Acne is a skin disease that is usually common among teenagers and young adults. Acne is not a serious condition, but it can leave scars and make you feel uncomfortable with your appearance, according to Medline Plus. To help prevent or reduce acne symptoms, consider eliminating certain foods from your daily diet -- some foods may irritate your skin, making acne conditions worse.
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Foods that are high in sugar concentration and carbohydrates may trigger acne. According to a study performed at Dartmouth Medical School, high consumption of sugar content may result in an increase in the production of serum insulin and growth factor-1, raising the levels of insulin in your body. High levels of insulin can cause acne because it promotes the number of available androgens (a male sex hormone) or androgenic hormones -- leading the body to produce more oils on the skin.
Teenagers who eat too much bread may experience acne breakouts, according to a 2002 article of in the "Archives of Dermatology." Breads and other refined grains contain high levels of insulin, which can cause acne by promoting excess production of sebum, a grease-like substance that has been found to enhance bacterial growth on the skin. Sebum is necessary to help keep your skin dry and aid in the prevention of dry skin -- but excess oil is not ideal for acne conditions.
Milk may trigger acne breakouts due to a high presence of the substance iodine. According to a 2005 article by the University of Buffalo, iodine in milk products can be linked to teenage acne conditions. University of Buffalo dermatologist Harvey Arbesman recommends that you limit your daily dairy intake. Iodine is usually added to cows' milk by farmers in the U.S. to help prevent infections. He also says that iodine may cause acne by interfering with hormones.
Regular cleansing of the face and hands is the most effective way to prevent the development of blackheads and acne. Clean your face at least twice a day with warm water, which kills bacteria and opens your pores, allowing them to breathe. According to Medline Plus, do not touch your skin throughout the day unless your hands have been washed thoroughly. Touching objects and then placing your hands on your face aids in the transfer of bacteria to your skin.