Diet may play a role in the development of acne. Some evidence suggests that a person can reduce or prevent acne breakouts by consuming more omega-3 fatty acids, fewer dairy products, and fewer foods with a high glycemic index.

Acne can cause oily skin and several types of lesions, including pimples. Symptoms vary from mild to severe, and they can impact a person’s quality of life.

In this article, we examine the effects of the diet on the skin and explore which foods might provoke or reduce acne breakouts. We also describe general tips for treating acne.

How does the diet affect the skin?

Recent studies suggest that diet may affect acne. Acne develops when pores in the skin become clogged with dead skin cells, bacteria, or both. This clogging also occurs when the body produces too much sebum, oil that keeps the skin from drying out. Clogged pores can lead to inflammation and cause pimples and other types of lesion to form.

During puberty, the body produces more of a hormone called insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Some studies suggest that IGF-1 may increase the production of sebum and worsen symptoms of acne.

Certain foods can also raise IGF-1 levels. Avoiding these foods may help improve symptoms of acne and help prevent breakouts.

Foods to avoid

The following are examples of foods with high GIs:

• breads, especially white bread and bagels
• sweetened breakfast cereals, such as those with corn flakes, puffed rice, and bran flakes
• instant cereals, such as oatmeal and grits
• some fruits and vegetables, including melons, pineapples, pumpkins, and potatoes

• instant cereals, such as oatmeal and grits
• some fruits and vegetables, including melons, pineapples, pumpkins, and potatoes
• enriched pastas, such as rice-based pasta
• short grain white rice
• snack foods, such as pretzels, rice cakes, and popcorn

Examples of dairy products include milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt. Some people with acne may benefit from avoiding these foods.

Currently, there appears to be little evidence that greasy foods cause acne. Overactive sebaceous glands cause oily skin, not the fat and oil in food.

Which foods might help to improve acne?

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include:

• fish, such as mackerel, salmon, and sardines
• pastured eggs
• soybeans and soy products, such as tofu
• spinach and kale
• navy beans
• grass-fed beef
• nuts, such as walnuts and almonds
• flaxseeds
• mustard seeds
• wild rice

Putting together an anti-acne diet

Keeping a food diary can help a person to identify foods that trigger or worsen acne breakouts. Log every meal and snack and record the type and severity of acne symptoms that develop each day

A person should do this for a few weeks or longer and bring the diary to an appointment with a doctor or dermatologist.

The doctor can help to find links between the timing of breakouts and entries in the food diary. They can also advise about dietary changes.

When changing the diet, it is important to be patient. According to the AAD, it can take up to 12 weeks for a dietary change to have a noticeable effect on the skin.

Article source:

MEDICAL NEWS TODAY