The link between diet and acne has been controversial, but some recent research shows that diet can trigger or worsen acne. So, read this post till the end to know what are foods to avoid for acne so you can have healthy, clean, and clear skin naturally. We all know by now that environment and genetics are contributing factors, but some foods also trigger acne. Keep an eye on your diet and limit those foods to treat acne breakouts.  

Acne is a skin condition that is mainly caused when our pores get clogged/blocked with oil and dirt. If you have stomach illness or there is a deficiency of some nutrients in the blood, then you’ll suffer from a severe acne breakout. It’s most common in older children and teenagers going through puberty because it is often triggered by hormonal changes. It is important to know what are those foods to avoid acne to get healthy skin naturally.

Acne causes the formation of several types of bumps on the surface of the skin. These bumps can form anywhere on the body but are most common on the neck, face, back, and shoulders.

Know your skin type

Foods To Avoid Acne

Read below for the list of foods to avoid acne if you are skin is prone to acne, these foods trigger or worsen acne.

1.  Foods Rich In Omega-6 Fats
2.  Whey protein powder
3.  Refined grains
4.  Chocolates
5.  Fast foods
6.  Dairy products
7.  Sugar

Foods That Trigger Acne

In order to get clean and flawless skin, you must limit these foods that are listed above.

Read below to know how these foods trigger acne.

1.           Foods Rich In Omega-6 Fats Trigger Acne

Foods containing a high amount of omega-6 fats trigger acne.

Soya beans, corn, sunflower oils, nuts, fish, and eggs are a high sources of omega-6 fats and these are low in omega-3. Limit these foods on a daily basis to avoid acne.

2.           Whey Protein Powder Trigger Acne

Usually, bodybuilders consume whey protein powder. It is a rich source of amino acids leucine and glutamine. These amino acids divide more quickly and make skin cells grow which leads to acne breakout.

3.           Refined Grains Trigger Acne

Foods containing refined grains or refined white flour trigger acne because they are quickly absorbed in the bloodstream. The result of quick absorption rapidly increases insulin levels. Insulin makes the androgen hormones more active, leading to faster sebum production (oil-producing glands). Excessive oil clogged/blocked the pores of the skin leads to acne breakout.

4.           Chocolates Trigger Acne

The link between eating chocolates and forming acne is still not clear but recent research supports a link between acne and chocolates. The study concludes that eating chocolate makes the immune system react strongly leads to acne-causing bacteria.

5.           Fast Foods Trigger Acne

Fast foods such as burgers, nuggets, hot dogs, milkshakes, sodas, and French fries trigger acne. However, the link between fast foods and acne is still not clear. Regularly eating fast foods cause acne formation in teenagers and young adults fast.

6.           Dairy Products Trigger Acne

Consumption of skimmed milk or low-fat milk causes acne, especially in teenagers and young adults.

Drinking this milk worsens acne because it contains bovine growth hormones that dissolve fat. Since there’s no fat in skim milk, they don’t dissolve. Those hormones, left in the body leads to acne breakout

7.           Sugar Trigger Acne

Foods containing high amounts of sugar like sodas, tetra pack juices, honey, etc. are rich in refined carbs. These get absorbed fast into the bloodstream, resulting in increased sugar levels. The increase in sugar levels triggers inflammation and worsens acne.

These are the foods to avoid for acne or limit on a daily basis to prevent acne at bay. Follow basic skin-care steps along with the diet to get rid of acne breakout naturally and permanently.

Foods That Prevent Acne

Below are some of the foods that prevent acne at bay so consuming these foods on a regular basis helps you to get clear and healthy skin naturally.

• Zinc
• Anti-inflammatory herbs and spices
• Complex carbohydrates
• Probiotics
• Vitamin A, D, E
• Green tea

Zinc To Prevent Acne

Chickpeas, beans, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, meat are good sources of zinc

Anti-inflammatory herbs and spices To Prevent Acne

Turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, parsley, garlic, ginger, and cayenne contains a potent antioxidant that is known to reduce inflammation. Consuming these herbs and spices helps regulate blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity and inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria, which may prevent acne formation.

Complex Carbohydrates To Prevent Acne

Whole wheat bread, brown rice, legumes such as beans, lentils, peas, unprocessed fruits and vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, beetroot, and apricots are good sources of complex carbohydrates.

Probiotics To Prevent Acne

Probiotics promote a healthy gut and balanced microbiome. Yogurt, buttermilk, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, pickles, miso, tempeh, kimchi, sourdough bread, and some cheese are good sources of probiotics.

Vitamin A, D, E To Prevent Acne

These vitamins play crucial roles in the skin and may help prevent acne formation.

Green Tea To Prevent Acne

Green tea contains plant-based substances like polyphenols that are associated with reduced inflammation and lowered oil production. Excessive oil production clogged pores of the skin leading to acne breakout. Consuming green tea daily helps to avoid acne.

Tips To Avoid For Acne

• Drink plenty of water.
• Take a well-balanced diet.
• Take detox water daily.
• Wash your face twice or thrice a day with an oil-free cleanser that prevent acne.
• Exfoliate your face twice a week to unclog the pores of the skin that further leads to acne breakout. 5 Homemade scrub recipes
• Keep your hands off your face
• Wash makeup off before bed time
• Use non-comedogenic products.
• Use a gentle light scrub for exfoliation.
• Sleep well.
• Stop smoking.
• Use a light weight non greasy moisturizer.
• Natural ingredients like, aloe vera, cinnamon, lemon juice helps in preventing acne.