Acne treatment can be a complicated process. Many people don’t realize the source of their acne could be rooted heavily in their diet. Severe acne treatment can be easier than you think. Here are some foods to avoid if you want to minimize breakouts and maximize healthy skin.
- Milk – Studies have shown a link from the hormones in cow’s milk to pimples. With more and more hormones being added to milk and dairy, it’s a safe bet to ween yourself off the milk completely. Try replacing milk with almond, soy, or rice alternatives.
- Sugar – Yet another reason to have to give up the sweets. Sugar is pro-inflammatory, so if your skin is prone to irritation, it would behoove you to shove sugar to the curb. There are lots of replacements on the market, like stevia or raw honey.
- Coffee – I know, this is ridiculous, right? Coffee beans stimulate cortisol, or “the stress hormone,” which can lead to inflammation. Try switching it up with some green tea.
- Bread – You guessed it. Bread causes inflammation. Are you sensing a trend? Luckily, there are a ton of bread alternatives available. (You can thank the gluten-free crowd for that.) But it’s a good idea to cut down on the bread anyways, since it often contains high amounts of sugar.
- Peanuts – The least devastating for sure. (Depending on who you are.) Peanuts spike your androgen levels, causing your skin to create excess oil. Almonds and cashews are still safe, so consider switching out your peanut butter for a less oily alternative.
While it seems like a pain to drastically change your diet, it can’t hurt worse than acne scars, back acne (backne), or the myriad of other breakout-related-ailments. Consult a dermatologist to see what’s causing your specific breakouts.
