Acne. It’s a frustrating, embarrassing skin condition often considered a right of passage for unlucky teenagers. But those little imperfections find adults as well, commonly on the face and back. The buffet of topical creams and medications can lead to disappointing results. Fortunately, acne can often be resolved or lessened through nutrition. Often patients don’t realize how important diet is in treating (or aggravating) the skin.
Acne is caused by an inflammation of the hair follicles. Rapid turnover of cells causes a blockage of the follicle. This allows bacteria to grow, using the follicle’s oils and causing inflammation. Hormones play an important role by increasing the production of oils, explaining the link to acne with the adolescent years and adult females.
The management of acne begins with a thorough investigation of the diet. Sugar is the primary culprit in aggravating the skin. Eating foods that are high in refined sugars (table sugar, sucrose or high fructose corn syrup) will cause a rise in the body’s insulin. Too much circulating insulin can trigger inflammation in the body, including the skin. Rapid rising and falling of blood sugar over time also leads to inflammation of the skin.
Common high sugar foods include bread, pasta and white potatoes. The Standard American Diet (SAD), on average, exceeds the levels of sugars many bodies can tolerate. The body does in fact need sugar to create energy for the body. The trick is finding better sources such as grapes (which contain some sugar, but are a much better source of nutrition than say, a candy bar). Most fruits and vegetables are low in overall sugars and high in vitamins and minerals. Those who feel they need extra help with their skin should focus on proteins, vegetables and a moderate amount of fruit, as these foods don’t escalate the blood sugar as quickly. The rise in insulin from these foods is much more natural and in tune with what the body can handle.
Skin care is extremely important in the management of acne as well. Anything that irritates the skin increases the opportunity for follicles to become blocked and inflamed. Wash daily. Use lukewarm water and gently rub a mild cleanser into the skin with your fingertips. Splash the face to rinse, and gently pat dry. An over-the-counter acne cleanser containing benzoyl peroxide (an antibiotic) may be used as well.
