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Food and Acne

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The bioactive molecules obtained from foods contribute to the various organ systems in the body. They are incorporated into the structural units of the body, are involved in cellular metabolism, and serve as regulators and modulators of systems such as endocrine, nervous, and immune systems.


Water and Acne





Similarly, minerals contained in the water (the calcium content of hard water, for example) can promote the clogging of the skin pores and render skin cleansers ineffective.

However, filtered water is great for the skin. It helps flush out toxins and it serves as a better substitute for sodas, alcohol, and other drinks.

Milk and Dairy Products

Milk and dairy products have been shown to cause acne breakouts.




The commonest hormones found in milk and dairy products are insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2, testosterone, and other androgens. These are the very hormones that trigger acne breakouts.

Insulin-like growth factor 1 mimics the insulin produced in the body. It stimulates increased production of sebum from the sebaceous glands. Therefore, it causes the secretion of excess sebum on the skin which creates the ideal environment for acne-causing bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes to thrive.



Milk can also be responsible for adult acne in some people. Therefore, total abstinence may be required. Some people, however, can still tolerate some dairy products.

Carbohydrates, Sugar, Fats, and Alcohol


These foods cause acne because of their high glycemic loads. Simple sugars are quick to trigger a surge in insulin production. When the insulin levels in the body rise, it triggers the production of more sebum from the sebaceous glands.

To prevent and clear acne on the skin, it is important to eat more low-carb foods, proteins, and complex sugars. These foods do not cause sugar highs and so do not stimulate the release of excess insulin and sebum.


Alcohol, on the other hand, dehydrates the body and that is bad for the skin. Also, alcohol tasks the liver and reduces its ability to detoxify the body.

When toxins accumulate in the body, they affect different organ-systems negatively. They can cause hormonal imbalance in the endocrine system; abnormal inflammatory reactions in the immune system; and malabsorption of essential nutrients in the digestive nutrients.

Therefore, alcohol intake should be reduced to improve acne.

Fats and Fatty Acids



However, Omega 3 fatty acids are actually good for the skin. They are easily obtained from oily fishes, fish oils, nuts, and some seed oils.


Antioxidants for Acne



Therefore, foods containing antioxidants can help reduce acne breakouts.

Different antioxidants are useful in acne treatment. First, there are the antioxidants found in teas such as green tea, chamomile tea, and rooibos tea. Therefore, food sources of these vitamins and minerals can improve acne.

Antioxidants found in Teas

For vitamin C, the most important food sources are fruits, vegetables, and raw liver. Vitamin E can also be found in green, leafy vegetables as well as sunflower oil, safflower oil, wheat germ oil, and palm oil.

Vitamin A is found in a wide variety of foods including meat, fish livers, fruits, and vegetables. Selenium is found in nuts, eggs, fish, meat, mustard seeds, and cereals.

Vitamin A can also help rejuvenate the skin by increasing its turnover; it also reduces skin inflammation and promotes the hormonal balance needed to reduce acne breakouts.

Other Vitamins Used in Acne Treatment



Vitamin B5 is found in a lot of foods including vegetables, fruits, meats, eggs, grains, and cereals.


This vitamin can be found in whole grains, nuts, meat, and vegetables.

Vitamin D is likewise effective for reducing acne breakouts. This vitamin is naturally produced in the skin and contributes significantly to skin health.



Special Diets and Acne



Paleo Diet



Therefore, the paleo diet includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, roots, fish, and vegetables. Absent from paleo dishes are refined sugar, salt, gluten, milk and dairy products, and any processed food item.

This stripped dietary plan made of low carb, low caloric foods produce lesser total energy than modern diets but it is also free of the high glycemic loads that can trigger acne breakouts. Therefore, a paleo diet can improve acne symptoms.


Detox Diets

There are different variations of detox diets including Master Cleanse, Lemonade Diet, and the 3-day Apple Diet.


In the short-term, detox diets may improve acne symptoms if it is adopted long enough to provide such benefits. However, detox diets are shocking detoxification regimens that most people find difficult to complete.


Next Article: Aloe for Acne Treatment