Acne is one of the most common skin conditions among teenagers and affects ten percent of the world population. In a hot and humid country like Singapore, the condition is really common and affects almost nine out of ten (88 percent) people between the age of thirteen and nineteen.
Not only does acne look bad, but it also has serious psychological consequences, especially for teenagers that can feel anxious and have lowered self-esteem due to the condition.
Many studies conducted by The National Library of Medicine have confirmed that sixty percent of young adults and adolescents have confirmed acne to cause anxiety and stress.
The condition is fairly common and caused by oil, dirt, or a blockage of the hair follicle by dead skin cells, but it can also be the result of dermatitis, hormonal changes, and stress. Furthermore, acne can also be genetic in nature.
Acne can lead to the development of lesions on the face, neck, shoulders, and chest such as pumps, blackheads, blemishes, scars, nodules, etc.
When you look for how to get rid of acne, you will find many suggestions like over-the-counter medicine or visiting a dermatologist, which is all good advices; however, one aspect of treatment for acne is diet.
Our daily lifestyle and eating habits can also play a role in the development of acne. Research conducted across the globe has confirmed that by including certain foods in your diet, your acne can worsen or be triggered. Let us identify these foods.
Refined sugar can catalyze the growth and development of acne. Sugar is one of the most commonly used ingredients in food today. Sugar is basically a refined carbohydrate and flows easily into our bloodstream. This can increase insulin levels and trigger breakouts.
Many theories and studies say that dairy products like milk, cheese, ice cream, etc. can lead to acne. Just like sugar, dairy products contain sugar in some form that increases insulin levels, a condition commonly associated with acne.
Refined grains are an important ingredient in many breakfast items such as white bread, pasta, and cereals. These foods have a high glycemic index and can raise blood sugar levels and make the androgen-insulin hormone more active. This causes cell growth and sebum production, two factors associated with acne breakouts.
Naturally, fast foods like hamburgers, pizza, French fries, sodas, milkshakes are unhealthy foods with a high glycemic index and contain highly refined carbohydrates. As explained earlier, high glycemic foods and refined carbohydrates are associated with acne breakouts.
Leucine and glutamine are two amino acids that can promote cell growth. This can lead to acne growth. Also, these amino acids can stimulate our body to produce more insulin. These amino acids are present in whey protein powders, which are derived from milk.
These are some of the foods that can worsen your acne and although some people may disagree with it, it is still a good health choice to eat less refined sugars and carbohydrates and limit dairy intake.
A good skincare routine will also help you with the condition; however, it is best to consult a dermatologist if the condition is persistent and becoming worse.
