Acne is a skin problem that affects so many of us. We have accepted it as a part of the teenage experience, but why is it that some teens get terrible acne and others get away without having to suffer at all? And, why does it follow some of us into adulthood? It turns out that our diet has a huge impact on skin blemishes – no surprise there!

Studies have shown that high carbohydrate diets can cause acne (1). Sugar consumption (in any form—table sugar, carbohydrates or the naturally-occurring sugars in foods) increases insulin and insulin-like growth factor, hormones that cause our skin’s glands to work overtime. Cell production is increased and the glands produce excessive oils that block our pores and cause inflammation.

Sugar also depresses our immune system. Even very small amounts of sugar can decrease the production of white blood cells. A depressed immune system can’t fight the bacteria responsible for acne. Sugar molecules bind to proteins, making them stiff and malformed and we see this damage on our skin in the form of wrinkles, fine lines and poor skin tone. (See my article Sugar in Not Your Friend)

Also see my article Healthy Eating for Your Skin.

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