Acne-triggering Foods
To normalize the condition of problem skin with a tendency to acne, the first step is to clean it properly with a good makeup remover cleansing balm. And then to normalize the body’s metabolism and follow a balanced diet to prolong the effectiveness.
The quality of the skin directly depends on the quality of nutrition. There are no categorical restrictions in the diet. However, it has been proven that some product groups provoke the development of new rashes and contribute to the deterioration of the skin. We will figure out how to correct the usual menu so that inflammations pass faster, and the skin remains healthy and smooth for a long time.
How an Unhealthy Diet Can Cause Acne?
Normally, skin secrets sebum to maintain its protective functions, as it is an important component of the hydrolipid mantle and protects the epidermis from dehydration and negative environmental fusion. With the increased work of the sebaceous glands, problem skin secretes excess sebum. It clogs the pores and creates a favorable environment for the development of bacteria, the appearance of blackheads.
To improve the skin condition and reduce acne recurrences, it is important to regulate sebum production, normalize the function of the sebaceous glands and nourish the skin with missing vitamins and elements. A diet for acne treatment will perfectly cope with this.
Solving the problem from the inside, the diet will help the entire body as a whole. A noticeable improvement in overall well-being will be a pleasant bonus to clear skin. Remember that every body is different and, if possible, work with your dietitian. Make a personal meal plan to combat breakouts.
What Food Causes Acne on the Face and Body Most Often?
Products that provoke acne we roughly divide into four groups:
- fatty (fast food and various snacks, animal fats);
- Too sweet (foods high in sugar and high glycemic index, sweets, cakes and pastries);
- milk (hard cheeses);
- Too much coffee (beverages based on coffee beans).
Fatty and fried foods often contribute to the appearance of rashes
Everyone knows that fast food and snacks are unhealthy food even for an absolutely healthy person, as it contains a large amount of trans fats. An excess of saturated fat in the diet can provoke skin inflammation. In other words, pizza, chips, hamburgers, French fries, onion rings, crackers do not directly cause acne, but create all the conditions in the body for the appearance of rashes.
A single trip to a fast food restaurant is unlikely to make a difference, but with regular consumption of trans fats, relapses of acne will not be long in coming.
Acne on the face from sweets is a common situation
We understand that it is always easier said than done. But still, for the sake of your skin health, try to remove simple sugars and white flour (cakes, pastries, white bread, soda) from your diet. Replace them with foods rich in fiber (whole grain bread and legumes).
If you really want something sweet, then replace harmful sweets with healthy ones and eat a bar of muesli made from dried fruits and nuts or a salad of fresh vegetables or berries.
Milk and dairy products are also on the list of rash-causing foods.
Many do not attach importance to how much dairy products they consume, because it is believed that cow’s milk and cottage cheese are good for the body. Acne patients need to remember that increased consumption of dairy products can trigger acne.
The most dangerous dairy product is hard cheese. While treating acne, reduce the consumption of any fermented milk products and look at the dynamics of rashes and the condition of the skin.
Remember (!): Whey shakes act like super concentrated milk. By eliminating them from the diet, you will quickly get rid of rashes.
Coffee not only invigorates, but also causes acne breakouts.
A cup of coffee in the morning is great for invigorating, but it can provoke acne. This is because coffee beans contain an organic acid that raises levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Cortisol stimulates the sebaceous glands, so it’s best to skip coffee and coffee drinks (even decaf coffee). Go for tea, herbal teas, or chicory.
What Other Foods are Dangerous for Acne?
You may be surprised, but there are several products that are considered dietary and very useful, but are categorically contraindicated in the treatment of acne – these are spinach, peanuts.
- Spinach is good for its high iron content, but it also contains a lot of iodine, which causes imperfections on the skin if it accumulates in the body in large quantities.
- Peanuts contain a substance that increases the production of sebum, so it is better to replace it with almonds or cashews.
An exacerbation of rashes can provoke excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages and flour products:
- Alcohol is not recommended. It tends to dilate blood vessels, which leads to redness and dehydration of sensitive skin, so be careful and follow the measure!
- White bread, pasta, white rice, wheat flour-based baked goods – these foods trigger the release of insulin into the bloodstream. Pasta and white can be replaced with any of the cereals or brown rice, baked goods can be replaced with products made from rye or whole grain flour.
When following an acne diet, eat small meals. Overeating can trigger the production of excess sebum, which can increase the likelihood of new breakouts.
What Foods Can Help to Fight Acne?
Pay attention to such elements in the composition of products as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, zinc, vitamins A, C, D, E and B – they resist oxidative stress, break down elastin, produce collagen and, with sufficient consumption, the skin will retain its beauty for a long time, natural radiance and health.
Enrich your diet with antioxidant foods that from the inside will help cells fight the damaging effects of free radicals, prevent premature aging and improve the condition of problem skin.
The necessary components are contained in sufficient quantities in the following products:
- mushrooms;
- spices (ginger, turmeric, cinnamon);
- whole grain cereals, bran;
- nuts (walnuts, almonds, brazil nuts), legumes and seeds;
- fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, forest and garden berries;
- soy and soy products;
- seafood and seaweed.
This article is informational material. The content of the article is not medical advice and cannot replace it. The use of information from the article, as well as any recommendations or advice is at your discretion. More useful information about skin care read here.