Acne and Diet

Nearly every suffers with acne at one time or another. This common skin condition causes embarrassment, discomfort and even pain and irritation. Many people are confused about what brings on acne and how it can be prevented. The relationship between diet and acne is one common area of confusion.

Teenagers and adolescents frequently suffer with acne, but the condition can occur well into adulthood. Acne affects more than ninety percent of the world's population, and it does not discriminate by race, age or gender. Dermatologists list acne as the skin disorder they treat most commonly, with teenagers and adults making up the majority of their patients.

Some scientific research has suggested that acne is actually caused by physiological factors including genetics and hormones. Others believe that environmental factors such as bacteria can cause breakouts. For many years there has been some debate as to whether diet contributes to the acne condition, and to what degree. In fact, the issue of acne due to diet has been in the spotlight for many years.

Although some dermatologists claim that diet has nothing to do with the formation of acne, many still hold that acne and diet do indeed have a certain link. It does appear that the food we eat may well play a role in the development of acne.

Certain studies have shown that eating sugars and refined carbohydrates can lead to a surge of insulin within the body, as well as an insulin-like growth factor known as IGF-1. The release of IGF-1 can lead to an excess of male hormones called androgens. These hormones are believed to be the most potent causes of acne formations.

Proponents of the acne-diet connection maintain that when an excess amount of male hormones is produced, the pores of the skin begin to secrete sebum, a greasy or oily substance that attracts acne-causing bacteria. This same process also triggers the IGF-1 to cause skin cells known as keratinocytes to duplicate and multiply. This activity can contribute even further to the formation of acne.

In New Guinea, Paraguay and the island of Papua, studies have contributed further to the link between diet and acne. The results of this particular study led researchers to believe that a diet rich with grains may actually contribute to acne. While some grains can optimize health benefits, a low-grain diet may also be beneficial in preventing acne.

The acne and diet issue remains one of the hottest topics in modern medicine, but lack of funding may be hindering the amount of actual research that is being conducted. Some critics believe that doctors and dermatologists discount the diet and acne connection, simply because they want or need to sell more pharmaceutical treatments.

Poor nutrition contributes to many diseases. Of course, a healthy diet is important to overall well being, so it only stands to reason that eating a proper diet will help keep your skin healthy, too. If you find yourself in a constant battle against acne, remember to fight the physiological factors with a proper diet, and use the right treatments to combat the environmental aggravators.

Article Source: http://www.myaddirectory.com

Freelancer Selena Rymore provides material for a variety of popular Internet magazines, on acne product and acne skin care themes.

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