Clean Up Your Diet And Clear Your Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that causes discomfort, embarrassment and, in some cases, pain and irritation. There are many misconceptions surrounding the causes and prevention of acne, including how diet can affect the frequency and severity of acne breakouts.
Teenagers and adolescents frequently suffer with acne, but the condition can occur well into adulthood. Acne affects more than ninety percent of the world's population, and it does not discriminate by race, age or gender. Dermatologists list acne as the skin disorder they treat most commonly, with teenagers and adults making up the majority of their patients.
Some scientific research has suggested that acne is actually caused by physiological factors including genetics and hormones. Others believe that environmental factors such as bacteria can cause breakouts. For many years there has been some debate as to whether diet contributes to the acne condition, and to what degree. In fact, the issue of acne due to diet has been in the spotlight for many years.
While some dermatologists claim that diet has nothing to do with the formation of acne, many others insist that there is a link between certain foods and the presence of acne. It appears that the food we eat may well play a role in the development of acne outbreaks.
Studies indicate that when we eat refined carbohydrates and sugars we can experience a surge of both insulin and an insulin-like growth factor known as IGF-1. When IGF-1 is released in the body, it can lead to an overload of the male hormone called androgen. This hormone is believed to be one of the strongest factors in the formation of acne.
Further, those who believe in the link between diet and acne maintain that when an excess amount of male hormones is produced, the pores of the skin begin to secrete sebum. This oily or greasy substance will generally pull the attention of acne-causing bacteria. This process also triggers the IGF-1 to cause skin cells known as keratinocytes to duplicate and multiply, an activity that also contributes to the formation of acne.
Studies conducted on residents of the island of Papua, New Guinea, and the people of Paraguay have contributed further to the link between acne and diet. The results of this particular study led researchers to believe that a diet rich with grains can contribute to acne. Limited grains can optimize health benefits, and a low-grain diet may be beneficial in preventing acne.
Although the acne-diet issue remains one of the hottest topics in the medical field, lack of funding has hindered the amount of actual research that has been conducted. There have also been claims that certain doctors and dermatologists discount the diet and acne connection, choosing instead to sell more pharmaceutical treatments.
A poor diet will cause many diseases. On the other hand, good nutrition is essential to maintain overall well being. It only stands to reason that eating a proper, balanced diet will keep your skin healthy, too. If you find yourself fighting a constant battle against acne, take on the physiological factors with a proper diet, and use proper cleansers and treatments to combat environmental aggravators.
Teenagers and adolescents frequently suffer with acne, but the condition can occur well into adulthood. Acne affects more than ninety percent of the world's population, and it does not discriminate by race, age or gender. Dermatologists list acne as the skin disorder they treat most commonly, with teenagers and adults making up the majority of their patients.
Some scientific research has suggested that acne is actually caused by physiological factors including genetics and hormones. Others believe that environmental factors such as bacteria can cause breakouts. For many years there has been some debate as to whether diet contributes to the acne condition, and to what degree. In fact, the issue of acne due to diet has been in the spotlight for many years.
While some dermatologists claim that diet has nothing to do with the formation of acne, many others insist that there is a link between certain foods and the presence of acne. It appears that the food we eat may well play a role in the development of acne outbreaks.
Studies indicate that when we eat refined carbohydrates and sugars we can experience a surge of both insulin and an insulin-like growth factor known as IGF-1. When IGF-1 is released in the body, it can lead to an overload of the male hormone called androgen. This hormone is believed to be one of the strongest factors in the formation of acne.
Further, those who believe in the link between diet and acne maintain that when an excess amount of male hormones is produced, the pores of the skin begin to secrete sebum. This oily or greasy substance will generally pull the attention of acne-causing bacteria. This process also triggers the IGF-1 to cause skin cells known as keratinocytes to duplicate and multiply, an activity that also contributes to the formation of acne.
Studies conducted on residents of the island of Papua, New Guinea, and the people of Paraguay have contributed further to the link between acne and diet. The results of this particular study led researchers to believe that a diet rich with grains can contribute to acne. Limited grains can optimize health benefits, and a low-grain diet may be beneficial in preventing acne.
Although the acne-diet issue remains one of the hottest topics in the medical field, lack of funding has hindered the amount of actual research that has been conducted. There have also been claims that certain doctors and dermatologists discount the diet and acne connection, choosing instead to sell more pharmaceutical treatments.
A poor diet will cause many diseases. On the other hand, good nutrition is essential to maintain overall well being. It only stands to reason that eating a proper, balanced diet will keep your skin healthy, too. If you find yourself fighting a constant battle against acne, take on the physiological factors with a proper diet, and use proper cleansers and treatments to combat environmental aggravators.
