Foods To Avoid During A Breakout

When following a good skincare regimen, it can be quite frustrating when breakouts happen. Pinpointing the cause of acne is a tedious process due to the amount of factors that play a role in clear skin, however the main goal should be maintaining balance within your body, which can be achieved through a healthy diet.

Although everyone's skin is different, there are some foods that are known to trigger acne and are best to be avoided during a breakout. Dairy is at the top of this list.

Cow’s milk contains androgen hormones along with the proteins whey and casein. When we digest these proteins, they release a hormone called IGF-1 which is known to trigger breakouts. Sometimes the hormones released in milk can also confuse our endocrine system when interacting with our own hormones, which can cause imbalance. The good news is that there are plenty of milk alternatives out there that can replace cow’s milk and keep acne at bay.

Second, foods that spike insulin levels like sugar and refined grains should be limited. White bread, pasta and sugary desserts are known culprits to trigger acne. The inflammatory effects caused by spiked insulin in the body can be stopped by reducing your intake of these foods.

Last and most tragically for some, a common acne trigger food is chocolate. It's not the cocoa that trigger acne - Many chocolate bars are packed with dairy and high amounts of sugar, which can lead to severe breakouts. Raw cacao is actually packed with Vitamins A, C, and E. So, when that inevitable chocolate craving rolls around, try reaching for a high percentage dark chocolate bar instead of the acne triggering, milky alternative.

Here are some of our go-to products to use when you're breaking out.