Is sugar bad for my skin?
Why Sugar Is Bad For Your Skin
Let’s start with the basics. When you ingest sugar or high-glycemic foods that rapidly convert to sugar — whether it’s in the form of an apple or a piece of cake — your body breaks down these carbohydrates into glucose, which raises your insulin levels. Simple carbohydrates, like refined sugar, white bread and soda, cause your insulin levels to spike triggering inflammation throughout the body.
Inflammation produces enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, resulting in sagging skin and wrinkles. Digested sugar permanently attaches to the collagen in your skin through a process known as glycation. Aside from increasing the effects of aging, glycation can also exacerbate skin conditions like acne and rosacea.
Understanding the glycemic index, the scale which determines how quickly blood sugar levels rise after ingesting particular foods (hence, the high- and low-glycemic labels), is key to making the right choices for your skin when it comes to sugar.
Does eating sugar cause acne?
Diet is an essential component in a wholistic acne treatment plan, particularly if topicals alone don't seem to be doing the trick.
Whether you're dealing with chronic acne or just an occasional blemish, avoiding certain foods can greatly help in clearing up your complexion.
Another results of a spike in blood sugar levels is a cascade of hormones that can increase oil production and trigger breakouts. Candy (milk chocolate in particular) is one of the biggest culprits as it contains high amounts of refined sugar, as well as dairy and trans fats, which also have been shown to cause acne.
Can I eat foods that help with acne?
Yes. Whole foods with that are high in fiber and anti-oxidants are essential to healthy and well balanced skin. Whenever possible, opt for fresh fruit and swap the white/refined versions of your favorite carbs for whole grain varieties. Taking a high quality probiotic supplements (stay away from high sugar yogurts!) will help keep you regular and flush out toxins that throw your body off balance.
