Having acne does not mean you are doing something wrong and it’s nothing to be ashamed about. That being said, there are some things you can do to improve your health AND minimize breakouts. We all know that the foods we eat fuel our bodies, and of course, those food choices can affect the health of our skin.
- Foods that are high in saturated fat (fast foods and fried foods etc.) or high in sugar/refined carbs (candy, white bread, pasta, white rice, soda, energy drinks, etc.) are all known to trigger breakouts. The insulin that is released after a sugary treat may increase the activity of other hormones, that in turn, increase sebum/oil production of the skin.
- Dairy products can also trigger acne, possibly in part due to their effects on our insulin levels.
- Omega-6-fatty acids, which are found in vegetable, corn, and soy oils, can increase inflammation in the body and lead to worsening acne.
- Whey protein and other high protein supplements may help you build muscle, but they can also cause skin trouble when consumed in large amounts. Studies have shown increased acne in athletes using whey protein supplementation.
