Acne is often associated with oily skin conditions or stress. However, did you know that there are foods that cause acne? Well, as an effort to prevent the appearance of acne, identify and limit the consumption of various types of foods that can cause the following acne.
Acne is a common skin problem that can appear on certain parts of the body, such as the face, chest, or back. Acne is mild to severe and resembles a lump filled with cysts and pus.
In general, acne is caused by changes in hormone levels, but there are also some foods that can trigger acne. These types of foods can increase blood sugar, then trigger an increase in the hormone insulin.
With increasing insulin levels in the body, the production of oil in the skin will increase, making it more prone to causing acne.
Various Types of Foods Cause Acne
There are at least four types of foods that can increase the risk of acne, namely.
1. Potato Chips
Potato chips contain high carbohydrates which can trigger an increase in insulin and glucose in the body. Apart from potato chips, French fries and bread are also high in carbohydrates which you should avoid.
2. Sweet foods and drinks
Foods and drinks that are high in sugar, such as sugary cookies, soda, and packaged fruit juices with added sugar, can also cause acne. This is because a high enough glucose content can trigger an increase in insulin and cause acne.
3. Dairy foods
Milk, cheese, and other dairy foods such as ice cream, although rich in calcium, can cause acne if consumed in excess.
Amino acids contained in dairy products are also believed to cause the oil glands to become more active and trigger acne.
4. Greasy food
Oily foods generally contain high fat and salt, such as fried foods and fast food. The fat content can affect the appearance of acne.
In addition, there are many assumptions that spicy food can also cause acne. In fact, a study shows that spicy food has no effect on acne.
In addition to the four types of food above, many other things can cause acne. Examples are the consumption of certain drugs, hormone levels in the body, and stress.
Healthy Ways to Avoid Acne
There are several ways you can do to prevent acne from appearing, including:
Choose healthy food
To avoid acne, eat healthy foods. Nuts are often thought of as a trigger for acne, but nuts are rich in omega-3s, which can reduce inflammation around the oil glands. In addition to nuts, fish are also good for consumption to avoid acne.
Live a healthy lifestyle
Adequate sleep and regular exercise can also reduce acne. If you often stay up late, start going to bed earlier and wake up at the same time each day. A study revealed that lack of sleep can increase stress by as much as 15 percent.
Increased stress can trigger the hormone cortisol which can damage the structure and function of the skin. In addition to getting enough and regular sleep, you also need to do exercise because exercise can reduce stress.
Caring for and keeping skin clean
Acne arises from pores that are clogged with dirt, dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria. This usually happens because the skin is not cleaned regularly. Therefore, it is important to clean your face at least 2 times a day, in the morning and evening.
However, sometimes washing your face is not enough. you need to do double cleansing for maximum removal of dirt. Next, use a range of products such as toners, moisturizers, serums, and sunscreens according to your skin type.
Healthy and well-groomed skin not only affects the health of the body, but also appearance. To avoid acne, you need to live a healthy lifestyle and limit the consumption of foods that cause acne.
In addition, don't forget to meet your fluid needs by drinking at least 8 glasses of water every day. This way, your skin will stay hydrated and your body will stay healthy.
However, if your acne does not subside and persists or gets worse, you should consult a doctor to get the right treatment.