Many sources on the web say that there is no relationship between diet and acne. On a simplistic level, acne can be explained as the result of blocked pores and bacteria. But if you consider a broader picture, eating greasy foods adds more fatty acids to your system which can contribute to higher levels of sebum produced by your skin.
Furthermore, there is growing evidence that acne becomes worse through high glycemic diets (rich in carbohydrates) For example, in countries that consume low glycemic diets, acne is not quite as common.
There is no conclusive answer on how acne is affected by food. This relationship will be different for everyone. So pay close attention to what you eat and how this correlates with your breakouts.
Either way it may be worth it for you to eat a healthier diet, which will surely benefit you in many other ways.
You don’t necessarily have to stop wearing makeup if you have acne. But you may want to choose products labeled as “non comedogenic.” This means that the item does not clog pores. Make sure you always wash your face and remove all traces of makeup before you go to bed.
Acne breakouts are related to fluctuations in hormone levels, which are particularly high during adolescence. In particular surges in testosterone will cause sebaceous glands to become bigger and produce more sebum, which is a type of oil in your skin. Oil will attract more dirt and cause dead skin cells to stick together and create blockages in your pores, causing pimples to form.
Hormonal levels are governed by genetics. So some people are predisposed to having adult acne. Also, hormones continue to fluctuate throughout adulthood, particularly in women as they go through menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. Again hormones affect the size of the sebaceous glands and the amount of oil produced which encourages the formation of acne.
You should have a dermatologist help you with your acne issue if you are finding that over the counter products don’t work for your condition. First, try products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Keep up with a regular cleansing routine. Wait to see if your skin clears up between 1-3 months before making your first appointment. If you are experiencing severe inflammation, seeing a dermatologist is important to prevent acne scars.
Sometimes, acne scars will go away over time. It really depends on how thick and deep they are.
Products are generally not helpful since scar tissue is involved, which is made of thickly configured collagen fibers.
Milder cases may benefit from treatments that peel or sand away the outer layer of the skin, such as chemical peels or microdermabrasion. Dermabrasion is a more aggressive sanding process with a lot of downtime. For the right candidates, this can be quite effective.
Many patients have had success through laser treatments which work beneath the skin’s surface to promote the formation of normal collagen fibers. More than one treatment is needed.
