How to prevent acne?
Anyone who has battled recurrent acne knows how difficult it is to completely get rid of this issue. So the question arises, how to prevent acne? Although there isn’t a foolproof method to eliminate acne, you can reduce the outbreaks and maintain your healthy, radiant skin by consciously adjusting your diet and lifestyle.
Read on these seven foods that can trigger acne breakouts.
What foods cause acne?
Although there has been debate about the relationship between nutrition and acne, a recent study indicates that diet can significantly impact how acne develops. With that, it is essential to be aware of what you eat if you want to get away from acne problems.
Here are the foods that acne-prone skin individuals should avoid:
- Refined Sugars and Grains
According to one study, those who regularly drink added sugars had a 30% higher chance of developing acne, while those who frequently consume pastries and cakes have a 20% higher risk. Refined carbs’ effects on blood sugar and insulin levels may account for this elevated risk.
- Dairy Products
Although frequent dairy product consumption is associated with worsening acne, it is unclear whether there is a cause-and-effect relationship.
For example, the severity of acne may worsen because milk can raise insulin levels. Additionally, the amino acids in cow’s milk encourage the liver to produce more IGF-1, which has been associated with acne.
- Omega-6-Fat-Rich Foods
Omega-6 fatty acid-rich diets, have been associated with higher levels of inflammation and acne.
- Fast Food
Burgers, nuggets, hot dogs, french fries, drinks, and milkshakes are common junk food, responsible for acne.
One study found that high-fat diets were linked to a 43 percent higher chance of acne in more than 5,000 Chinese teenagers and young adults. Fast food consumption regularly raised the risk by 17%.
- Whey Protein Powder
Whey protein’s amino acids can encourage the body to create more insulin, which is associated with acne. There is evidence from several case studies that eating whey protein causes acne in male athletes.
- Animal Protein and Lean Meat
Some individuals have dark red and relatively large pimples that form on the cheeks and around the neck and jaws. These are triggered by excess consumption of red meat. Although the reason is uncertain, red meat can be linked to pimples.
- Greasy food
There is additional fat in fried foods and greasy foods like bacon and hamburgers. Pimples may appear as a result of the extra oil and grease.
Takeaway
Eating healthy is an important part of skin care. Stick to low fat diet, fresh fruits and vegetables, less meat in order to provide your body with the right amount of nutrients that are beneficial for the skin. Keep your skin hydrated, but not oily by using mild cosmetic products that are gentle on skin.
More than eating — or not eating — any one specific food, dietary patterns as a whole are likely to have a more significant effect on skin health. Currently, the evidence regarding diet and acne is insufficient for particular nutritional recommendations, although future studies show more potential.
Meanwhile, keeping a food journal may be helpful for seeing connections between the foods you consume and your skin condition.