Avoid These 5 Foods If You Are Prone to Acne

You are what you eat’ is a popular saying that makes a correlation between food or diet and the physical appearance of a person. One can say that this saying is true to some extent about nutrition and health and it could be true in the case of acne too.

While there is a dearth of evidence for a direct link between diet and acne, some studies have found that there are certain foods that cause acne. In fact, doctors too suggest a cleaner and healthier diet for people suffering from acne as a preventative measure! There are also chances that you might have hormonal acne. This would also require you to tweak what you eat to suit your hormones. Want to learn more about a hormonal acne diet? Read on.

What is Acne?

Acne is a skin condition in which small bumps appear on the skin. Acne includes whiteheads, blackheads and red pus-filled bumps also known as pimples. Acne occurs due to excess oil or sebum which clogs the pores. Another important reason for acne is hormonal imbalances in the body. When testosterone or androgen is high in the body, acne crops up. Acne is not restricted to just the face and can appear on the back, neck and shoulders too.

Food to Avoid for Acne

Before we understand which food to avoid for acne, we must understand how diet affects the skin. When we eat food items they are known to spike your blood sugar levels, which in turn triggers the body to release a hormone named IGF-1. This hormone is responsible for managing the effects of growth however, excess of this hormone can cause an overproduction of sebum or oil in the skin. Excess sebum leads to clogged pores which leads to acne!

So, look to avoid all kinds of high-glycemic food items if you are suffering from moderate to severe acne. Some examples of foods that cause acne include:

• Pasta
• Chocolate
• Rice
• Baked goods
• Dairy
• Junk food with saturated fats
• Food with trans fats
• Carbs

Nutrients Needed To Get Acne-free Skin

Some important staple food items you can eat in a hormonal acne diet are:

• Legumes and dals
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains and cereals
• Dry fruits

Some key nutrients to add to your diet for acne-free skin:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Zinc
• Omega-3s
• Antioxidants

How to Remove Acne Naturally & Medically?

If you are suffering from acne, there are a few measures you can take. One of the first things to do if you notice acne appearing on your face is to visit a dermatologist. Generally, mild acne goes away with time and does not require too much attention, however, if your acne persists, then visiting a doctor will help greatly. A dermatologist will be able to examine your acne, understand its causes and triggers and provide you with either medication or some tips.

Here are some natural and medical ways of reducing and preventing acne:

• Using tea tree oil (with carrier oil) on a cotton ball and applying it directly on the skin for a natural spot treatment. Due to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, tea tree oil is potent and successful at bringing down acne and reducing discomfort by inflammation too.
• Use an acne-fighting face wash like makeO skin(formely skinnsi) acne away face wash which contains Salicylic acid, Niacinamide and Mandelic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells, unclog pores, reduce dullness and acne marks and brighten your face!
• Choosing acne-safe make-up
• Making an acne-safe skincare collection or following an acne-preventing skincare routine with products that are known to reduce acne and its effects. makeO skin(formely skinnsi) acne away kit is an excellent option if you don’t know where to begin. It contains an effective yet gentle face wash, a potent serum and a hydrating and pore-perfecting toner!
• Following a healthy diet and avoiding food items that have a high glycemic index like pasta, white rice, bread, dairy, chocolate etc. And instead choose items like green leafy vegetables, blueberries, quinoa, turkey, lentils, pumpkin seeds, nuts and more!

Looking for more ways of treating your acne? Check out our acne treatments which include chemical peels and scar reduction procedures which use clinically proven ingredients and are done by certified experts!

Period Acne: FAQs

How can I balance my hormones to stop acne?

• Medication
• Exercise and mindful movement
• Reducing stress levels through meditation, journaling etc.
• Following a healthy diet without high glycemic index food items like Carbohydrates and Dairy

What diet gets rid of acne?

A diet that consists of vitamins A, and C, antioxidants, Zinc and Omega-3s and not carbohydrates and high glycemic index food items is perfect to get rid of acne.

What fruits help acne?

Fruits rich in antioxidants and fibre such as kiwis, oranges, peaches, cherries, blueberries etc are good for reducing acne.

What foods to avoid for clear skin?

Dairy, sugary drinks, carbohydrates and any food with a high glycemic index should be avoided if you want acne-free clear skin.