Diet for Acne-Prone Skin: the Best and Worst Food for Acne

a bowl of best food for acne
Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels
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Ah, that acne. If there is a reward for the most annoying and unnecessary thing in the world, acne would definitely win. If you have acne, you are probably trying to understand what it is that can help you get rid of it, as well as what causes it. The fact is that genetics play a significant role in this skin condition.

Dermatologists are working to help keep genetics under control with certain medications and treatments. However, diet and lifestyle are not negligible factors and can contribute to the appearance of reduction of acne. You may have noticed that some foods are not good for your skin and it seems that you have more acne when you consume them. Is this really possible? What then, consists of a proper diet for acne? Let’s find out.

Before we talk about specific food groups, it’s important to point out that food alone (nowadays, who hasn’t heard of maskne?) cannot cause or eliminate acne. Nor do individual foods, in particular, have that power, which is why it’s better to have a more comprehensive diet for acne.

This means that if you drink a glass of celery juice every day, and your overall eating habits are not optimal, you cannot expect celery to remove acne with a magic wand. However, this can also be good news. Because if you eat properly and choose the best food for acne. From time to time, you can treat yourself to ice cream or Coca-Cola, and it will not be the end of the world. Your skin should be fine.

Therefore, which types of food are the best food for acne? And what should you avoid (or cut back on, perhaps) simply because they’re the worst food for acne?

The following should be avoided in planning a diet for acne: 

1. Worst food for acne: milk and dairy products

It has long been debated whether milk and dairy products can really contribute to the exacerbation of acne, but in the end, science has confirmed this based on numerous studies. It turns out that milk and dairy products can really contribute to acne. It has been shown that various hormones are present in milk even after processing, which, when taken into the body, contribute to the increased work of sebocytes and the formation of acne.

Another potential mechanism is causing inflammation in the body (just like in psoriasis) which is another known cause of acne. Although it is not yet completely clear why milk contributes to acne, research has proven that there is a connection. This means that if you have problematic skin, you should avoid daily intake of milk, cheese, and yogurt. And yes, ice cream and milk chocolate also fall into this group… luckily or unfortunately!

2. Worst food for acne: food with a high glycemic index

The glycemic index is a parameter that shows how fast a certain food leads to an increase in blood sugar levels. All foods that lead to a sudden jump in sugar levels have a high glycemic index and have been shown to contribute to acne.

Which foods have a high glycemic index? Well…we could say that this group includes all those unhealthy foods that we like to eat. All kinds of snacks, sweets, bakery products, as well as white bread, breakfast cereals, instant oatmeal, and many more. All foods that contain a lot of refined sugar fall into this group. Also, some fruits and vegetables (like tomatoes and pineapples), pasta, and white rice have a high glycemic index. If you have acne, try to eat as few of these foods as possible, as they may only worsen your skin condition.

What about chocolates? Are they the worst food for acne?

You’ve probably heard someone say at least once in your life that their acne gets worse when they eat too much chocolate. Maybe you are that person too. That’s why it’s time to finally answer the question of whether chocolate is really one of the worst food for acne.

Although it is often associated with acne, studies have not officially confirmed whether this is possible. This means that there is still hope that we can eat chocolate without worrying about conscience. Of course, this does not apply to milk chocolate with a ton of sugar, because it is clear that this kind of food is not the best food for acne. However, dark chocolate is not yet officially associated with this skin condition. Yay!

Diet for acne prevention: the best food for acne

If you want to help your body function optimally and reduce the chances of acne, it is necessary to pay attention to your choice of foods. It has been shown that certain foods and their ingredients can reduce the risk of acne, which is great news.

A diet for acne prevention should include a daily intake of raw fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes, and lean meats.  These are the best food for acne, along with poultry (instead of red meat). Try to eat fish occasionally, because it contains omega 3 fatty acids, which have been proven to reduce inflammation in the body, and reduce the risk of acne, considering that inflammation is one of their main causes. Dietary fiber has a positive effect on the skin in the same way because it helps the work of the intestines and reduces inflammation.

Best food for acne: mind what you drink, and not just what you eat

It’s essential to drink enough water and reduce your intake of soft drinks because they contain a lot of sugar and calories. When your usual diet looks like this, then you can allow yourself to relax from time to time and enjoy pizza, Coca-Cola, and everything that is not healthy, but delicious. When in a significant minority, it will not lead to worsening acne.

Conclusion

Although food alone cannot cause or eliminate acne, it can still contribute to creating optimal conditions for one or the other.

It has been shown that milk, dairy products, and foods with a high glycemic index can increase the risk of acne, and are considered among the worst food for acne. Meanwhile, the intake of the best food for acne which consists of fresh vegetables and fruits, cereals, legumes, and small amounts of meat can reduce the appearance of these pesky breakouts.  You might also want to try a hyaluronic acid food diet.

Of course, pay attention to what counts on your skin and form a diet for acne prevention that helps your body and skin to the maximum. Skincare products (such as the Best Maskne Products) can also help bring about the success of your diet plan. Ultimately, remember that your body is your best guide!