Acne is a common skin condition that affects nearly 10% of the world’s population (1Trusted Source).
Many factors contribute to the development of acne, including sebum and keratin production, acne-causing bacteria, hormones, blocked pores and inflammation (2Trusted Source).
The link between diet and acne has been controversial, but recent research shows that diet can play a significant role in acne development (3Trusted Source).
This article will review 7 foods that can cause acne and discuss why the quality of your diet is important.
People with acne tend to consume more refined carbohydrates than people with little or no acne (4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source).
Foods rich in refined carbohydrates include:
- Bread, crackers, cereal or desserts made with white flour
- Pasta made with white flour
- White rice and rice noodles
- Sodas and other sugar-sweetened beverages
- Sweeteners like cane sugar, maple syrup, honey or agave
One study found that people who frequently consumed added sugars had a 30% greater risk of developing acne, while those who regularly ate pastries and cakes had a 20% greater risk (6Trusted Source).
This increased risk may be explained by the effects refined carbohydrates have on blood sugar and insulin levels.
Refined carbohydrates are absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, which rapidly raises blood sugar levels. When blood sugars rise, insulin levels also rise to help shuttle the blood sugars out of the bloodstream and into your cells. Read more
