Foods you didn’t know can cause acne breakouts
Lifestyle
Acne is like an unwelcome guest – it arrives unexpectedly and lingers longer than we can tolerate.
However, apart from your skin type, genes, pollutants, weather changes, and allergic reactions, the food you eat can also trigger an acne breakout.
While many are advised not to consume oily food, experts believe the following items can also cause acne and should be avoided.
Chocolate
Chocolates can cause acne and that’s not us saying but science.
A study featuring acne-prone men found out that those who ate 25 gm of dark chocolate every day, experienced a 25% increase in their acne in just two weeks.
Another study showcased how men who were given 100% cocoa powder capsules daily developed more acne lesions in a week.
Whey protein powder
If you are a gym freak and fear acne, you may have to bid adieu to your whey protein powder.
Experts believe that the amino acids in this commodity can generate high levels of insulin in your body, which in turn can cause acne formation.
To establish the same, a study was conducted on male athletes who suffered acne after consuming whey protein powder.
Skim milk
Skim milk is another offering that can cause acne or make it worse.
According to various dermatologists, it contains bovine growth hormones that are fat-dissolvable. Since they don’t dissolve, these hormones are left in the body and can result in acne.
Instead of consuming skim milk, you can opt for homemade milk like almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, etc.
Foods rich in processed carbohydrates
Processed carbohydrates are super unhealthy for the skin as they can cause skin damage, acne breakout, inflammation, and other skin-related issues.
These items include white bread, pasta, packed juices, desserts, soda, and many other offerings that we consume almost daily.
Avoid these and go for green vegetables that are loaded with a host of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients help repair your skin.
Bananas
Surprisingly enough, bananas rank high on Harvard’s glycemic index chart with a staggering score of 62 out of 100.
For the uninitiated, foods rich in glycemic index produce more insulin in the body, which leads to increased inflammation and more acne. This is why you should avoid bananas if you are susceptible to acne breakout.
They can also exacerbate your already-existing acne.
Rohit Malhotra is a medical expert and health journalist who offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. His articles aim to help readers lead healthier lives.
