Written by Joyce Chua
Acne is a problem many women face even in up till their 30s. If you feel like you have exhausted all your acne or blemish treatment options and tried every skincare product there is in the market, then it is probably time to reassess your diet. More than what serum you apply every night, what you eat can affect your complexion more than you realise. By making a few smart food swaps, you can vastly improve your skin condition while keeping breakouts at bay.
The key to a clear, softer, and smoother complexion may simply be to eliminate these five acne-causing foods:
1. Salt
Salt is one of the biggest culprits of acne as it causes skin to be dehydrated (and the body to be bloated!). Dehydrated skin brings about a whole host of skincare problems including inflammation and swelling, making it more difficult for acne to heal. So lay off the salt and MSG at your next meal to aim for clearer skin.
2. High GI Foods
Your morning muffin or doughnut could be to blame for that pimple you suddenly woke up with. Studies have revealed that foods with a high glycemic index (GI), such as white bread (including doughnuts and muffins) and processed starch can cause your blood sugar levels to spike, leaving you prone to breakouts.
A higher blood sugar level encourages your body to release more insulin, which in turn triggers a range of hormonal effects such as excess oil and skin cell production, as well as higher levels of androgen (acne-causing male hormones). These can all cause clogged pores and breakouts. Go for a wholemeal sandwich or whole-wheat muffins instead.
3. Shellfish
Crabs, shrimp, and lobster are foods high in iodine, which can lead to clogged pores and, subsequently, acne. Iodine causes irritation within your skin and accelerate the development of an inflamed pimple if you already have one. Particularly for those with congested pores, it’s best to lay off the chilli crab.
4. Alcohol
Happy hour isn’t going to end so happy when your skin is all red and blemished the next morning. Alcohol not only dehydrates your skin and creates wrinkles, it also prevents your skin from healing. Plus, this drinking habit can also negatively impact your Vitamins A, B3, and C levels, as those are all essential antioxidants for regenerating new skin cells.
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But you don’t have to eliminate alcohol completely. The antioxidant resveratrol found in red grapes offers numerous skincare benefits, particularly in slowing down skin aging. All you need is a glass of red wine.
5. Dairy
If you typically break out around the chin, neck, and jawline, milk may be the reason. Studies have proven that eating dairy products prompts the release of insulin and hormones in the body, thus causing acne or aggravating it. So, stay away from any dairy product that contains milk, such as cheese and ice cream.
Be careful also of hidden dairy products, such as processed luncheon meats and certain granola bars. Always check the food labels to avoid eating milk solids present in them.
Do you suffer from breakouts frequently? What adjustments do you make to your diet that improve the situation?
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