Acne is a common skin flaw that can affect anyone, though there are some of us who are more prone to it than others. If you are acne-prone, you probably already know a few tricks to keep breakouts at bay – avoiding oily moisturizers, exfoliating regularly and changing your pillow cases frequently can all curb pimples from popping up.
But there are diet factors that can affect acne too, and it’s not just sugary or unhealthy foods you need to stay away from. In fact, one of the most common causes of acne is a healthy food we all eat: white rice.
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Most rices are healthier alternatives to pasta because they tend to be lower in carbs. However, white rice can be pretty bad for you - and your skin.
White rice is rich in refined carbohydrates, which has been found to cause or worsen acne flair-ups. Refined carbs raise blood sugar levels, and cause more inflammation throughout the body.
The effect of refined carbs like white rice on the skin is actually pretty similar to the effect of sugary foods on the skin. So even though you're eating something relatively healthy, you can still trigger acne.
What To Eat Instead
Instead of eating white rice with all of its acne-inducing refined carbs, opt for a grain with more fiber. Wild rice, brown rice are great options, as are quinoa, barley and farro.
