Skincare alert: Understanding the ‘lethal’ trio that causes acne

In the pursuit of clear and radiant skin, many of us turn towards an array of skincare products and treatments to battle against acne. But what if we told you that the shield against this skin woe isn’t just your bathroom cabinet, but rather your plate?

Recent research shows that there is a surprising link between certain foods and acne. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology in 2020, evidence suggests that diet plays a role in acne and its treatment.

However, which foods should we avoid eating to prevent a breakout? Answering this question is dermatologist, Dr Rashmi Shetty who took to Instagram to share “lethal food that causes acne.” “By now we all know that sugar, dairy and packaged food cause harm to the body by increasing inflammation and damage to the skin, what is worse is all three coming together,” she wrote in the caption.

Dr Shetty explained that these three things are found in ice creams, cookies, cakes, cheese, preserved food, and fruit juices from a bottle, advising to not touch this ‘lethal combination.’

Agreeing, Dr Jaishree Sharad, cosmetic dermatologist, founder of Skinfinitii Aesthetic Skin and Laser Clinic in Mumbai, in an interview with indianexpress.com had said that consuming foods with a high glycemic index such as sugar, jaggery, refined flour (maida), and potatoes can lead to acne. These foods are rapidly absorbed by the body, leading to higher serum glucose levels and corresponding elevated levels of insulin and IGF1 hormone.

“Insulin and IGF-1 have been shown to augment sebum production, stimulate adrenal androgen synthesis, and increase male hormone androgen bioavailability, all of which play a role in the pathogenesis of acne. If you have acne, you should avoid food with a high glycemic index (GI),” she explained.

 

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A post shared by Dr Rashmi Shetty Dermatologist (@drrashmishettyra) 

Similarly, Dr Trupti D Agarwal, consultant dermatologist, trichologist, and aesthetic dermatologist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, advised having a low-glycemic index diet to keep acne in control. Additionally, eating nutritious and anti-inflammatory food is one of the best ways to treat acne naturally.

“Since inflammation causes acne, opting for foods that reduce it is essential. One can choose omega-3 fatty acids, including flaxseeds, chia seeds, fish, walnuts, and tofu. Moreover, have green leafy vegetables and low GI fruits like orange, apple, berries, and grapefruit to reduce inflammation associated with acne. These foods provide important nutrients like vitamin C, which are good for the skin. In all, highly processed and refined foods should be replaced with whole foods to treat your acne,” she recommended.”

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