Acne Diet: What Foods Cause Acne?

Acne is a fairly common skin condition that tends to affect nearly 9-10% of the world population. It is especially common among teenagers and young adults, but can occur to anyone irrespective of age, race, or gender.

It is typically caused by clogging of hair follicles with oil, dirt, or dead skin cells but can also emerge as a result of skin inflammation, hormonal changes, and stress. Moreover, it can also be passed genetically from generation to generation and leads to development of lesions like whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, papules, nodules etc. on the face, neck, shoulders, and chest.

Interestingly, our daily lifestyle habits and eating behaviours can also contribute in development of acne. Though the relationship between acne and diet has always remained a subject of debate; various studies have concluded that eating certain foods, especially when you have an acne-prone or oily skin,    can cause a reaction that may contribute in acne breakouts.

Here are some of the foods that can cause acne breakouts:           

1. Sugars

Sugar is one of the prime accusers that may contribute in developing or aggravating acne. Ironically, we tend to consume sugar in a variety of forms like white sugar, sodas, packed juices, and other artificially sweetened edibles on daily basis. These are loaded with refined carbohydrates and get absorbed easily in our bloodstream. This in-turns increases insulin levels and leads to acne breakout.       

2. Dairy products

Though it is still not clear, but various theories propose that dairy products like milk, cheese, ice creams etc. contribute in acne breakouts. Milk based products are known to increase insulin levels, a condition that is heavily linked with worsening of acne. Another theory proposes that amino acids present in cow milk stimulate the liver to produce more IGF-1, which in turns leads to development of acne. 

3. Refined grains

Refined grain is the primary ingredient in a lot of breakfast foods like white bread, pastas, and cereals. These foods have  a high glycemic index and can raise blood sugar levels. On the other hand, insulin makes the androgen hormone more active. This eventually leads to faster cell growth and sebum production - two factors associated with acne breakouts.  

4. Fast foods

Fast foods like burgers, pizza, fries, sodas, milkshakes etc. are unhealthy high-calorie food items that are loaded with fats and refined carbohydrates. While many reports claim that teenagers who consume these fatty foods share an increased risk of acne, strong evidences (still) remain unavailable to establish the link between acne and fast foods.   

5. Whey protein powder

Whey protein is a popular dietary supplement and a rich source of amino acids, leucine and glutamine. The two amino acids are known to boost cell growth which may lead to development of acne. Moreover, these amino acids can also stimulate our body to produce more insulin.   

While a direct relationship between food and acne is yet to be established, you should still avoid these food items if you have an acne prone skin.

Opt for a low glycemic diet and use OTC products like clear gels for acne, acne facewashes, and anti-acne soaps to relieve these skin conditions.