In recent years, we’ve seen a strong swing in health from pharmaceutical medications to natural treatments.
Acne, however, has been a sore point. Whilst many natural medicine advocate tea tree oil washes or apple cider vinegar, those suffering from severe acne know that it is only the invasive and often painful face washes or medications that are effective.
But new studies have now shown there is another way to tackle acne, and it’s right in front of you: food.
Food has long been linked to skin issues. Even as teens we're taught that foods high in saturated fat or sugar will cause breakouts. But a study from the American Academy of Dermatology released this year has proven this to be more than an old wives' tale.
Studying a group of 86 people - 50 suffering acne, 36 with healthy skin - the scientists were able to link certain foods with skin flare ups. A diet that was heavy in high-glycemic-index foods (think sugar, white bread, white rice, pasta and other simple carbohydrates) caused blood sugar levels to spike due to having little or no fiber.
So, what's the link between blood sugar levels and acne?
That's the part they're not sure about. One reason could be that high glycemic foods not only cause blood sugar levels to spike, but also prompt the release of hormones such as insulin and growth hormones, which can cause acne.
Other research also points to dairy as a possible trigger for acne. Cows milk, after all, is high in growth hormones designed for calves, which is condensed in low-fat milk options. So, if you DO drink milk, avoid the low-fat varieties and stick with small amounts of the full-fat stuff.
