Acne is a common skin condition that affects about 10% of the world’s population. There are several reasons behind the formation of acne, including hormonal issues, stress, puberty, and poor diet. We often forget to focus on our diet while looking for remedies to get rid of skin-related issues and resort to skincare products. In reality, you also need to have a healthy diet to get rid of acne for good. So, let’s look at some of the foods that cause acne and should be avoided.
9 Foods to Avoid If You Have Acne
We have listed below some of the foods that cause acne and should be taken in very fewer quantities if you want to get rid of acne:
1. Refined Carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates are present in the food products prepared from white flour, also known as maida in Urdu. Refined carbs are quickly absorbed into the body, causing blood sugar levels to rise rapidly. When blood sugar levels rise, insulin levels rise as well, helping to transport sugar to the cells. These high levels of sugar and insulin are not good as they can lead to acne formation. Some food that has high refined carbohydrates are:
Refined Carbs to Avoid for Acne:
- White bread
- Plain flour Pasta or Noodles
- White rice
- Honey, Cane sugar, and other sugary syrups
- Biscuits made with plain flour
- Cakes or other desserts
2. Milk and Dairy Products
Research on Dairy intake and acne development has found that milk of all fat concentrations is connected to the formation of acne. However, yogurt and cheese did not appear to be linked to acne, according to the study. Moreover, cow’s milk also includes amino acids that boost the liver’s production of IGF-1, which has been related to acne development.
Dairy Foods to Avoid for Acne:
- Milk
- Full-fat Milkshakes
- Desserts with dairy
3. Fast Foods
Fast foods are bad for acne because of their high fat and sugar content. These foods are higher in refined carbs, which implies they have a higher sugar content and a poorer nutritional value. As mentioned above, refined carbs increase your blood sugar and insulin levels, which leads to inflammation and increases sebum production, which can lead to acne.
Fast Foods to Avoid for Acne:
- Pizza
- Burgers
- Fried chicken
- Nuggets
- Fries
- All other foods from fast food restaurants
4. Chocolates
According to many types of research, the fat content in chocolates has been linked to the development of blackheads on the face. Furthermore, chocolate may have pro-inflammatory effects on the skin, which could contribute to inflammatory acne, which is characterized by red pimples and blisters, especially in the presence of known acne-causing bacteria. You can enjoy dark chocolate every once in a while instead.
5. Processed Foods
Anything that comes in artificial packaging comes under the category of processed foods. While not all processed foods are bad for acne, those high in salt, sugar, and fat should be avoided. They can cause your acne to become more severe and increase the healing time.
Processed Foods to Avoid for Acne:
- Chips
- Salted nuts
- Crackers
- Cookies
- Jellies etc.
6. Soft Drinks and Juices
The only things soft drinks and artificial juices provide are sugars and calories. According to research, the consumption of soft drinks on a daily basis greatly raises the risk of moderate-to-severe acne in adolescents, especially when the sugar intake from any type of soft drink reaches 100 g per day.
Also, read more about 5 Reasons Why Soft Drinks Act Like A Poison For You.
7. Drinks to Avoid for Acne:
- Carbonated drinks
- Sodas
- Artificial Fruit juices
- Malts
- Energy drinks
8. Desserts
Well, if you want to stay away from high-fat and sugar foods, you should definitely keep your distance from desserts. Not only are they high in calories and low in nutritious content, but a study indicated that they had been positively connected with acne.
9. Dried Fruits
While fresh fruit includes natural sugars, dried fruit and fruit juice have concentrated sugars. Consuming too many dried fruits has been known to encourage oil production and inflammation, which has been related to acne.
Consult a Nutritionist for Anti-Acne Diet Now!
Avoiding all the foods given above can be extremely helpful for improving your acne. But, if it seems like a lot of work, you can always consult a Nutritionist for professional advice.
To get the best advice about weight loss consult with the Nutritionists listed on Marham. Book an appointment now, to answer all your queries. You can book an appointment with the top Nutritionists in Pakistan through Marham by calling at Marham helpline: 0311-1222398 or by online booking facility through the website or Marham mobile app.
Can’t Find The App?
Android Users:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=controllers.marham.marhammed&hl=en
Drop a review for us at play store if you’ve had a good experience!
iPhone Users:
https://apps.apple.com/pk/app/marham-find-a-doctor/id1095243102
Stay Home. Stay Safe!
FAQs
1. What foods cause acne?
Foods that cause acne include those that are high in sugar, salt, and fat content.
2. What should I eat to avoid pimples?
Fresh fruits and vegetables are great foods that reduce acne formation because they are high in vitamins and antioxidants.
3. Do eggs cause acne?
No, there is no scientific proof that eggs cause acne.