne.
As of today, there’s no better alternative for protein yet. It remains the number one factor for muscle development. So you may need a strict diet to balance your protein consumption, particularly those who have acne-prone skin.
Food rich in Omega-6
Omega-6 is a fat commonly found in soybeans, nuts, and poultry. It is not the same fat found in fish that is good for the heart-that one is called omega-3. ;
The modern diet contains a high amount of omega-6. But too much of it leads to high blood pressure, stroke, and inflammation. The latter is the reason why it aggravates acne. A balanced diet is the key. Ensure that your meals include nutritious food.
Nuts
Nuts are crunchy and easy to snack on. That’s why they make an excellent companion when you’re bored. Further, they are also good for the brain. However, they are high in estrogen. And when estrogen level changes drastically, it can trigger acne.
Don’t dare mix it with milk. As we have mentioned early on, dairy is no good as well. So nuts and milk are not a very good combination for sensitive skin. Pumpkin and sunflower are better alternatives, as well as peas and garbanzo beans.
What Are the Skin-Friendly Foods?
- Tomatoes
- Carrots
- Blueberries
- Spinach
- Papaya
- Salmon
- Oyster
- Whole bread
- Orange
- Citrus
If you have acne-prone skin, it’s important to find the right food and products for you. And don’t hesitate to see a dermatologist when necessary. They can suggest a better solution that can help you improve your skin problems.