Does Diet Really Matter When It Comes To Acne?

If you suffer from acne, make sure you read this!

1. Can I drink milk when I have acne?

Yes! Drinking a glass of milk or eating a little cheese every day is not a problem. However, this is not the case if you consume a large amount every time. Studies show people who consume too much milk products are 20-40% more likely to develop acne than those who eat moderate amounts. Amino acids in milk promote insulin secretion and induce hepatic insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) synthesis. IGF-1 is believed to be one of the main triggers of acne breakouts. In addition, it stimulates hair follicle epithelial growth and keratinization. If you are chronically plagued by acne, consider cutting dairy and see if the acne improves. You can also replace cow’s milk with unsweetened soy milk.

2. Can I have sugar and chocolate when I have acne?

Sugar makes us happy, and it’s often hard to say no! Currently, there is no scientific evidence to prove that eating chocolate can cause acne. However, most types of chocolates are made with a lot of sugar, which is generally high-glycemic. Excessive intake leads to blood sugar spikes, which can cause inflammation all over your body, stimulating sebum secretion and prone to acne breakouts. Dark chocolate (made of less sugar and milk) may be a good choice if you are looking to reduce your acne.

3. Should acne patients get rid of processed food such as instant noodles and sausages?

Bacon, sausage, and instant noodles are common breakfast foods because they are convenient. However, these processed foods contain omega-6 fatty acids. Overeating omega-6 fatty acids promote an immune response (initiating the body’s inflammatory response to fight germs). This can easily trigger your body’s inflammatory response, leading to irritated skin and inflammatory conditions. Also, cutting these foods out of your life completely is quite difficult. So having them once in a while won’t cause harm. Just remember not to eat these foods too often.