Study Shows Diet Can Cause Acne

Many of us have suffered from acne at one point or another in our lives, most commonly during our teen years.  In the United States, 85% of teenagers and 20% of all adults suffer from acne, according to acne-resources.org.  Recently, studies have suggested that Westernized lifestyle choices, such as diet, can play a major role in the occurrence of acne.   A national study led in 2002 by a team at Colorado State University (1) indicated acne is a skin condition that is prevalent in fully modernized Western societies, but a rare occurrence in many non-Western societies where dietary habits “are virtually uninfluenced by Western foods.”  We all know that hormones, bacteria, and genetics are all contributing factors, and there are several creams, lotions and cleansers available on the market to treat acne pimples.  However, new theories suggest that what we put in our bodies is just as important as the topical products we use.

Studies have shown that a low glycemic diet not only improves the symptoms of acne, but also offers other significant health benefits.  Researchers at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia conducted a study in which they found that those who followed a low-glycemic diet not only had less acne lesions, but also lower weight, lower Body Mass Index, and increased insulin sensitivity.  The glycemic index measures how different carbohydrates raise our blood sugar levels after consumption. The faster the food breaks down during digestion, the lower the GI count will be.  Similarly, food that breaks down quickly will have a higher GI count.  Foods with GI index of 55 or less are good for the body and skin, since they contain more complex carbohydrates and release sugar directly into the bloodstream at a slower rate.  As a result, insulin demand decreases, along with acne breakouts.  Insulin leads to acne by releasing other hormones that increases the amount of sweat and sebum.  When mixed with excess oil or dry skin cells, it provides a thriving ground for acne.  High levels of insulin can also cause high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

Foods with low GI indexes include broccoli, mushroom, fettuccini, and spaghetti.  Cake, soft drinks, white bread and potatoes are examples of foods that are on the opposite end of the chart, with GI indexes of 70 or higher.  A healthy, low-glycemic  diet does not have to be bland.  Instead of processed food, opt for those with more whole grains, such as wheat bread and wheat pasta.  (You probably won’t event taste the difference.)  Also, combine lean proteins like chicken breast, salmon and turkey with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.  String the meat and vegetables together on a skewer stick and throw on the grill for a healthy, summery feast.

Although diet alone will not clear up acne, it can lead to a healthier lifestyle.  Combined with a proper skincare regimen and the right products, acne can be manageable.

(1)    http://www.news.colostate.edu/Release/1531

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare you can also link to http://naturalfacialskincare.net

Keep Your Skin Healthy

The best way to keep your skin healthy is to avoid sun exposure. The sun can be hard on your skin. Besides sunburn, your skin can show sun damage through dark spots or wrinkles resulting from sun exposure.

Sunlight can help our mental outlook and help us feel healthier. For people with arthritis, the sun’s warmth can help relieve some of their physical pain. Many people also think that a suntan makes a person look young and healthy. But sunlight can be harmful to the skin, causing immediate problems as well as problems that may develop years later.

A sunburn is skin damage from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Most sunburns cause mild pain and redness but affect only the outer layer of skin (first-degree burn). The red skin might hurt when you touch it. These sunburns are mild and can usually be treated at home.

• Stay out of the sun. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. This is when the sun’s UV rays are strongest. Don’t be fooled by cloudy skies. Harmful rays pass through clouds. UV radiation also can pass through water, so don’t assume you’re safe if you’re in the water and feeling cool.
• Use sunscreen. Sunscreens are rated in strength according to a sun protection factor (SPF), which ranges from 2 to 30 or higher. A higher number means longer protection. Buy products with an SPF number of 15 or higher. Also look for products whose label says: broad spectrum (meaning they protect against both types of harmful sun rays — UVA and UVB) and water resistant (meaning they stay on your skin longer, even if you get wet or sweat a lot). Remember to reapply the lotion as needed.
• Wear protective clothing. A hat with a wide brim shades your neck, ears, eyes, and head. Look for sunglasses with a label saying the glasses block 99 to 100 percent of the sun’s rays. Wear loose, lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants or long skirts when in the sun.
• Avoid artificial tanning. Don’t use sunlamps and tanning beds, as well as tanning pills and tanning makeup. Tanning pills have a color additive that turns your skin orange after you take them. The FDA has approved this color additive for coloring foods but not for tanning the skin. The large amount of color additive in tanning pills may be harmful. Tanning make-up products are not suntan lotions and will not protect your skin from the sun.
• Check your skin often. Look for changes in the size, shape, color, or feel of birthmarks, moles, and spots. If you find any changes that worry you, see a doctor. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that older, fair-skinned people have a yearly skin check by a doctor as part of a regular physical exam.
• Keep up regular exercise. Regular exercise helps to keep the skin elasticity which prevents wrinkles. Exercise is also good for your body as a whole as it helps to maintain a low amount of body fat.
• Taking vitamins and minerals helps to keep goodness in the skin. Vitamins and minerals have been developed to help your body. By taking one multivitamin can help to keep your skin fresh and clean.
• Try and maintain a constant sleep pattern. Sleep is the body’s time to restore itself and to re-energies the body’s organs and skin. By maintaining a regular sleep pattern, you will feel more energized and your skin will become more healthy and fresher looking.

How to Have Fabulous Skin

Many underestimate the face that to have fabulous-looking skin on the outside, they must take care of their insides. A diet that is pure and natural to its original essence as possible will provide your skin with vital nutrients and oxygen. Fruits and vegetables are on the top of this list of course, but other vital fats like walnuts, olive oil and fish oils will also contribute greatly to beautiful, glowing skin. You cannot improve your skin without first improving your daily diet. Take the time to research various natural foods and their beneficial qualities. Try to incorporate these foods as much as possible into your lifestyle. Also beneficial is to replace those sugar-laden sodas with fresh water and teas. Proper hydration will help flush residual toxins from your system while you are optimizing your diet.

Oxygen-rich blood flow, nutrients, essential vitamins and water will feed your skin at the deepest layers. If your internal machine is not in good operating condition, your skin will never improve. The miracle cure you were hoping for may not attained through invasive surgical procedures. Wouldn’t you rather hear “You look wonderful!” instead of “Did you have some work done on your face?”

While many still believe particular types of foods contribute to bad skin – fried foods, chocolate, etc. – this is not necessarily true. You won’t get a massive pimple just from eating a bit of chocolate, but it is true that your overall eating habits will greatly affect your skins appearance and aging.

The modern Western diet is filled with carbohydrates, unnecessary sugars and salts, fats and caffeine. Most would be shocked to learn just how many of these detrimental elements they consume in a day. According to current research, it is the sugars and carbohydrates that have the worst effects on your complexion. They rob your skin of the oxygen it needs to stay youthful and can also cause inflammation. Excessive consumption of any food high on the glycemic index can eventually cause disease and poor skin.

Taking the time to learn which foods are more beneficial for you as well as what to avoid can help you feel empowered about your food choices instead of deprived. Find foods that increase oxygen levels in your skin and reduce the harmful effects of sugar. Sugar binds helpful enzymes that can help your body maintain balance and promote weight loss. If you can stick to whole foods or all natural choices, you can be guaranteed of improved skin and overall health. Choose whole, brown grains over white processed, fried foods when given the chance. Instead of the turkey and cheese sandwich at lunch, order a vegetarian sandwich and ask if they can put a few slices of turkey or chicken on it. Instead of that diet soda, try a refreshing spritzer of fruit juice and carbonated soda or sparkling water with lemon. Little adjustments to your diet can make a big difference in time.

Once you have incorporated these healthy food choices on a consistent basis, you will feel and see the difference, usually to the point that your body will now crave the healthy food over the processed foods, resulting in greater vitality and balanced moods and vibrant, glowing skin.