Acne is very common, especially among young people, and one of the best ways to prevent pimples and breakouts is to avoid the foods that cause it. It is important to note that foods do not directly cause acne, but there are certain foods that are known to aggravate acne-causing conditions. Therefore, if you have acne-prone skin, you should take note of these foods and avoid their consumption as much as possible to prevent your breakouts.
1) Dairy Products: Dairy products such as ice cream, butter, and processed cheese top the list of acne-causing foods. Dairy products contain a lot of fat and are also derived from the hormone-rich milk of pregnant cows. These hormones increase the production of sebum which gets trapped in the pores of the skin and causes acne. Therefore, you should avoid high-fat dairy products to prevent pimples and acne breakouts.
2) Fats: Foods high in trans fats are not only bad for your health, they are among the worst acne-causing foods. Trans fats in food can alter blood insulin levels, leading to increased hormonal activity. This in turn leads to increased sebum production and acne breakouts. Avoid foods high in trans fats like donuts, cakes, cookies, frozen and packaged foods, chips, fast food, etc. to prevent future outbreaks.
3) Processed Foods: Processed items are the main food culprits that cause acne. They not only contain high amounts of preservatives, additives, flavors, colors, but also sugars and carbohydrates that are bad for acne-prone skin. Also, processed foods are difficult to digest, leading to increased toxins and allergic reactions, leading to increased acne breakouts.
4) Caffeine – Caffeine is bad for acne-prone skin as it raises stress levels and disrupts sleep patterns. Both of these conditions are known to worsen the acne problem. Therefore, you should avoid foods that are high in caffeine, such as chocolate, coffee, energy drinks, soft drinks, and tea, to prevent pimples and breakouts.
5) Alcohol: Alcohol is another food that can cause an increase in pimples and acne breakouts. Alcohol enhances hormonal activity and can lead to increased stress levels and disturbances in sleep patterns, which are major contributors to acne. So avoid excessive drinking to prevent future acne breakouts.