Love sugar? It might be responsible for your breakouts
| Sep 1, 2017, 08:00 IST
Acne Vulgaris, or commonly referred to as acne, is one of the most common skin diseases in the world. Research says more than 15 million people in the U.S. are affected by acne and about 80% of people affected people are between the 11 to 25 years of age. Many people have admitted they do not feel like stepping out of their homes because they are ashamed of their skin and in many cases, subjects have even held acne responsible for their depression. So clearly, the problem is skin-deep and certainly affects the mind just as much as it affects the skin.
Factors that cause acne-
The two main factors behind acne are:
2. Inflammation- Attacks the sebum present in the blocked pores. The acne bacteria thrives in such an environment.
One myth I want to bust is that ‘bacteria triggers acne’. Instead, inflammation of sebum triggers acne and bacteria can just add to the existing inflammation, but never start the process.
Now, let’s understand how sugar can be a major culprit in causing acne.
•inflammation levels went up by 87% for men who had one can of beer a day
•Inflammation went up by 105% for men who had 2 cans of beer a day
•1-2 cans of beer a day is pretty normal for most of the people, which is why this study proved to be an eye-opener.
Another myth that needs to be bust is that ‘Diet doesn’t cause acne breakouts'. The Glycemic Index of any particular type of food represents the total rise in a person's blood sugar level on its consumption. Foods like sugar and refined carbohydrates (white bread, pasta etc) have a high GI whereas whole grains and most fruits have low to moderate GI values. It has been proven time and again through numerous studies and researches that low GI foods reduce acne and the hormones linked to it. Switching from high GI food to low GI foods can reduce acne by 50%.
Hence, it’s quiet clear now why sugar causes acne and why from next time we should think twice before getting our hands on sweets and chocolates. But I would like to give you a little cheat tip before wrapping this up. In case you are craving sugar too much, have a dark chocolate. Chocolates with 70% and more cocoa content are great antioxidants and also fulfil the craving.
Factors that cause acne-
The two main factors behind acne are:
2. Inflammation- Attacks the sebum present in the blocked pores. The acne bacteria thrives in such an environment.
One myth I want to bust is that ‘bacteria triggers acne’. Instead, inflammation of sebum triggers acne and bacteria can just add to the existing inflammation, but never start the process.
Now, let’s understand how sugar can be a major culprit in causing acne.
•inflammation levels went up by 87% for men who had one can of beer a day
•Inflammation went up by 105% for men who had 2 cans of beer a day
•1-2 cans of beer a day is pretty normal for most of the people, which is why this study proved to be an eye-opener.
Another myth that needs to be bust is that ‘Diet doesn’t cause acne breakouts'. The Glycemic Index of any particular type of food represents the total rise in a person's blood sugar level on its consumption. Foods like sugar and refined carbohydrates (white bread, pasta etc) have a high GI whereas whole grains and most fruits have low to moderate GI values. It has been proven time and again through numerous studies and researches that low GI foods reduce acne and the hormones linked to it. Switching from high GI food to low GI foods can reduce acne by 50%.
Hence, it’s quiet clear now why sugar causes acne and why from next time we should think twice before getting our hands on sweets and chocolates. But I would like to give you a little cheat tip before wrapping this up. In case you are craving sugar too much, have a dark chocolate. Chocolates with 70% and more cocoa content are great antioxidants and also fulfil the craving.