The Connection between Acne and Diet

by CJ

Is there a connection between acne and diet? I used to think that acne was somehow genetic. My brother had a lot of pimples when he was in his teens. When my dad was about the same age as my brother, he also had pimple laden skin. So, this was what supported my belief. However, as time passed, I had other reasons to consider that acne is brought about by what you eat in your daily meals.

I tried to observe other members of the family including close relatives, particularly, what they ate on a daily basis. I noticed that my young nephew and niece, who had a lot of dairy and ate foods with high fat content, already, have pimples at their young age. This goes to show that some diets may, indeed, cause acne.

On a larger scale, acne is more widespread in populations coming from western countries and other industrialized nations. In these places, people consume foods such as dairy products, coffee, cereals, fried foods, nuts, salt, sugar, chocolates and cakes. On the other hand, people from non-western countries eat more of fruits, fish and vegetables. This kind of diet is low in fat content and brings about a low glycemic index. I notice that people who consume these kinds of foods have clear, acne-free skin.

Going back to dairy products, I was curious about the effect of milk that is low in fat. I was surprised to know that it can, also, cause acne. Therefore, it is unlikely to blame the acne on the fat content of a certain food. So, I tried to do a little reading and found out that it must be the hormones in the milk that were the culprit.

Still, one cannot forego the acne and diet link. Nutrition plays a role in the occurrence or absence of acne. When you switch to a diet which has a combination of foods that are rich in fiber but are low in fat, there is a tendency for acne associated hormones to decrease. Hence, having a well balanced diet such as the aforementioned is not only healthy to the body; it also gives us good skin that is free from acne.

Nevertheless, I am happy to know that the foods I love such as chocolates and pizza do not have any link with acne. So, I can indulge in them every once in a while without having the fear of having pimples.

Though my favorite foods may not really bring about acne, I think I would rather be good and keep eating them to a minimum. Acne and diet are relative to one another and I want to maintain good skin which can only be possible with consuming nutritious foods rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Some choose to have them in the forms of capsules, tablets and health drinks. As for me, I will take them the more natural way, through the foods I eat: more on fruits, vegetables, lean protein, healthy carbohydrate and healthy fats.