We’ve always been concerned with keeping our skin looking healthy and
fresh. We own every product we can get our hands on to keep our skin
acne-free, from cleansers and scrubs to masques and moisturizers.
Essentially, we’ll try almost anything that says it can help us maintain
flawless skin. Sometimes, though, it’s not the products you’re using
that are effecting your skin so much as what you’re putting inside of
your body.
Below, we’ve complied a list of eight foods that are known to
increase acne breakouts. By cutting down on these foods, you’ll be able
to work towards better skin from the inside out.
Refined Carbs
Processed foods that contain high levels of sugar such as white
bread, pastas and cakes can cause serious outbreaks. Scientists and
dietitians believe that foods with higher sugar levels make your insulin
level rise, which can mean clogged pores. Try your best to stay away
from refined carbs.
Dairy
Dairy is a major trigger to acne breakouts. The hormones cows
are fed are usually bad for our bodies and can increase oil intake to
our glands. Buying organic milk, cheese, or yogurt may not be the
answer, though. Instead, switch up your morning breakfast with almond or
coconut milk and stick to as little dairy as possible.
Chocolate
Our favorite guilty pleasure may actually be hurting us.
Studies show that chocolate may not be the reason acne starts, but could
instead make existing acne worse. When you’re in the middle of a bad
breakout, lay off the chocolate bars.
Salt
Ever wake up in the morning with puffy eyes and cheeks? We can
blame the bloating on our salt intake. Too much salt causes our bodies
to retain water, which inflames skin, causing splotchiness and uneven
skin tone.
Alcohol
Foods aren’t the only things that are having negative effects
on your skin. What you drink effects your skin, too. The properties in
alcohol make you dehydrated and ultimately take the good moisture out of
your skin, which can cause serious breakouts. Plus, without moisture,
deep lines and wrinkles have an easier time coming out, which is why
alcohol ages people so quickly.
Shellfish
A regular intake of shellfish can have negative long-term
effects on our skin. Shrimp, crab, and lobster contain high levels of
iodine, which can cause acne. Though there is no connection between
having shrimp for dinner and breaking out the next morning,
regularly eating a lot of shellfish over a long period of time can
create significant negative changes in your skin.
Fried Foods
Staying away from french fries, donuts, and potato chips can
make your skin (and your body!) look healthier and feel better. The fats
in fried food clog pores, aging your skin significantly. Instead, try
healthy fats like avocado and olive oil to give your body the nutrients
it needs without the added negative effects.
Red Meat
A property in red meat known as carnitine can clog blood
vessels, which can really wreak havoc on skin. A burger or steak is fine
every once in a while, but avoiding red meat on a regular basis will do
wonders for your skin.