5 acne-causing foods you must avoid!

Acne-causing foods that are a big no-no

Here’s a list of common acne-causing foods that you must avoid or reduce the intake for a healthy, acne-free skin!

1. Processed Sugar

If you have a sweet tooth and suffering from adult acne, then this is surely going to upset you. Food items loaded with sugar are one of the top foods to avoid for acne. This is because consumption of sugary foods results in a spike in insulin. An overdose of insulin sends your skin into overdrive and increases the production of oils in the skin. This excessive sebum and oil can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. Another reason to cut down on sugary, acne-causing food is inflammation. Inflamed skin is an ideal environment for bacteria to breed, which can result in severe breakouts. If you cannot stop consuming sugar or sugary, acne-causing food completely, it is best to reduce and control its intake.

2. Dairy

There is a significant co-relation between dairy products like milk and acne.  Also, dairy products may increase insulin levels that can aggravate acne condition.

To determine if milk is a trigger, you can stop consumption for a few days and check if your acne has reduced. In case you notice a flare-up after consuming milk, it is best to limit your consumption. If you want to avoid this acne-causing food, you can opt for milk alternatives like almond milk, soy milk or oat milk.

3. Refined grains

Foods made of white rice or refined flour, commonly known as maida, are very high in refined carbohydrates. Refined carbohydrates are easily absorbed in our bloodstream and spike insulin. This property makes it an acne-causing food. Spiked insulin is known to trigger breakouts as it causes an increase in the production of sebum.
You can cut out products such as biscuits, white bread and pasta from your diet temporarily to gauge if this is a food that causes acne. Instead of cutting out refined grains completely from your diet, you can reduce their consumption. You can also switch to eating products made of whole grains like wheat, barley, brown rice and oats.

4. Fast food

If you have acne-prone skin, eating healthy is essential. Consuming unhealthy fast-food daily is a primary cause of adult acne. Fast food has added preservatives to keep it fresh for longer. It is also high in calories, fat and refined carbohydrates. All these factors collectively damage the health of your skin, along with physical health.
Cutting down on this acne-causing food and consuming a balanced diet with leafy vegetables, fruits and sprouts, can help promote healthy and happy skin. You can also swap aerated beverages with fresh fruit juices and smoothies for healthier body and skin.

5. Alcohol

Another item that is popularly found in every list of foods that cause acne is alcohol. While having a drink or two occasionally is completely alright, consuming it in large quantities can have adverse effects. Excessive intake of alcohol is not directly linked to causing acne, but it does alter your hormone levels. It causes an imbalance in estrogen or testosterone levels, which leads to an increase in the production of sebum. This often leads to painful breakouts that can cause havoc to your skin.

You can’t get rid of acne overnight. However, you can notice positive results for acne by treating it both internally and externally. Permanently eliminating all acne-causing foods is not a realistic choice, however, reducing their intake and opting for healthier options can be a good start. Additionally, follow a dedicated morning and night-time skincare routine for acne-prone skin for acne-free skin. Consider what type of acne you have, whether it’s an inflammatory or non-inflammatory acne, what are the causes of various types of acne like forehead acne, and post-workout acne, and build a routine that suits you the best.

Your acne-skincare vanity should include purifying facewashes, gel moisturisers, lightweight day serums, overnight serums, and anti-pimple sheet masks. Those with sensitive acne-prone skin must choose the skincare ingredients wisely and ensure the actives and acids present in the products don’t cause any skin reactions. While some actives and acids work best on acne-prone sensitive skin, others may irritate the skin and worsen the condition.

Now that you know which foods to avoid to prevent acne, go ahead and customise your diet for a healthier skin. Browse through the vast range of Garnier skincare products and skincare tips and find solutions for all your skin needs.