Teenage acne can be caused by various factors such as genetics, hormones, wearing pore-blocking products, and diet. While there is mixed evidence on the relationship between diet and acne, some studies suggest that certain foods can worsen acne, while others can help reduce it. Here are some details on ingredients and materials that can be beneficial or harmful for acne-prone skin:
Ingredients and materials that can help reduce acne:
- Adapalene: This ingredient can help prevent new breakouts and unclog pores.
- Azelaic acid: A naturally occurring compound with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent buildup of keratin, a protein that can clog pores.
- Vitamin C: An antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties that can help decrease redness and swelling in acne-prone skin.
- Tea tree oil: An essential oil made from the leaves of the tea tree that can be as effective on acne as benzoyl peroxide.
Ingredients and materials that can worsen acne:
- Occlusive agents: These are ingredients that form a film on your skin surface that helps to seal in moisture. They can be found in many moisturizers and can be greasy. These occlusive agents include cocoa butter, lanolin, mineral oil, paraffin, petroleum jelly, and silicone derivatives like dimethicone and cyclomethicone.
- High-glycemic carbohydrates: Foods with a high glycemic index (GI) can increase acne breakouts. Some high GI foods include sweets and candy, sugary baked goods, and refined carbohydrates such as white bread.
- Dairy: Some studies have shown a link between dairy products and acne, especially skim milk.
It is important to note that everyones body is different, and some people may find that they get more acne when they eat certain foods. It can be helpful to experiment with your diet to see what works best for you, under your doctors supervision. Additionally, using gentle, noncomedogenic skin care products that do not contain alcohol or abrasive material that scrub the skin, and avoiding touching the face to pick or squeeze pimples can also help reduce acne breakouts.
