Acne is often linked to hormonal changes that sometimes leave both males and females uncomfortable and less confident when severe. For teenagers, acne can even lead to isolation, and may affect their personalities over time. Information centres such as Medical News Today define it as the blockage of follicles (small sacs that produce and secrete liquid) and oil that gets built up under the skin.
Even though acne is mostly linked to hormone imbalance, there are many other factors that lead to its existence. Some studies suggest that what we eat may also have an effect on the acne severity and the chances of its healing. Below are four foods provided by ByRydie that may trigger acne if you have acne-prone skin.
Processed Carbohydrates
According to dermatologist MacGregor, “Any refined, white, sugar, or grain-based food (pasta, white bread, desserts, juice, or soda) are foods high on the glycemic index and, therefore, release sugar into the bloodstream—followed by a crash. This wreaks havoc on our bodies, causes skin damage (and damage to other body systems), triggers inflammation, and worsens acne, rosacea, and other skin disorders.”
Skim Milk
CEO of The Dermatology Specialists Bobby Buka shares, “Skim milk can make acne worse that’s because it contains bovine growth hormones that are fat-dissolvable. Since there’s no fat in skim milk, they don’t dissolve. Those hormones, left in the body, can result in acne.”
Pizza
While this doughy-dairy combo is indeed delicious, it also ranks high on the GI chart, meaning it releases glucose quickly. This can result in a spike in sugar, instigating inflammation, ultimately aggravating the skin and contributing to acne flare-ups. Cheese is believed to exacerbate skin damage further if it contains high levels of hormones that drive acne.
Dried Fruit and Fruit Juice
While whole fruit contains natural sugars, dried fruit, and fruit juice are sources of concentrated sugar content. Known to promote oil production and inflammation, consuming too much dried fruit and juice would result in high sugar intake, which has been linked to acne.
Also see: Lifestyle habits to adopt when dealing with acne prone skin
