What we consume and drink has a direct effect on the overall health of all our organs, including the largest of them, the skin. Certain foods and beverages have an impact on the production of sebaceous glands and can hinder bowel function, rendering the skin worse. Alternatively, a well-balanced diet and the strategic intake of food can help balance the production of sebaceous glands, resulting in a beneficial effect on problematic skin. Here’s a list of food that should be avoided if you have oily skin and acne and do not want to worsen your health and appearance.

1) Refined Sugar

Generally, industrial sweets, sodas and artificial juices quickly raise the level of insulin blood. This, in turn, increases the production of androgenic hormones and causes more oil production. Moreover, the increased insulin levels also boost the production of IGF-1, a growth factor that stimulates hyperkeratosis and hyperplasia of the epidermis. Consequently, pores will be clogged, and more skin issues will follow.

2) Biscuits, Bread, Pasta from White Flour

With a high glycemic index, products containing white flour are also among the ingredients cause inflammation of the sebaceous glands and can therefore lead to acne. They also inhibit the action of active ingredients present in products that control excess sebum in the skin, such as salicylic acid and zinc.

3) Cow Milk

There has been an association between the consumption of cow’s milk and acne. This is probably because even milk is a food that raises inflammation, it also contains many growth hormones that can favour the excessive growth of skin cells and therefore block the pores.

4) Hamburgers, Pizza, and Fries

Pizza, hamburgers, and fries, and other similar snacks with a high content of saturated fats will upset the balance of the intestinal microbiota, which is the “good” bacteria in the intestines. This will, in turn, exacerbate inflammatory processes in the body.

5) Vegetable Oils

Processed vegetable oils such as corn, sunflower, soy, and cottonseed are often blamed for contributing to problematic skin. It is also is well known that consuming too many omega-6 fats and too few anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats causes our bodies to go into an inflammatory state.

6) Industrial Spices and Refined Salt

Products containing large quantities of these ingredients, such as processed products (e.g. ham, chicken breast, and sliced turkey breast) will also increase inflammation in the body and increase sebaceous gland production.

7) Chocolate

Since high-glycemic foods are banned, it must be assumed that chocolate is on that list as well. Besides being a highly sugary food, chocolate is also high in fat. That is why it should be severely limited, even if not eliminated if you suffer from acne.

8) Red Meat

It has excess saturated fat, such as pizza, hamburgers and fries. The process is the same as described in the item for these snacks.

9) Whey Protein Powder

Too much protein can fuel your muscles, but it is terrible for your skin. Moreover, the number of acne flares in male athletes taking whey protein supplements is continuously increasing. One possible explanation is that the amino acids in whey protein powder can stimulate the body to increase the natural level of insulin, which promotes acne in adults.

10) Soy And its Derivatives

Consumed in large quantities, they interfere with the production of female hormones, such as estrogen. Imbalance can trigger acne in those who are already predisposed to this condition.

11) Alcoholic Beverages

Consumed in excess, alcohol affects the body’s absorption of zinc which is one of the most potent active ingredients in combating skin oils and acne.

If you’re having a hard time dealing with acne, try to reduce the consumption of these foods from your diet!