Worst Foods for Acne
No one on this entire planet has ever said they enjoy acne. Okay, we can’t say that with 100% certainty, but we’re pretty sure. The point is, acne is awful. Like everyone else, we’re always looking for ways to prevent it and generally not make it worse. Well, believe it or not, there are certain foods that may exacerbate the development of acne cysts and lead to more severe breakouts. With that being said, here are the top five foods that can make your acne worse.
Foods That Are Bad for Acne
1. Processed Sugars and Carbohydrates
Everyone pretty much agrees with the fact that processed sugars and carbs as well as refined grains are bad for health overall. However, studies have shown that they are likely directly related to acne development. That’s because consuming refined carbs and added sugars increases the body’s insulin levels. With higher insulin levels, the body begins to over-produce androgen hormones. These are the hormones that are responsible for making sebum (among other things). Sebum is the body’s natural oil supply, and too much of it leads to acne breakouts.
2. Dairy
Who doesn’t love milk, cheese, and yogurt? Unfortunately, these products can lead to increased acne breakouts. While the research is in its infancy, some believe that the consumption of dairy can raise insulin levels, resulting in acne. While the research focuses mainly on cow’s milk and teens/young adults, it still begs the question whether or not the consumption of dairy in general should be cautioned against.
3. Omega-6 Fatty Acids
We’re not talking about omega-3 fatty acids here. Omega-3s are the good fatty acids found in avocado, salmon, berries, etc. Omega-6s, on the other hand, are present in much less healthy foods like sweetened peanut butter, chicken thighs, potato chips, and cured meats. Omega-6 fatty acids have been seen to inflame the skin and open the door toward acne development.
4. Fast Foods/Fried Foods
Fast and fried foods are bad for you in many ways. So understanding that they also lead to acne is not very surprising. In fact, fast foods are so high in calories, fat, refined sugars, and carbohydrates that they seem to be a recipe for disaster. Avoiding these foods can go a long way in reducing your risk of developing acne.
5. Chocolate
Quite possibly the world’s favorite guilty pleasure, some people believe that consuming chocolate can lead to acne breakouts. There has been no substantive evidence to confirm this speculation; however, it is believed that consuming chocolate can lead to immune system activity that can spark the creation of acne-causing bacteria.
As you can see, acne caused by food is still being researched. Nonetheless, for your general well-being along with the reduction of the appearance of acne, you should do your best to avoid these foods and eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. It’s also a good idea to visit your dermatologist for acne facials and other acne treatment methods.
If you’d like to learn more and are in Cincinnati, Ohio, our experts at The Dermatology Group are here to offer you acne treatments and much more. Give us a call today!