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Dealing with acne is a frustrating inconvenience at any age. While you may have a lineup of dermatologist approved skincare products that you apply religiously, there are other factors at play that affect the texture of your skin, including the food you eat. With acne prone skin, it’s vital to consider all aspects of your health when treating the issue at hand and working to clear your complexion. Below, an esthetician weighs in on the foods you should be weary of, and other nutritional thoughts to consider if you want to uncover your best skin yet.
High Glycemic Foods
Foods with a high glycemic index such as white bread, bagels, pizza and breakfast cereals could be the source of your breakouts, according to esthetician Jordana Mattioli. She explains, “High glycemic foods result in a quick spike in insulin and blood sugar (also known as blood glucose). This spike leads to increased oil production and inflammation--the perfect environment for acne bacteria to thrive in! Diets rich in fat and sugar have also been shown to be correlated with acne.” If you’re having a flare up and are unsure of the cause, take a step back from high glycemic foods for a few days to see if things clear.
Dairy
Dairy is notorious for its negative effects on the skin, and Mattioli explains why. “There is finally some published research showing significant correlations between dairy and acne. Hormonal acne is thought to be brought on by excessive spikes of androgen hormones, and dairy milk will cause these spikes. The elevated androgen results in our skin producing excessive oil which leads to clogged pores and cysts. It's all about balance and portion control, but minimizing dairy products can absolutely help in clearing acne for many people.”
If you’re a cheese lover, you don’t have to immediately banish your favorite food in order to achieve beautiful skin. Start by cutting down on your intake, or make small substitutions to see how your skin reacts first. If your skin had been particularly bad lately and you know you’ve been consuming plenty of dairy, it could be worth cutting it temporarily to see if that does the trick.
Not Enough Omega’s
Getting enough Omega-3 isn’t just important for the function of the inside of your body. According to Mattioli, skimping on this nutrient could be the reason for your most recent acne flare up. “Foods rich in omegas, or omega supplements can help with the inflammation aspect of acne. Recent research has shown diets deficient in Omega-3 can increase small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. High fiber foods are also gut friendly!”
While it’s important to care for the surface of your skin when treating breakouts and other skin issues, the foods going into your body are just as important for your skin wellness. Mattioli notes, “With taking probiotic supplements, eating a high fiber diet and minimizing sugar, dairy, and refined foods, you’ll see your skin glowing, less breakouts, and clearer skin within a few weeks.” Taking a holistic approach to your skincare is the fastest way to see results, so when in doubt, take a look at your diet to make sure your food choices aren’t working against your skincare routine. Your breakouts will clear up in no time!
