Proper nutrition for acne

introduction

Acne is a disease of the sebum glands and hair follicles of the skin, in which the joint action of various factors promotes the development of blackheads and pimples.
In most cases, this common, but no less annoying skin disorder is due to a cornification disorder of the upper layers of the skin and increased sebum production (Seborrhea) underlying.

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The ducts of the sebum glands are blocked and the sebum formed by the gland is retained. These clogged pores are colloquially called blackheads (Comedones) known. The sebum offers one ideal breeding ground for bacteria the skin flora, which can multiply in the blocked skin gland or the neighboring hair follicle. The body reacts to the sudden increase in bacterial colonization with an Inflammatory responsewhich becomes visible as reddening of the pimple on the surface of the skin.

Are you interested in the topic? Also read: Influence of Diet on Oily Skin

For a long time, acne was described exclusively as a skin disease of adolescence, which regresses after the end of puberty. In fact, the Tilt to oily, blemished skin and blackheads and pimples with entry into adulthood. Less common the acne persists up beyond the age of 25. In some cases, however, the disease has been observed to recur in adults.

The possible causes the skin disease, which in some cases lead to severe cosmetic impairment, are controversial. While medical professionals agree that the tendency to excessive secretion of the sebum glands in adolescence is mainly due to changed hormonal balance upon entry into the puberty can be attributed to, a wide variety of factors are generally discussed that favor the severity and persistence of the disease. These include the excessive use of different cosmetics also stress and Tobacco use, as well as the increasing in some places Air pollution. The takes a great place in the discussion about factors that favor acne nutrition a. Although latest studies dermatology, the Diet has little impact Ascribing acne to the skin disease, many sufferers and a large number of doctors are convinced that the complexion of the skin can be positively influenced by proper nutrition. In the following paragraphs, the various nutritional advice for acne will be examined in more detail.

What should you watch out for?

A popular myth describes acne as an expression of a food intolerance or allergy, which is definitely not the truth.

Those affected are therefore subject to no restrictions regarding their eating habits and can eat anything they have eaten before the appearance of the skin appearance. So far, no foods are known that can trigger acne in the sense of an allergy. Whether and to what extent the Diet changes the complexion of the skin is individual and therefore everyone with an acne tendency must self-evaluate. Certain advice on diet can be helpful here, although the triggering causes must first be sought in the changed hormone balance at the beginning of puberty.

However, it has long been known that certain diet-related metabolic disorders can increase the likelihood of acne occurring. These include primarily abnormally high blood sugar levels, as can occur in diabetes mellitus (colloquially "diabetes"). In this case, the organism is generally susceptible to infection, which also affects the skin.

Skin infections, including acne as an inflammatory disease, are consequently more severe than in a healthy person. This led to the assumption that increased blood sugar levels, such as those that occur when consuming large amounts of sugar, can worsen the complexion. In fact, a study by the University of Melbourne in 2007 found an improvement in the complexion of the skin in test persons whose sugar intake was significantly reduced by avoiding sweets or sweet soft drinks, among other things. In 2005, a questionnaire-based study found a link between the occurrence of acne and the consumption of dairy products. For both studies, however, it is true that they could not or only insufficiently be proven by follow-up studies.

Recent studies put the influence of diet on the course of acne disease into perspective. Nevertheless, everyone affected is advised to eat a balanced and healthy diet. An intact immune system supports the fight against inflammation and thus limits the extent of the skin disease. Apart from the recommendation to eat a balanced and healthy diet rich in raw vegetables and low in sugar, there is no general diet recommended for all acne patients. Rather, those affected are advised to find out in self-experiments which foods affect their skin.

For more information, see: Wholesome nutrition, such as strengthen your immune system

Recommended foods for acne

The main focus of the recommended healthy diet is foods rich in vitamins, fiber and natural trace elements. This primarily includes raw vegetables, which results in a large proportion of vegetables and fruit in daily meals. Carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers and radishes, as well as different types of cabbage such as kohlrabi, white or red cabbage can also be prepared uncooked in a variety of ways and, together with various salads and spinach, offer an ideal basis for a balanced diet. Raw food has the advantage that, among other things, the vitamins are not destroyed by the effects of heat.

In addition, blood sugar levels don't rise as much after a meal as they do after consuming highly processed, short-chain carbohydrates. This effect can also be supported by eating whole-grain bread with its high proportion of fiber and long-chain carbohydrates that are more difficult for the body to digest.

When preparing healthy meals it is recommended to go to one high proportion of unsaturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids to pay attention. These are mainly found in vegetable oils such as safflower, rapeseed and olive oil. In animal foods, fish has the highest proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Those who take into account the observations of some of those affected and want to avoid dairy products in order to improve their complexion can now find appropriate substitute products in every well-stocked supermarket. In addition to the well-known soy milk, you can now also find almond milk and milk made from macadamia or cashew nuts.

If you don't want to do without sweetened food, you should avoid cane sugar and instead Honey or maple syrup apply. However, it should be remembered that these products are also sugary foods that sometimes cause the blood sugar level to rise sharply and should therefore be used sparingly.

The skin responds to that to a great extent Fluid balance of the body, so that a lack of fluids can primarily be recognized by the appearance of the skin and mucous membranes. Dry skin is more prone to infection, so it is advisable to keep hydrated. This should take the form of water or unsweetened tea. For a young adult, an amount of 2.0 to 2.5 L per day should be viewed as a rough guide.

Foods to Avoid

Proponents of the theory that the course of an acne disease can be influenced by dietary measures advise against food high glycemic index to avoid. The glycemic index is a measure of how much a carbohydrate-containing food causes blood sugar levels to rise.
The higher the glycemic index is the stronger and faster the blood sugar level rises after consumption. Consequently, foods that are processed to a large extent should short chain carbohydrates can only be consumed in small quantities. In addition to white bread and pasta, these also include all desserts, such as chocolate bars and fruit gums. This is also the case with high-sugar soft drinks and fruit juices. Sugar is often hidden in foods that do not necessarily have a high sugar content. These include, for example, ketchup, pickles and herring salad.

Some studies show a link between the consumption of dairy products and the severity of acne, so it is often recommended that Dairy products at least for a few weeks from the menu to brush and the Observe the development of the skin. If a significant improvement is perceived, a permanent change in diet should be considered. However, it should be noted that milk contains necessary trace elements and minerals such as calcium, which is necessary for building bones.

Should also be avoided high-fat foods, such as french fries, chips, and other fried products. Above all, consumption animal fatssuch as those found in large quantities in streaky meat should be restricted. Fast food With its high sugar and animal fat content, it should be completely removed from the diet.

Example of a suitable diet

If you want to do something good for your skin and body, you should above all with vegetables access and process zucchini, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, salads and spinach. In order to prepare the food as gently as possible, it should be cooked lightly and gently. Although different too fruit Contain sugar in the form of fructose, the daily menu should be generously supplemented with apples, pears, bananas, grapes and berries. Milk can after a visit to a well-stocked supermarket or drugstore with almond or soy milk be replaced. Dairy products such as yoghurt and cream are now also available on a soy basis, whereby attention should be paid to the sugar content. Salads and other dishes should be included vegetable oils like flaxseed or olive oil are prepared. Meat should be eaten with caution and in moderation, being one meat meal per week nowadays viewed as part of a conscious diet. fish Provides a healthy alternative to meat when steamed. It should be on one Fluid intake of at least 2 liters per day in the form of water or unsweetened tea. Since a deterioration in the complexion of smokers and heavy alcohol consumption has been found, the consumption of Nicotine is avoided if possible and alcohol is reduced become.

Summary of general nutrition tips

General nutritional advice speaking out for anyone with acne is very shaping up difficult. A clear connection between certain eating habits and the severity or even the occurrence of acne could so far not proven beyond doubt become. However, the number of those who have noticed an improvement in their complexion after a change in diet is large and a wide variety of nutritional advice and diet plans are circulating.

In summary, it can be said that the skin is an organ which very sensitive reacts to the state of health of the body. Unlike the internal organs, however, it is clearly visible to everyone and often provides evidence of the individual's state of health. Who yourself nourished healthily and heed some of the advice above, does so his entire body and last but not least one of his skin great favor.

Further possible therapeutic measures for acne

Modern medicine is based on several therapeutic approaches to approach a severe acne disease.
On the affected areas of the skin there are also various Peelscontaining fruit acid (fruit acid peeling), including the so-called Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) used. The latter is a strong oxidizing agent that has an antibacterial effect and supports the detachment of the superficial, keratinized skin layer. This prevents the blockage and bacterial colonization of sebum glands.

Creams with linoleic acid can significantly reduce the occurrence of blackheads. Linoleic acid is a natural component of the top layer of the skin (epidermis) and helps regulate the skin's water balance.

Relatives of vitamin A, so-called Retinoids, can, when used as an ointment, dissolve blackheads and refine the complexion. The systemic use of the retinoid Isotretionin can permanently lower sebum production. However, since this preparation can cause serious side effects such as depression, dry mucous membranes and hair loss, it should be used only for severe, therapy-resistant acne respectively.

Come in moderate and severe cases Antibiotics for use, which can either be applied directly to the skin or taken orally. The oral intake of antibiotics, including those used in acne therapy Tetracyclines, is considered to be significantly more effective than local application on the skin, especially the anti-inflammatory active component comes into play.

The light therapy (photodynamic therapy), in which artificially generated UV radiation is supposed to have an antibacterial effect on the skin, is today controversial. Although the bacterial colonization of the affected skin areas can be significantly reduced, the keratinization of the upper layers of the skin is stimulated to the same extent, which in turn can lead to the closure of sebum glands. After stopping the light therapy, the skin's appearance usually worsens again due to the bacterial growth that is now increasing again.

For more information on acne therapy options, visit: Home remedies for acne and Homeopathy for acne