The Link Between Diet and Acne

. . There is growing evidence suggesting a link between diet and acne. For years health professionals have gone back and forth about the role of diet in relation to acne.These debates about acne are almost as common as the skin problem itself. The exact cause of acne is unknown, but hormones, genetics, and emotional stress play a role. Several new studies have examined the possible link between diet and acne — especially carbohydrates and dairy products. The following is information provided by Whitney P. Bowe MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate College of Medicine in Brooklyn, and lead author of the article, “Diet and Acne,” published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology: HIGH-GLYCEMIC INDEX FOODS COULD WORSEN ACNE "The glycemic index (GI) is a ranking of carbohydrate-rich foods based on their potential to increase blood sugar levels. Foods with higher glycemic index values raise blood sugar levels much quicker than foods with lower glycemic index values. The glycemic load (GL) takes into account both the quality and quantity of carbohydrates being consumed in a serving of food. For example, high-GI foods include white bread, chips, and white potatoes; low-GI foods include multi-grain bread, peanuts, vegetables, and beans. For years, there has been speculation that high-GI foods could contribute to acne. Recent research includes: A study of 23 Australian males ages 15-25 who followed a strict, low-glycemic load (LGL) diet provides the strongest evidence available of an association between glycemic load and acne. Specifically, this group of males experienced significant improvement in acne severity by adhering to a LGL diet. However, the participants in the LGL group also lost weight, which means the LGL diet may not solely be attributed to the outcome. Other evidence of the link between diet and acne stems from patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome because acne is a common symptom of this condition. Specifically, studies have shown that acne improves when these patients are treated with medications that improve their body’s ability to regulate or control blood sugar, and a low-carbohydrate diet also has been shown to stabilize these patients’ hormones, which can cause breakouts." So from this information it seems that the best diet for acne is low-glycemic -- not a bad diet for anyone, really whether they suffer from acne or not. A healthy balance of nutrients contributes to optimum overall health, which also contributes healthy skin. Not that food is a cure-all, but in conjunction with a doctor's care proper nutrition will likely put those who suffer from acne ahead of the game. Here's a few final dietary tips for abolishing (or at least abating) acne: 1. Watch for food triggers/keep a diary to find any patterns. 2. Follow your Doctor's treatment routine. It takes a long time to get rid of pesky acne, often up to 3 months. 3. Eat a low-glycemic diet, or at the least a healthy, balanced one. www.aad.org.