Acne is one of the most common skin problems in the whole world, and there are many beliefs among people that there are some foods that exacerbate acne, and other foods that reduce it, and in this article we will discuss whether there is an acne diet and what research says in this matter.

The effect of diet on the skin

Acne occurs as a result of clogged skin pores due to the accumulation of fatty matter, dead skin cells and bacteria, which leads to inflammation and the appearance of pimples, and sources indicate a relationship between foods that raise blood sugar levels and the appearance of acne, as levels of a hormone called insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) with high blood sugar levels after eating these foods.

And with high IGF-1 hormone, it increases the secretion of sebum in the skin, and one source adds that high levels of this hormone also in adulthood, lead to a higher risk of acne and inflammation.

Accordingly, the sources indicate that the foods that cause the appearance of acne are the foods with a high glycemic index; As it causes elevated levels of the mentioned hormone.

Foods that cause acne

Sources show that there are some types of foods that increase IGF-1 levels in the body, such as dairy products, and foods high in the glycemic index, which include:

• Bread, especially white bread.
• Sweetened breakfast cereals such as corn flakes and bran flakes.
• Instant cereals such as oatmeal and cornmeal.
• Some fruits and vegetables such as cantaloupe, pumpkin, pineapple, and potatoes.
• Short grain white rice.
• Soft foods such as pretzels, rice flour, and popcorn.
• High-sugar drinks like soda and energy drinks.

One source also indicates that researchers believe that diets rich in saturated fats, trans fats, high glycemic index carbohydrates, and dairy enhance the secretion of hormones that increase the secretion of sebum production in the skin.

Does chocolate cause acne?

There is a common belief that chocolate is one of the foods that cause acne, but there are not enough studies to prove this belief.

Does tea cause acne?

The caffeine in tea and coffee does not cause acne, but one source explains that drinking excessive tea or coffee makes you feel more alert and alert, and also increases the body’s response to stress, as it affects the ability to sleep deeply, which increases the stress hormone ( cortisol), which causes acne breakouts; It causes an increase in the secretion of more oily substance in the skin.

acne diet

One source states that eating low-GI foods that contain complex carbohydrates reduces the risk of acne. This type of carbohydrates can be found in the following foods:

• Whole grains like whole oats, whole wheat, quinoa, and brown rice.
• Legumes such as beans, peas and lentils.
• Some vegetables and fruits.

In addition to the above, foods rich in some minerals and vitamins can be added while developing a diet plan for acne, such as foods that contain zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E and antioxidants, and the following are vegetables and fruits useful in treating acne, as they contain elements beneficial to skin health. :

• carrots.
• apricot;
• Potatoes.
• Spinach and leafy green vegetables.
• tomatoes.
• berries;

Other useful foods include:

• Pumpkin seeds.
• Turkey, chicken and eggs.
• Coconut oil, olive oil, and nut butters such as peanut butter.
• Coconut milk, almond milk and oat milk.
• Salmon and mackerel.
• nuts.
• Spices such as turmeric, black pepper, garlic and ginger.

There is still a need for more research to clarify the relationship between these foods and acne, but the belief that there are foods that treat acne in particular is unfounded.

In general, each person’s body is different from the other, as some people find that acne worsens when they eat certain foods, while the grains do not appear with eating the same foods in other people, and it is recommended to follow up with the doctor to determine the types of foods that are best for each person and avoid foods that may cause allergies, And a balanced diet for acne and integrated nutrients.