Skin Deep Beauty by Christine Lindsay

Originally published 2/17/2020

Are you struggling with acne? Have you reviewed your diet lately? Let’s look at what acne is, and how we can use our diet to fight breakout and to achieve clearer skin!

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Acne is a skin condition that causes whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. Acne occurs when the skin’s pores get clogged with dead skin and oil. Acne can affect the face, neck, back, shoulders, and buttocks.

Acne is caused by bacteria, excess oil production, hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin cells, and hormones.

In my opinion, the most effective thing you can do for your skin to try to clear up acne is eliminating dairy. Dairy cows are treated with artificial hormones. Research suggests these hormones may throw your own hormones off balance when you consume it triggering or aggravating acne. Another theory is that dairy products, when combined with high levels of refined foods and processed sugars, disrupts insulin levels making skin more prone to breakout. Ready to try eliminating dairy?

This doesn’t have to be a life sentence! Eliminate dairy entirely for at least 3 weeks, and then observe your results. If you absolutely cannot live without dairy than slowly, and gradually introduce it back into your system one day at a time to avoid GI discomfort. 

Next, try eliminating sugar. Sugar can cause inflammation in the skin, and throughout your body. Sugar spikes your blood sugar. When your blood sugar is high, it causes this inflammation by causing the body to make more sebum, an oily substance in your skin. Just think of sugar as sebum. Every time you consume sugar, you’re boosting sebum production which clogs up your pores. 

Avoid any foods high in arachidonic acid, which is a fatty acid essential for breaking down muscles. When arachidonic acid is consumed with sugars like those found in bread, and pastas it triggers a chemical reaction causing inflammation. Duck eggs, chicken eggs, and liver are all high in arachidonic acid. 

Foods rich in complex carbohydrates, zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Eating a diet packed with whole grains, poultry, fish, beans, nuts, vegetables and fruits is ideal to help control acne. Dark, colorful vegetables are full of antioxidants which can help calm the skin. You can get your Vitamin A from carrots, and zinc from oysters. You can also speak with your primary care physician about adding a supplement to your diet. 

As I always say, drink lots of water! Staying hydrated will help your skin keep that healthy glow!

In addition to telling my clients to review their diets before starting treatments, I also encourage a home care routine consisting of Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash with the Clear and Brighten Kit. For anyone under the age of 21, I recommend Dermalogica’s Clear Start Kit.  

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