You have tried all the creams, frequent washing, vigorous scrubbing, but nothing seems to prevent those pimples from erupting. While hormones, genetics, makeup and medications may be to blame, certain foods can also contribute to your pimple problem. However, pimples may not be as they appear, they could point to a potential underlying condition that requires medical treatment.
High Glycemic Index
Foods with a high glycemic index can cause acne, according to a study published in the November 2010 issue of the “European Journal of Dermatology.” These foods include many cakes, white rice, dried dates and white pasta. To limit the effect of these foods on your skin, eat more whole grain foods in place of white rice and pasta. Researchers in this study also found that people who skipped breakfast had a greater risk of developing acne. Therefore, a protein-rich breakfast may be the key to clearing up your skin.
Milk
A study that appeared in the February 2005 issue of the “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” reports that milk consumption increases the prevalence and severity of acne in teenagers. Researchers hypothesize that the hormones in milk may be to blame. If you are experiencing an increase in acne and consume large amounts of milk each day, consider getting your calcium and vitamin D from a different source for a few weeks to see if your acne symptoms improve.
Rosacea
Rosacea is often seen in menopausal and fair-skinned wome, giving it the nickname of “adult acne.” Rosacea causes pimples and redness of the skin. It can be painful and often flares when you become hot, eat spicy foods or drink alcohol. In 1999, the “Rosacea Review” conducted a survey to find common dietary triggers of rosacea attacks. Respondents reported that red wine, pepper, chocolate, dairy products, citrus fruits and tomatoes are common triggers of rosacea attacks. If you believe you have rosacea, you should talk to a doctor to help nail down your dietary triggers and prevent further bouts of adult acne.
Gluten Intolerance
Gluten intolerance, also known as celiac disease, is an increasingly common problem affecting one in every 133 Americans, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. It occurs when your body cannot digest gluten, found in wheat, rye and barley products. Gluten intolerance causes digestive upset, fatigue and joint pain. It can also cause skin problems such as dermatitis herpetiformis. Dermatitis herpetiformis is an itchy rash characterized by clusters of small red pimples that most often feature the same shape and size on both sides of the body. If your acne itches and you have other symptoms of gluten intolerance, you should be tested for celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that damages the intestine when the protein gluten is ingested.
References
- WomensHealth.org; Acne Fact Sheet; July 2009
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Celiac Disease; Ciaran Kelly et al.; September 2008
- Harvard Medical School; Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load for 100+ Foods; Kaye Foster-Powell et al.; 2002
- "European Journal of Dermatology"; The Influence of Dietary Patterns on Acne Vulgaris in Koreans; J.Y. Jung et al.; November 2010
- "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology"; High School Dietary Dairy Intake and Teenage Acne; C.A. Adebamowo et al.; February 2005
- "Rosacea Review"; From Chocolate to Wine and Tomatoes, Food Survey Pinpoints Rosacea Triggers; Winter 1999
