Can The Cause Of Acne Be Linked To Diet

Written by Wendy

Can acne be caused by the food we eat? It is suggested that sensitivity to progesterone can cause flare ups when certain products are consumed. The foods, such as dairy, organ meats and wheat germs are known to contain male hormones. Would these people need to avoid such foods for the rest of their lives? Or be reduced to a life dependent on various anti acne treatments in order to protect their complexion?

Other possibly hazardous or potentially problem foods include several that are high in iodine - such as leafy veg like cabbage and spinach, peanuts and shellfish. The best way to determine what works well for helping manage your acne is to experiment with your diet - but only make small changes at a time, otherwise you won't know which change had the impact. If a particular food makes your acne flare up, you'll know to steer clear of it in the future.

If you have a special sensitivity to a food, small amounts of anything - even soft drinks, chocolates will not make a major difference.

One of the more widely spread (and often believed) myths about acne is that it is caused by dirt or grime. It's more likely to be because of oily skin, in which case simply washing regularly with either a mild soap, special acne skin cleanser or even antiseptic soap and warm water can make a big difference to controlling and managing oily skin. And don't forget to keep your hair clean - again, depending on your skin type, your hair can also become extreme oily if not cared for properly.

Acne is actually the second biggest skin condition, only being pipped at the post by premature aging or wrinkles. If you're anything like me, you'll notice new pimples appearing right before an important engagement or meeting you have to attend - or worse still a job interview or even a date. In this case, the culprit is usually testosterone (at least in males) which is produced by the adrenal glands, and when you're under any form of stress (such as the conditions I just listed above) your adrenal glands go into overdrive. There are treatments for this as well, so if this applies to you, make sure you tell your dermatologist about it.

This skin disorder can be controlled but not cured. Mild cases may be helped, in varying degrees, by over-the-counter acne treatments, but many cases will require treatment by a physician.

A vitamin A deficiency can lead to skin problems. Not all cases of acne call for professional attention. An occasional blemish or pimple could be called "drugstore acne". Topical antibiotics prevent about fifty per cent of blemishes, and are a significant breakthrough for treating average acne. However, if an acne sufferer misuses the over-the-counter medications, it may not work. You have to follow instructions carefully and not switch from one product to the other until after a six-week trial. Only then will you be able to decide the degree of any one product's effectiveness.

There is acne surgery. It can open and clear blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and cysts. These blemishes could only be opened by a physician. Never scratch, pick or squeeze acne lesions; this will worsen the condition. Some pointers - do not use greasy or occlusive cream to cleanse your face which can clog the pores, soap and water are best Avoid creams with hormones or corticosteroids added, beware of huge doses of vitamin A-they can produce serious side effects.