You've heard a lot about how some foods can cause (or foods that reduce acne) a breakout... but much of this isn't based on fact. So chocolate lovers, pizza eaters, greasy or fried food junkies can relax, your favorite foods show no evidence of bringing on a breakout of acne.
Still the idea of food and acne does have some merit. Eat low carb, go easy on the dairy and you'll help your skin look clearer and be managing your weight at the same time, according to some experts.
Research into the issue has brought mixed results, but it's possible that those who have acne also have a condition known as hyperinsulinemia and so low glycemic index foods actually help the hormones control acne.
As you might guess from the name, hyperinsulinemia involves too much insulin in the bloodstream. The thinking is that eating plans that include low carb foods keep blood sugar (and insulin) levels more constant over time.
For those with acne, eating low carb, and limiting dairy, may well be the secret to clearing your skin once and for all.
Acne is actually a disease of the hair follicles on the face, chest and back that comes to most of us during puberty. Elevated levels of male hormones that are naturally released during this time stimulate the oil glands attached to the hair follicles. Skin cells are predisposed to clogging at this age, and the follicle becomes enlarged, and may rupture, which lets irritating substances and normal bacteria in the skin into the deeper layers, and this produces the inflammation... the redness.
Depending on how close to the skin surface the clog is, you can have a pustule (close to the surface) a pimple (deeper) or a cyst (further down). If the oil comes to the surface you have a whitehead, if it oxidizes or accumulates melanin pigment it's a blackhead.
While acne isn't a result of heredity, bad hygiene or stress, it can come as a result of pressure from helmets, chin straps, collars and the like, some prescription medications and even jobs where you're exposed to industrial products that have lots of oils. Also, look to cosmetics and skin care products you're using and choose ones that have water listed as the first or second ingredient on the label.
The good news for acne sufferers comes in terms of treatment.
Start with over the counter products, especially for acne that's mild or moderate. Look for a cleanser with salicylic acid and a leave on product with benzoyl peroxide to keep the skin dry. By doing so you'll be unclogging pores, killing bacteria and keeping oil under control. Only if this doesn't work do you need to take the next step... seeing a dermatologist.
For the more severe cases of acne, most often isotretinoin (a type of vitamin A) is the treatment of choice. This medication is not prescribed lightly as it can cause major birth defects and other side effects like hallucinations, depression and even suicidal behaviors. Oral contraceptives and antibiotics (either oral or topical) are other viable options.
There are even treatments using lasers or blue light therapy that have shown themselves to deliver good results. The most important message for acne sufferers, as well eating foods that reduce acne spots - don't go untreated as you're risking being left with awful acne scars.
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