- A large number of sugary treats in your diet can trigger acne events.
- Dairy in your diet can affect your acne.
- The right food can enrich the look and health of your skin.
Why Your Dermatologist Asks About Your Diet
When you were a teenager, you stared in the mirror at the latest pimple outbreak on your face and dreamed of the day when you’d be an adult and acne would be a thing of the past. However, adults get acne too. Who knew? If you’re an adult battling acne and other skin care challenges, you might seek out the help of a dermatologist. During your first consultation, your dermatologist will ask you questions about your diet. What you eat can have an impact on the overall health and well-being of your skin. Here are a few things to consider:
The Sugar-Acne Connection
A pimple occurs when dirt gets into a pore in your skin and festers. Eventually, an infection starts, filling the pore with pus that breaks through the outer layer of your skin. You wonder how sugar could be connected to acne.
The connection between sugar and acne rests in the spike in blood sugar and insulin when you ingest sugar. This spike in blood sugar increases inflammation and stimulates the creation of excess oil that can fill pores and cause acne.
An increase in blood sugar also leads to an increase in androgen activity. When you eat high-glycemic foods (high in sugar or carbs), they break down quickly, which leads to increased cell growth and oil production, causing acne outbreaks.
Can Dairy Trigger Inflammation?
Whether it’s ice cream, cheese, or yogurt, almost everyone has a dairy dish that they love. Dairy is a food group, and you need a certain amount of dairy to maintain a healthy diet and overall health. In the past, many scientists and nutritionists believed that there was a link between dairy and inflammation. However, newer research shows that might not be the case.
Recent studies have determined that dairy doesn’t raise inflammation in chronic cases and can actually reduce inflammation, especially with fermented products, such as yogurt. However, dairy can still affect acne. The hormones in milk can lead to an acne outbreak. Also, dairy can create a spike in your blood sugar, leading to additional inflammation.
Foods That Feed Healthy Skin
You know the old saying — you are what you eat. There is some truth to this saying, and there are foods that can offer you healthier skin and overall well-being. Some of the foods that you might consider adding to your meal planning include:
- Fatty Fish
- Avocados
- Sweet Potatoes
- Carrots
- Berries
- Tomatoes
- Leafy Greens (Kale, Spinach)
- Walnuts
- Green Tea
- Bell Peppers
These foods are filled with a variety of vitamins and Omega-3s to hydrate your skin and keep oil production lower. These foods can also help to keep your blood sugar levels consistent throughout the day, minimizing the risks of inflammation and increased oil. As part of a supported weight loss program, our team explores your current diet to find areas where we can substitute healthier foods.
Book an Appointment to Discuss a Holistic Plan for Your Acne or Eczema
At Georgia Skin Cancer and Aesthetic Dermatology, we’re dedicated to helping you get rid of acne and mitigating the symptoms of eczema. Our holistic plan moves past medications alone and includes lifestyle changes, such as dietary concerns. To make the most of your treatment, we always review your diet to look for small changes that can make a big difference in your struggle against acne and eczema. Contact us today to get started.
Image credit: // Shutterstock // Tatjana Baibakova
