People respond to foods in different ways. Common triggers of acne include:
- Dairy (cheese, milk, etc.)
- Fried foods or chips
- Foods with a high glycemic index â These include sugary or sweet items and those made of simple carbohydrates, like breads, baked goods from white flour, rice, fruit juice, soda, candy, processed foods, etc.
- Red meat
- Chocolate
Although not a food, mental stress is also a known trigger of acne. This is made worse if you eat the above foods when you feel stressed.
We encourage you to cut out a food group above for a few months to see if it makes a difference, then try another food group to find your triggers.
Dietary changes alone may not be enough to cure acne, and some people need to add a medication. Reach out to discuss the best options for you.
One way to avoid foods that may trigger acne is to replace possible acne triggers with healthy foods. Healthier food options may improve your acne as well as your overall health.
Foods that can help prevent acne:
- Vegetables and fruit
- Cold water fish (salmon, mackerel, trout, herring, anchovies, etc.)
- Healthy fats like those found in whole seeds, nuts, and avocados
The mediterranean diet has been associated with an improvement in acne. This includes the above foods with whole grains and olive oil, while avoiding processed foods.
Changes your diet have the potential to improve your acne. Often a combination of diet changes and medication can be the most helpful.
