Eating away Acne...

    Acne is one of the commonest compalint of a patient in dermatology department. It was more commonly a disease of the western population, but since the adoption of western eating habits acne prevalence has risen in our country.

Most of the studies conducted in this regard prove that there exists a direct correlation between diet and acne.

Some of the common associations are listed below

Acne and carbs

A high glycemic load carbohydrate diet is shown to increase acne by increasing what is knwon as IGF1 which increases the oil production in our skin and also certain hormonal variations which trigger acne.

Acne and dairy products

In a study showing the effects of milk and acne in about 6000 girls it was found that a postive relation existed between the intake of milk and development of acne. It was said the development of acne due to consumption of milk was due to the metabolic effects of milk.

Acne and choclates

 In studies showing the relationships between choclate and acne it was proved that it is not choclate par se, it is the high glycemic load in the sugars that promote acne. Infact it is said that swiss dark choclate actually clears the skin.

So what to eat????????? 

It is said, like for any health issues, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables is good for maintaining healthy acne free skin. A lot of hydration with water will help.

Fiber rich foods like legumes, vegetables

Also foods rich in Vit  A (yellow vegetables like carrots, pappaya rich in retinoids also helps preventing acne) especially when your retinoids used in treatment are mainly Vitamin A derivatives.

Fish which contains omega 3 fatty acids (rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids), also have an important role in decreasing the inflammation in acne.

So lots of fiber, high omega 3 fatty acids, low saturated fats and low glycemic index foods are the key to prevent acne.