How to eat right when you have acne
It is believed that acne is caused by sweet, milk, chocolate or wine. It's believed that if you have acne, you probably ate something wrong. However, the exact relationship between the consumption of certain foods and the occurrence of acne is often unclear.
Despite this, people have certain associations: for example, it is believed that thrush can be caused by the consumption of soft buns, candies and yeast dough. It is therefore logical to assume that acne can also be associated with chocolate and wine. But few people really understand how food affects their skin.
We decided to understand how food affects the appearance of acne on the face and how you can adjust the diet to reduce their number.
What is acne vulgaris?
Acne vulgaris, also known as acne vulgaris, is common at puberty. During this time, hormonal changes can cause many inconveniences, including the appearance of acne.
Various unpleasant growths, such as comedones, pustules, and papules, may occur on the skin, especially in places with large numbers of sebaceous glands. Seborrhea, which affects the scalp and face, is common.
It is impossible to predict in advance exactly what pimples will appear and in what quantity. There are many clinical manifestations of acne, including open and closed comedones, papulopustular acne, and conglobate acne. These acne may cause abscesses, fistulas, and scarring or disappear without a trace. The number of acne varies from a few to a large rash, and in some cases it may affect the joints.
Although acne can develop in both sexes, men are more likely to have severe disease. People in developed countries and whites are more prone to acne than people in less developed countries and people in Africa and Asia.
- Common causes of acne include
- Increased production of sebum.
- Increased production of proinflammatory substances.
Hyperkeratosis (accelerated cell division of the skin corneal layer).
Active growth of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria.
In addition, genetic predisposition, hormonal disorders, problems with the immune system, psychological and environmental factors, and nutrition contribute to the development of acne.
Milk and dairy products: facts and research
Hormones in milk, particularly those produced by cows during pregnancy, are thought to contribute to acne. These hormones include progesterone from the placenta, testosterone precursors, and other biologically active substances.
According to Polish scientists from Medical University of Warsaw, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) plays a key role in the development of acne. The level of IGF-1 in the blood increases during puberty under the influence of growth hormone, which correlates with the severity of acne. Studies show that women with acne have significantly higher plasma IGF-1 levels than healthy people. IGF-1 and androgens stimulate production of sebum and hyperkeratosis, which are the main factors in the development of acne.
Some studies also suggest that skim milk may be more comedogenic than whole milk. This is due to changes in the bioactivity of some molecules and their interactions with proteins during processing. Skim milk contains fewer estrogens, which may reduce acne.
Also, manufacturers may add alpha-lactoalbumin to skim milk to maintain its consistency. This component enhances the comedogenic effect.
Interestingly, even ice cream that contains milk may increase the risk of acne rashes.
Chocolate: Myth or Reality?
Many people believe that chocolate can cause acne. However, unlike other products such as milk, scientists disagreed on this issue. There is limited evidence that chocolate actually causes acne.
Researchers have repeatedly tried to identify specific components of chocolate that may be harmful to the skin. In one experiment, participants, male and adult, consumed bars of cocoa and non-cocoa. As a result, there was no significant difference in sebum production between the groups.
Other studies have shown that the problem may not be with the chocolate itself, but with other ingredients in the sweets. What components cause these reactions is not yet known. However, milk chocolate containing more sugar and fewer antioxidants may be more comedogenic than dark bitter chocolate. However, moderate bitter chocolate ingestion is unlikely to have serious consequences.
Nutrition to reduce the risk of acne: what you need to know?
the information really highlights the importance of nutrition for skin health and reducing the risk of acne. Let's summarize the principles you have listed:
Reducing dairy consumption: Milk and dairy products may contain hormones that contribute to acne, so reducing their intake may be beneficial.
Choosing foods with a low glycemic index: Foods that rapidly increase blood sugar levels can have negative effects on the skin. Nutrition with a low glycemic index helps maintain stable sugar and insulin levels, which can reduce sebum production.
Increasing dietary fiber intake: Dietary fibers help improve digestion and regulate blood sugar levels, which can help improve skin condition.
Increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids: These healthy fats have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the body, which also has a positive effect on the skin.
Eating foods rich in antioxidants: Antioxidants protect skin cells from damage by free radicals and may help reduce inflammation.
Increased zinc intake: Zinc plays an important role in skin health, has antibacterial properties and can reduce inflammation. However, it is important to monitor the dosage to avoid negative effects.
It is important to understand that each case of acne is individual, and for effective treatment, a comprehensive assessment of the patient's condition is necessary. A visit to a dermatologist will help to determine the most appropriate approach to therapy and eliminate possible complications associated with incorrect or delayed treatment. Self-treatment can make the problem worse and in some cases can cause additional skin reactions or infections. Therefore, trust the care of your skin professionals.
