Have Acne? What You Eat Matters
When you suffer from acne, chances are you’re willing to do everything it takes to get your skin clear and pimple-free. While there has been much controversy surrounding the question of whether diet effects acne, a few studies have pointed in the direction that watching what you eat could pay off in the end for acne sufferers. The AAD ran an article recently on the role of diet and the formation of acne. While they take the safe approach, saying more studies need to be conducted before the evidence is conclusive, there seems to be enough studies linking diet and acne to take special care in what you eat and drink. So what are the key foods to eat and not eat when a clear complexion is your goal? Here’s a look:
Milk and Dairy Products
The studies that have been done have all shown a correlation between dairy consumption and acne breakouts. Interestingly, skim milk is more of a culprit than whole milk for acne breakouts. Doctors believe that it’s the steroid hormones in milk that are contributing to the breakouts. One reason to choose organic milk and dairy products that have not been injected with hormones.
Low Glycemic Foods
Some pretty compelling evidence that staying off the carbs is good for your skin. A study looked at groups of hunter-gatherers that only ate meats, grains, fruits and vegetables and had no incidence of acne. The modern day diet, however, includes a hefty dose of high-glycemic foods, (ie foods with sugar, white flour and artificial flavors). The message here is that acne patients should eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats.
