6 Foods that can Cause Pimples

Pimples are one of the most common skin conditions experienced by people, especially in their teenage years. They are typically caused by clogging of the skin pores with oil, dirt, dead skin cells, or bacteria. This in turn can lead to skin inflammation. Many-a-times, factors like sebum and keratin production, building-up of acne causing bacteria, hormonal changes, etc. can also result in pimple breakouts.
Fortunately, just like all other minor skin conditions, pimples can also be treated easily with OTC products like clear gel for pimples, anti-acne soaps, and acne face wash. For instance, many dermatologists recommend AcneStar gel or AcneStar face wash for the treatment of pimples. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and serves as a rapid solution for a flawless skin. Moreover, you should also follow healthy lifestyle habits and good food behaviour in conjunction with topical treatments. Skin experts suggest that bad food choices and eating behaviour are one of the biggest contributors to acne and pimple problems.
Can acne be caused by foods?
The link between food and pimples has always been a matter of debate. Many skin experts believe that food habits are not directly responsible for pimples or acne breakouts. However, they can still cause reactions, especially when you have poor gut health or excessively oily and acne-prone skin.
On the other hand, various reports claim that diet has a strong influence on skin health and allegedly plays a significant role in the development of acne-related problems. For instance, many studies assert that many high glycemic food items can trigger acne in people. Thus, it is crucially important that you consume highly nutritious foods and adhere to good lifestyle habits.
Here are some foods that are known to cause pimples:
1. Sugar
White sugar, sodas, tetra pack juices, honey, etc. are some of the high sugar foods that we tend to consume during the day. Unfortunately, sugar is rich in refined carbohydrates and is one of the primary accused of causing acne. It gets absorbed easily into the bloodstream and raises the sugar levels. This can eventually increase the insulin levels and push excess sugar into the cells, thereby causing acne.
2. Refined grains
Refined grains such as white flour or “Maida” have a high glycemic index. They can raise the blood sugar levels, leveraging the body to produce more insulin. This can make the androgen hormones active and lead to faster cell growth and sebum production, eventually leading to acne breakouts.
3. Dairy products
While the relation between dairy products and acne is still not clear, a study claims that consumption of low fat and skimmed milk can aggravate acne problems in teenagers. Another study claims that milk can increase the insulin levels which may worsen the severity.
4. Whey protein powder
Whey protein powder is not a common kitchen ingredient and is mostly used by athletes or bodybuilders. It is a rich source of protein and amino acids like leucine and glutamine. However, it is known to promote skin cell growth and faster multiplication. Moreover, it can also raise the insulin levels to eventually cause acne.
5. Processed foods
Fast or processed foods like burgers, pizzas, fries, nuggets, etc. are high in refined carbohydrates and fats. Apart from leading to various health concerns, excess consumption of fast foods can adversely affect our hormonal balance and blood sugar levels.
6. Foods rich in Omega-6 fats
Foods like soybean oil, cornflakes, etc. are rich in omega-6 fatty acids. Health experts assert that omerga-6 fatty acids are inflammatory in nature and can worsen the severity of acne breakouts.
Moreover, many studies claim that food items like chocolate, alcohol, red meat, etc. can also aggravate pimple and acne-related problems. Thus, it is better to avoid these foods in order to promote a healthy and acne-free skin.