The Definitive Do And Don’t Diet Guide To Nix Adult Acne

May 28, 2018 by apost team

Adult acne can make you relive that not-so-fun part of being a teenager. If only we could get an ounce of that energy and stamina back instead of the pimples, right? Like most teen acne, adult acne is most often due to hormones. And, certain foods in your diet can either support or destroy your body’s delicate balance of hormones. If external products like Retin-A, benzoyl peroxide, steroids, and even antibiotics haven’t been able to solve your skin issues, then it’s time to look at your diet as a fix for adult acne. 

Your skin is a giant organ - the largest to be specific. Most people understand that the skin serves as a protectant layer to keep toxins out of underlying soft tissues and the blood stream, but what some may not realize is that the skin plays a crucial role in eliminating toxins and waste from inside the body as well. It works in conjunction to your liver, kidneys, lungs, lymphatic system, colon, and blood systems. Not only do all those systems have to work overtime if the skin isn’t filtering out it’s share of impurities, but the overlapping buildup will manifest itself in the form of acne, clogged pores, and other discoloration and blemish issues. 

To keep skin healthy and hormones in proper check, you should avoid certain food substances and increase others. Let’s look. 

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Gluten may be one of clear skin’s greatest enemies due to its inflammatory response in the small intestines. The immune system recognizes gluten as an invader, which activates widespread inflammation that can result in acne. It’s two fold, too; the immune response also triggers insulin to be released, which raises hormone and sugar levels that contribute to acne. 

Aside from the fact that dairy contributes to leaky gut syndrome and the resulting inflammation, most dairy has synthetic hormones in it that can raise your natural hormone levels. 

Soy contains phytoestrogens structurally similar to estrogen. The body reads this as a sign to decrease estrogen production and increase androgen production. The androgen DHT causes more oil to be produced by the skin, which is a contributing acne factor. The liver also has to work overtime to get rid of the excess hormones. If the liver can’t keep up, then the skin has to take up the extra slack. Furthermore, soy affects nutrient absorption by binding with essential nutrients like zinc and calcium. Zinc is a major player in reducing inflammation levels. So, the result of eating soy is a triple pop at hormonal breakouts. 

Caffeine is an acid-forming substance that increases stress and inflammation of skin cells. Inflammation plays such a pivotal role in the formation of acne, particularly the deep, puss-filled pimples in cystic acne. Acidic substances also reduce a cell’s ability to repair and recoup following minor breakouts, leaving even minor breakouts to fester and become a more significant and unsightly problem. Caffeine is also a stimulant, encouraging your body to go faster, longer. To keep up with demand, your body releases extra hormones, which in turn spurs acne breakouts. 

Nuts have a high fat and protein content that make them inevitably difficult to digest. When they don’t digest, the immune system can create inflammatory antibodies that wreck havoc on the oil-secreting sebaceous glands. Nuts are a high allergen, often producing acne as a symptom when you’re only mildly allergic. 

• Drink plenty of water 
• Eat a well-balanced diet high in nutrients and vitamins 
• Green tea has polyphenols that support blood flow 
• Low sugar, including decreasing alcohol intake 
• Pick dark chocolate as your source of sweet 
• Avoid processed foods 
• Increase alkaline foods, such as green leafy veggies 
• Add antioxidant-rich berries, such as blueberries and goji 
• Oysters and pumpkin seeds are high in skin -supporting zinc 

Again, digestion plays such a multifaceted role in acne that it’s important to keep the gut healthy. A daily probiotic can help support a healthy gut. 

Organic foods help you avoid unnecessary chemicals, additives, and processing mechanisms that can affect your hormones, gut health, and skin health. Don’t forget that what you put on your body is just as important as what you put in it. Carefully read beauty product labels and try to choose organic brands. 

If it contains parabens, anolamines, SLS or SLES, DPB or DEHB, or petroleum jelly, then it definitely belongs in the trash.

Eat several small meals a day verses a couple of big ones since eating every three hours or so helps support steadier blood sugar levels so that hormones don’t go into overdrive. Focus on foods with a low glycemic index that cause smaller jumps in blood sugar. 

Do you know others suffering from adult acne? Let them know these dos and don'ts to help them overcome their skin problems!