Acne comes about when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, according to the Mayo Clinic. Although people of all ages can develop acne, it is usually associated with hormonal changes that occur during puberty. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says that 85 percent of American teenagers will have at least a minor problem with acne each year. The AAD says that acne is not caused by food, so adhering to a particular diet will not prevent or clear your skin. However, the AAD acknowledges that foods which appear to aggravate the skin condition should be avoided.
Greasy Foods
The AAD states that greasy foods do not necessarily make the skin oilier. However, foods like pizza, hamburgers and French fries can leave an oily residue around the mouth and other areas of the face. Acne-Resources.org says that inadvertently wiping greasy fingers against your skin while eating may lead to clogged pores. When vegetable oils get on the skin, they can sometimes make acne worse in the form of additional pimples, blackhead and whiteheads.
Starchy Foods
There is ongoing research into whether high-starch food items (chips, bread, bagels, pancakes, tortillas, hamburger/hot dog buns) may contribute to acne, according to the Mayo Clinic. No solid evidence exists (as of January 2010) that directly links starchy foods to the skin condition.
Flareup Foods
Some people believe their acne gets worse when they eat certain foods, even though there is no scientific proof to support these beliefs. Some of the more common culprits acne sufferers point to are chocolate, shellfish, colas, peanuts and fatty foods. The AAD says that if you notice that a particular food item seems to cause a breakout, it would be wise to remove it from your diet. Columbia University Medical Center recommends keeping track of what you eat to see if certain foods intensify your acne.
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