Your parents will probably tell you to “eat your greens” and we never listen, however they might be right, as new research on acne and its causes suggests that what we eat can show up on our skin.
For many years, dermatologists, skin specialists and doctors have always said that you can eat whatever you want, it will not affect your skin or your acne and this is because acne vulgaris is still not fully understood. Scientists still don’t realize the reasons why we get pimples, blackheads, and blemishes on our skin. What scientists do know is that hormones play a role in acne and cause excess oil to be produced more frequently and quickly.
how acne occurs
Acne occurs when it becomes blocked due to excess oil, dead skin cells, or bacteria on the skin. The sebaceous glands under the skin routinely create oil and push it from under the skin upwards to expel all bacteria and dead skin from the skin. Acne occurs when these holes (pores) become blocked with oil and dead skin cells that form a sticky glue. This causes pimples and pustules.
There are different types of foods that do different things once consumed within the body and these foods have been placed on a chart called the Glycemic Index (GI). Foods with a high GI cause the body’s hormones to work to convert them into glucose. This hormonal activity causes the skin to produce more oil. Let’s look at some of the foods with a high glycemic index (GI).
- Parsnips, Potatoes and Broad Beans. These are vegetables with a high GI, which means that eating them could cause acne breakouts.
- Fish, but not Omega 6 fish as this is not good. Omega 3, which you have probably heard before, is good for the mind and the skin.
- Bananas, melons, pineapple, grapes are the worst fruits for High (GI)
By eating these, you could find yourself with acne breakouts more often and unfortunately this can lead to scarring. Take care of your skin, what you eat and your skin will take care of you. “You are what you eat”
Growing from a child to a teenager, the hormones are more active and these hormones cause acne pimples, boils (nodules), and pustules that can really mar confidence and self-esteem. But all this can be solved with a proper diet and skin care.
In conclusion, eating whatever you want is great, but eating better foods for your acne can stop acne in its tracks so you can enjoy life once again. Simply avoiding high GI foods can clear acne in a couple of days.
I hope this has helped
