Acne is a skin problem that affects teens and adults, but for different reasons. Teens often suffer through their adolescence as their hormonal levels change drastically. As they approach their 20s the increased activity usually slows down and sometimes stops.
Adults will also get acne, sometimes until they are in their 50s. Women will suffer more frequently than men. Adult acne can also be due to fluctuating hormonal levels. It can also be a reaction to hair or skin products, stress, family history, medications, and medical conditions. However the American Dermatologic Association does not recognize diet or gastrological issues as a trigger for acne. (1)
But, although not recognized by Western medicine, there are significant case studies to strongly suggest that dietary changes can affect acne. And, truth be told, unless you are changing your diet to eat foods that are basically bad for your health, you have no reason NOT to change your diet.
You diet will have an effect on the hormonal balance in your body. For instance, dairy is a natural inflammatory product and has the highest amount of androgenic activity in the body. It allows the body to increase the production of testosterone. These levels are not high enough to produce male characteristics, but they can rise high enough to offset the normal hormonal balance and trigger acne formation.
The Paleo Diet will strictly limit your intake of dairy products, including milk, cheese, ice cream and yogurt. The limitation of the foods that create the hormonal imbalances will also help to limit the acne outbreaks.
In a study published in 2012, in Dermato-Endocrinology, researchers shared their results which found that diet had a significant impact on the development of acne in those people eating a standard Western diet. Their findings point out that the Western diet that is high in calories, glycemic load, fat and meat will increase metabolic signaling that results in skin changes, mainly acne. (2)
The type of diet recommended to reduce outbreaks has many of the factors of the paleolithic diet. This also explains how individuals who follow this dietary plan will experience clear skin and significantly reduced acne outbreaks.
References:
(1) American Academy of Dermatology: Adult Acne
http://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/health-and-beauty/every-stage-of-life/adult-skin/adult-acne
(2) Dermato-Endocrinology: Dietary Interventions in acne
http://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/health-and-beauty/every-stage-of-life/adult-skin/adult-acne
Resources:
Paleo for Women: Hormonal Acne
http://www.paleoforwomen.com/hormonal-acne-where-its-coming-from-and-what-to-do-about-it/
Dr. Briffa: Got Acne Go Primal
http://www.drbriffa.com/2012/03/20/got-acne-go-primal/
| Advertisement | |
 |
|
Leave a Reply