Manage your acne, stop these food triggers

Statistics shows that over 59.4% of Nigerians have acne. This skin condition is often linked to hormones, stress, and skincare routines, but diet plays a crucial role in maintaining clear skin.

Certain foods can increase oil production, inflammation, and breakouts. Understanding the connection between food and acne can help in making better dietary choices for clearer skin.

How acne develops

Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. The result is pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, or even deeper cystic acne. It primarily appears on the face, back, chest, and shoulders.

Several factors contribute to acne, including excess oil production, bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes, hormones, and inflammation.

However, research suggests that certain foods may trigger or worsen these factors, making it more severe.

So if you have been experiencing excessive oily skin, it’s time to check what you consume daily as managing the triggers can help improve skin health, which leads to increased confidence and good body image.

Dairy Products

Milk, cheese, and yogurt contain hormones that may disrupt the body’s natural balance. Studies suggest that dairy, especially skim milk, increases insulin levels and triggers oil glands, leading to clogged pores and breakouts and one common sign that you get to mean you’ve consumed in excess is acne.

Instead of too much dairy products, try switihng to plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk if dairy worsens your acne.

Sugary Foods

Cakes, pastries, and soft drinks cause spikes in blood sugar levels, which can lead to increased oil production and inflammation. High sugar intake triggers insulin spikes that stimulate the sebaceous glands, making acne worse.

To manage your acne, cut back on processed sugars and opt for natural sweeteners like honey or fruits or dates.

Fried and Fast Foods

If you are the fried foods and fast food gang, it’s time to stop, or at least cut back on how much you consume them. Burgers, fries, and deep-fried snacks contain unhealthy fats and oils that contribute to inflammation. These foods also increase the risk of clogged pores, making acne breakouts more frequent.

Instead of too much fries, choose grilled, steamed, or air-fried options. In fact, cook your meals with minimal oil.

Chocolate

We all love some bars of chocolate. It has its own benefits to the brian and alertness, but sometimes, it best to keep it at bay for our skin’s sake. Although there’s ongoing debate about chocolate and acne, studies indicate that chocolate, particularly milk chocolate, may trigger breakouts due to its sugar and dairy content. The combination of refined sugar and dairy increases inflammation, worsening acne.

Indulge once in a while but opt for dark chocolate with high cocoa content and little to no sugar.

White Bread and Pasta

Refined carbs like white bread, pasta, and white rice quickly turn into sugar in the body, leading to insulin spikes. This promotes oil production and inflammation, creating the perfect environment for acne.

Protect your skin against acne by switching to whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat bread, and quinoa for better skin health.

Processed Meats

Western foods and the quest to do things like the rich folks have left many with health conditions they ought not to have in the first place. I mean, it’s not totally bad to try out different foods but always be conscious of your health while at it. Sausages, hot dogs, and bacon contain preservatives, unhealthy fats, and sometimes added hormones, all of which can aggravate acne.

These meats may trigger inflammation and disrupt hormonal balance, making your skin feel sick on a beautiful soul. To ensure acne has zero place on your skin, go for lean meats like chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein sources.