5 Foods To Avoid As They Trigger Acne Breakout

When talking about a diet that helps to prevent and control and acne breakout, it becomes equally important to list out the foods that are known to be common acne triggers.

Note: As mentioned earlier, not everyone reacts the same way to the same foods. If you’re experiencing acne breakouts, it is recommended that you start by eliminating one or two foods at a time. For instance, try leaving out dairy for one week, greasy foods the next, etc. to help you zero in on the exact trigger for your acne.

# Sugar

This is a no-brainer. Studies suggest that there might be a strong link between sugar and acne breakouts.1 However, this doesn’t mean that you’re going to get a pimple each time you indulge in a cookie.

Usually, it boils down to how much sugar you consume each day, more importantly, at one time. For instance, finishing a can of soda or eating an entire candy bar in one sitting is very likely to cause a spike in your blood sugar levels, and this may cause a breakout hours, sometimes even a few days later. If you eat a lot of sugar and suspect that it could be the main cause of your acne, try cutting down one sugary drink each day and see if you can notice any difference.

# Cow’s Milk

Studies have shown a link between drinking cow’s milk and acne breakouts.2 Even though scientists are yet to confirm the exact reason, there are several theories that support this claim. Cow’s milk is known to cause a spike in blood sugar, which in turn increases your insulin levels. This may trigger an increase in production of oil on your skin. Also, most cow’s milk contains hormones that may cause an overgrowth of skin cells that can lead to blocked skin pores.

# High-Glycemic Or Processed Foods

If you’re into foods like white bread, boxed cereals, white rice, potato chips, cakes, cookies, and candy, you might be at a higher risk of acne breakouts. These foods, once consumed, are digested and broken down very quickly by your body, triggering an insulin spike and increasing your blood sugar levels. This could result in plenty of hormonal fluctuations and inflammation, both of which are the main causes of acne.

Instead, try eating a diet that is rich in low-glycemic-index foods such as whole grain bread, vegetables, sweet potatoes, brown rice, etc.

# Fast-Foods

Fast-food is linked to severe conditions like childhood asthma, and this is mainly because of the ability of such foods to cause increased inflammation in the body.3 Inflammation will definitely lead to pimples. So if you’re really desperate to prevent or control your acne, try going for some yogurt or a salad the next time you go to a fast-food restaurant.

# Junk Foods

Junk foods are mainly targeted at children and teenagers and may be the main cause of acne breakouts in young children. These are manufactured with a deliberate addition of colors so as to make them visually appealing. Also, numerous flavor enhancements that are nothing but harmful chemicals are added to promote over-consumption of such foods.

As if this isn’t bad enough, the high content of saturated and trans fats, sodium, artificial sugars, empty calories, and preservatives (which helps ensure the longest possible shelf life), make these foods the worst kind of diet offenders.