6 Foods That May Be Causing To Your Acne Breakouts
Have you ever woken up with pesky red pimples on your face?
It is no secret that breakouts can be upsetting and challenging to manage. While many variables, such as genetics, hormone imbalances, and poor skincare habits, can contribute to the development of acne, did you know that your diet also has a big impact?
Some foods can start or exacerbate acne breakouts by affecting one’s hormone levels, sebum production and causing skin irritation.
In this article, we take a look at 6 common culprits that may be lurking in your everyday diet and causing your acne breakouts.
1. Dairy products
Many homes regularly consume dairy products including milk, cheese, and yogurt, on a daily basis.
However, several studies have found a connection between dairy consumption and acne outbreaks. IGF-1 and androgens, two hormones that are naturally present in cow’s milk, have been found to increase sebum production in the skin. Increased sebum production can block pores and lead to the development of acne lesions.
2. High-glycemic index foods
Blood sugar levels can spike rapidly after consuming foods with a high glycemic index, such as white bread, sugary snacks, and processed carbs.
This surge triggers an insulin reaction that causes an increase in sebum production and inflammation. A high-glycemic diet may make acne more severe and breakouts more frequent.
Instead, choosing low-glycemic foods like whole grains, legumes and leafy greens would be a better option, as these foods are digested more slowly and help to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
3. Chocolate
Many chocolate lovers dread hearing that their favorite sweet treat may contribute to acne breakouts.
While the evidence is not conclusive, several studies suggest that chocolate, particularly milk chocolate which has a high sugar and dairy content, can exacerbate acne.
Sugar and cocoa, which are two key ingredients found in chocolate, have also been found to encourage inflammation and trigger hormonal reactions in the body that may result in the development of acne.
4. Fried and greasy foods
Indulging in fried and greasy foods, such as fast food and snacks with a high oil content, can not only have an adverse effect on your weight, but also on your skin’s health.
This is because these foods can cause increased sebum production which leads to blocked pores and skin irritation. Moreover, cooking at high temperatures might produce harmful byproducts that could worsen acne.
Rather, it is better to choose foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and walnuts, which have been found to have anti-inflammatory benefits on the skin, and healthier cooking techniques like baking, grilling, or steaming.
5. Sugary beverages and desserts
Sugary foods and drinks, such as soda, energy drinks, and desserts, should be limited in order to avoid damaging your skin. A high-sugar diet sets off a series of hormonal reactions that promote inflammation and sebum production. Sugary meals can also encourage the development of acne-causing bacteria. Acne outbreaks can be reduced by cutting down on sweets and choosing natural sweeteners like honey or fruits.
6. Processed foods
Processed and refined meals often contain high concentrations of artificial additives, refined carbs, and harmful fats. Acne outbreaks may result from these ingredients’ ability to alter the body’s hormonal balance and cause inflammation. Furthermore, processed foods frequently lack important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support clear and healthy skin.
Conclusion
To sum up, making mindful food choices can potentially reduce the frequency and severity of acne outbreaks. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the connection between diet and acne is complicated and can differ from person to person.
The 6 foods mentioned above are known to affect hormone levels, inflammation, and sebum production, all of which can lead to the development of acne. By reducing your intake of these trigger foods, or better yet, cutting them out entirely, you can support overall skin health and possibly experience fewer acne breakouts.
Remember, healthy and clear skin also depends on having an appropriate skincare routine, staying hydrated and managing your stress levels. And if you struggle with persistent acne or severe breakouts, it is advised to seek professional acne treatment in Singapore.
Achieve a clear, blemish-free complexion with The Clifford Clinic
The Clifford Clinic is a reputable aesthetic clinic that specializes in a range of professional and effective treatments. Our certified doctors are experts in treating can issues and have years of experience under their belt.
Here are some of the acne treatments we offer that you may consider:
1. AGNES Acne Treatment
The AGNES Acne Treatment eliminates acne at its source and offers a long-lasting solution to acne problems. It solely focuses on the follicles on the face that are prone to acne. To locate all of the skin’s damaged and clogged pores, our doctor will examine your face under a microscope. Then, a tiny wire connected to the AGNES machine delivers an electrical current to the oil-producing gland. This helps to reduce the size of the gland, and consequently, the amount of sebum it produces. With a reduced amount of oil, clogged pores are less likely to develop, which in turn, reduces the likelihood of pimples forming.
2. Gold Photothermal Therapy Treatment (PTT)
Those with moderate to cystic acne are the best candidates for this treatment. This procedure focuses on the sebaceous glands that produce oil and are responsible for the growth of new acne lesions. During the procedure, gold nanoparticles are injected into the pores and glands using a dermatological laser. By altering the oil-producing pores and glands that are the cause of the issue, this method aims to treat acne from the inside out.
3. PlaSon Treatment
Another treatment to consider is our PlaSon treatment. The PlaSon system may improve the skin in a variety of ways thanks to its two specialized probes, one of which uses plasma technology and the other ultrasonic technology. Plasma technology aids in reducing skin irritation and acne by removing acne-causing bacteria compounds from the skin. On the other hand, by stimulating fibroblast and collagen synthesis, ultrasonic technology encourages skin rejuvenation.
To learn more about our effective treatments, feel free to contact us today!