Acne is a chronic, inflammatory and a gruesome skin condition that causes different kinds of bumps on the skin. These bumps occur in the form of whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. Usually, clogged pores that hold oil and dirt lead to the formation of acne and pimples.
Though there are many factors such as skin type, hormones, genetics, cosmetics and even surrounding environment that could lead to acne, lifestyle and eating habits are one of the leading causes of acne. Your lifestyle, especially eating habits are responsible for your hormones to act chaotically and work in a fashion that does more harm than good.
CORRELATION OF ACNE AND FOOD
Even though there is no scientific proof that only food can’t lead to acne, they do however aggravate the condition if you already have acne-prone oily skin, leading to more breakouts. It is always advisable to keep a close check on your eating habits and notice their effect on your skin.
However, everyone’s body and skin are different, and everybody reacts differently to different food items. So, if you ever notice that a certain dish or a food item gives you acne, it is better to avoid it. It is always better to visit a dermatologist before experimenting with your diet and see what works for you and your skin under an expert’s guidance.
Here are 10 food items that those with acne-prone skin must avoid:
HIGH GLYCEMIC INDEX FOODS
Certain foods and diets raise your blood sugar, leading to the release of insulin. Due to this property, these food items are considered as high glycaemic carbohydrates, which means they are made of simple sugars. High levels of insulin in the blood can further cause your oil glands to produce more oil and increase your risks of acne. Food items that cause a spike in blood insulin are pasta, pizza, white rice, white bread, refined grains, sugar, and banana.
DAIRY PRODUCTS
According to a study, the consumption of low fat and skimmed milk led to increased occurrences of acne in teenagers. The dairy products such as butter, cheese, and cottage cheese come from pregnant cow’s milk which is high in progesterone. A hormone that can throw off your hormonal balance leading to acne. Also, since many people are lactose intolerant without even knowing, it could lead to inflammation and hence the formation of zits.
COFFEE
Coffee, black or otherwise, might give you an adrenaline rush but is also responsible for pumping up your cortisol levels (stress hormones). This in turn leads to your oil glands secreting more oil, increasing the risk of clogging pores and congestion.
CHOCOLATE AND DESSERTS
In a study conducted in 2014, it was found that 100% unsweetened cocoa led to a significant increase in causing acne. Also, chocolate with high milk and sugar content (a dairy product and sugar) can make the situation worse. Similarly, pastries and cakes are high in fats and sugar that could further increase the occurrence of acne.
GREASY AND FAST FOOD
Fried foods like bacon, burger, and French fries have a lot of oil, grease, and extra fat in them. Excess oil and fats can lead to oil secretion from glands and can further lead to an outbreak of pimples.
WHEY PROTEIN POWDER
Whey protein is a rich source of proteins and amino acids. However, consumption of whey protein leads to faster growth and multiplication of skin cells. It could lead to rising insulin levels, which can also be a cause for aggravated acne and pimples.
FOODS RICH IN OMEGA-6 FATS
Omega-6 fats are inflammatory and can increase the risk of acne. If you have acne-prone skin, you must avoid food items such as cornflakes, and soybean oil as these have high amount of Omega-6 fatty acids.
SOY AND SOY PRODUCTS
Though soy has many benefits for health and body, it also contains phytoestrogens which can disrupt hormonal balance and make the skin oily, again leading to the formation of acne.
LEAN MEAT AND ANIMAL PROTEIN
Though there is no research to back up this theory, there have been studies that show that excess intake of meat like chicken, and mutton can lead to aggravated cases of acne and pimples. These could be due to the effect of red meat on the oil-secreting glands, or the amount of oil and grease that usually goes in the preparation of these meat items.
HEAT INDUCING FRUITS
Mangoes, and jackfruit are considered to be hot and can heat the body. Increased body temperature can lead to oily skin and also increase the risk of pimples and acne.
You might be wondering that all the great food items are on the ‘no-no’ list if you want to avoid acne. However, the secret usually lies in smaller details and smaller portions! As long as you control the portion size and frequency, you can successfully keep acne at bay and have a clean, glowing skin to flaunt.
But, no matter what, always remember that your body is your greatest weapon. So, celebrate it regardless of acne and wear your confidence on your sleeves at all times!
The writer is a dermatologist, aesthetic and hair transplant surgeon at Royal Lush Clinic, New Delhi.