These 6 Foods Could Be Making Your Acne Worse

Taking care of your skin is more than just piling on a bunch of skincare products—although we do love a great scrub or detoxifying mask.

Clear skin is a 360 approach. It requires not only consistent maintenance, but also proper diet and exercise. If you've been dealing with skin issues and can't seem to find a solution, look to your diet to see if there are changes you can make.

We know fast food is delicious—and who doesn't love a yummy dessert?—but think first before considering these six foods which can aggravate and worsen acne.

Refined Sugar

Refined sugar—aka that white sugar that makes its way into baked goods, condiments and cereals—is a known inflammatory that can be the root cause of acne flareups. Try avoiding white bread, soda, candy, fruit juices, processed cereals and snack bars, which can cause a spike in insulin that stimulates inflammation.

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Processed Foods

Fast food, frozen meals, many meal replacement bars… they're easy and convenient when you're on the go, but they're not so convenient for your skin. Not only can these foods be packed with GMOs, they're also filled with preservatives that can cause inflammation in the body and skin.

 

Omega 6-Rich Foods

Omega-6 fatty acids are found in vegetable oils and grains, and are also high in meat and eggs from animals fed primarily grain. High amounts of omega-6 in the diet can cause great inflammation, which contributes to acne breakouts. 

 

Also read about: 7 Best Makeup Products for Acne-Prone Skin

 

Chocolate

We know it's tasty but chocolate could be the silent demon behind your bad skin. According to Healthline.com, "Chocolate may increase the severity and frequency of acne breakouts by encouraging the immune system to react more aggressively to the two bacteria that cause acne."

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Dairy

There are so many great dairy alternatives that there really isn't an excuse to still consume it (though we're all for the indulgent cheese board once in a while). Dairy can change the hormonal balance of the bod because it can contain both antibiotics and hormones.

 

Whey Protein Powders

Protein powders can be the sneaky culprit behind your breakouts if they're whey-based, which is milk-derived and therefore has the same issues as dairy.

 

Are you skincare obsessed? HERE'S how to maintain a solid routine even if you're short on dough.