Acne is a common skin condition that affects nearly 10% of the world’s population. Many factors contribute to the development of acne.
The link between diet and acne has been controversial, but recent research shows that diet can play a significant role in acne development. These top 7 foods can cause you acne.
Refined Grains and Sugar
People with acne tend to consume more refined carbohydrates than people with little or no acne.
Foods rich in refined Carbohydrate include:
- Bread, crackers, cereal or desserts made with white flour
- Pasta made with white flour
- White rice and rice noodles
- Sodas and other sugar-sweetened beverages
- Sweeteners like cane sugar, maple syrup, honey or agave
Eating lots of refined carbohydrates may increase blood sugar and insulin levels and contribute to the development of acne. However, more research is needed.
Dairy Products
Many studies have found a link between milk products and acne severity in teenagers. Frequently consuming dairy products is linked to increased acne severity, but it is uncertain whether there is a cause and effect relationship.
Fast Food
Acne is strongly associated with eating a Western-style diet rich in calories, fat and refined carbohydrate. Regularly eating fast food has been correlated with an increased risk of developing acne, but it is not clear whether it causes acne.
Chocolate
Chocolate has been a suspected acne trigger since the 1920s, but so far, no consensus has been reached. Emerging research supports a link between eating chocolate and developing acne, but the reasons why and strength of the relationship remain unclear.