Anyone who has experienced an acne breakout knows it’s no child’s play. Acne is not just pimples and blackheads; it is an inflammatory skin disorder that disrupts the skin’s hair follicles and oil glands. But here’s the truth – your diet affects your skin, and one of the major disruptions to healthy skin is sugar.

The Sugar Connection

There’s a consensus among dermatologists that sugary foods can contribute to acne. According to The Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, this is due to sugar leading to an increase in insulin levels, which in turn can increase the production of sebum, the oily substance that blocks pores and leads to acne. Watch out for foods like refined sugar, candy, desserts, sweetened cereals, soda, and juice, which have high sugar and high glycaemic indices.

Credit: Pexels/ Ron Lach

Low-Glycaemic Diet and Acne

A report from the American Academy of Dermatology stated that following a low-glycaemic diet may reduce the amount of acne you have. I know you’re thinking, “What’s a low-glycaemic diet?” Examples of such foods include  fruits, oats, fresh vegetables and beans. They’re so good because they reduce blood sugar spikes, which cause inflammation, excess oil production and acne.

In a 12-week study in Australia, 43 males with acne aged 15-25 years followed a low-glycaemic diet, and at the end of the 12 weeks, they had less acne than those who just kept to their normal diet. In a larger study in the USA, 2,258 patients on a low-glycaemic diet for weight loss also recorded less acne and did not need to take their acne medication.

If you love sugar, remember that it isn’t about totally eliminating sugar from your diet, but reducing the intake so your skin can be acne-free.