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There is a lot of information and misinformation on the internet about diet and the connection between diet and acne. While there is debate about which specific foods cause acne and what exactly the cause-and-effect relationship is, it is believed that some foods have a greater impact on skin health than others, including: Below are some of the most common culprits.

Milk and dairy products: Milk and dairy products are often considered public enemy number one when it comes to acne. They often contain high levels of hormones that stimulate oil production and lead to clogged pores. What products does this list contain? Maybe your favorites include:

Milk
Butter
Ice cream
Cheese
Yoghurt
Cream
Curd

Dairy products are not just everyday foods in themselves. These are often used as an ingredient in your favorite dishes and should be avoided at all levels. Luckily, there are many dairy-free alternatives on the market that allow you to enjoy dairy products without negative effects on your skin.

Alcoholic beverages: Alcohol is an irritant and can worsen existing skin conditions such as acne and lead to more breakouts. In addition, many exotic alcoholic drinks and cocktails contain sugary additives. According to A. Vogel, sugar, like alcohol, increases inflammation, so it's a double whammy that causes acne. Another reason alcohol is harmful to skin is that it causes dehydration. This causes your body to produce more oil, which leads to breakouts.

Refined carbohydrates: These include bread, sugar, white rice, white flour and similar foods. As mentioned above, they all work together with sugar to cause inflammation and can have a very negative impact on people who already have acne-prone skin by increasing the frequency and duration of acne breakouts.

High-glycemic foods: In addition to refined carbohydrates, some high-glycemic foods can also cause inflammation and make acne difficult to control. These foods include:

Potatoes
Parsnips
Carrots
Watermelon

Although many of them seem healthy, they can cause rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels and increase inflammation. Instead, look for fruits and vegetables with a low glycemic index, such as:

Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cauliflower
Artichokes
Asparagus
Leafy greens
Beans
Watercress
Radishes
Water chestnuts

These foods don't cause rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels and can actually help soothe your skin.

Fatty foods: Fried foods and highly processed foods containing trans fats often contain cytokines that are rich in targets that increase inflammation and cause red, blotchy, and aging skin.

Whey Protein Powder: Not much talked about. Whey protein powder, a dietary supplement, increases faster-growing amino acids such as leucine and glutamine, which contribute to acne formation. Healthline reports that studies have shown a direct link between whey protein intake and acne in male athletes, as well as a link to the severity and duration of acne in athletes using whey protein supplements.

Highly processed comfort foods: These include a variety of foods that contain ingredients that irritate the skin, unhealthy fats, and surprising amounts of refined sugar, flour, etc. They make meal prep easy and often affordable. , but not good for acne-prone skin.

Chocolate: Although chocolate is not the main culprit, milk chocolate and light chocolate are the most important in promoting acne. WebMD recommends choosing dark chocolate with less sugar and refined milk, which is better for people who want to clear their skin.

Chicken: Another shocking food on the list of foods to avoid when fighting acne is chicken. Like dairy, chicken often contains hormones that can cause inflammation and make skin prone to breakouts.

Coffee: Some people find the addition of sugar and dairy products in coffee problematic. For some people, the “adrenaline rush” that comes from that first cup of coffee in the morning is invigorating. Unfortunately, it also increases levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which increases sebum production and sets the stage for acne. Small changes to your diet can relieve your acne by boosting your immune system and improving your overall health. However, there is currently no solid evidence that specific foods cause acne. For those who continue to suffer from acne, acne is no laughing matter. In addition to changing your diet to eliminate the foods listed above, talk to your doctor about the acne treatments that are right for you.