Avoid These 10 Foods If You Want Clear Skin

By Bonnie K. -


The Internet is full of misinformation and information about the relationship between diet and acne. Although there is much debate about which foods cause acne and the exact causal relationship, it is generally accepted that certain foods are more likely to have an impact on skin health. These are the worst.

1. Milk and Dairy Products

When it comes to acne, milk and dairy products are frequently referred to as public enemy number one. These products often contain high amounts of hormones that promote oil production, which can lead to blocked pores.

Which products are on this list? You will probably include some of your favorite products in this list, such as:

  • Milk
  • Butter
  • Ice cream
  • Cheese
  • Yogurt
  • Cream
  • Curd

Dairy products are not only common as food, but also as ingredients in other foods. These products are commonly used in favorite meals and should be avoided at all costs. There are many alternatives to milk products that offer the same experience without adverse skin effects.

2. Alcoholic Beverages

An inflammatory substance, alcohol, can exacerbate existing skin conditions like acne and lead to more breakouts. This is in addition to the fact that many exotic alcoholic drinks and cocktails contain sugary additives. According to A. Vogel, sugar is both pro-inflammatory and alcohol. This double whammy can promote acne. Another reason alcohol is bad is its ability to cause skin dehydration. This causes your body to produce more oil, which can lead to breakouts.

3. Refined Carbohydrates


These foods include bread, sugar, white rice, and white flour, as well as similar foods. As mentioned, sugar and all of these foods can increase inflammation, which can lead to more severe acne symptoms in people with acne-prone skin.

4. High-Glycemic Foods

Some high-glycemic foods can cause more inflammation and make it harder to control acne. These foods include:

  • Potatoes
  • Parsnips
  • Carrots
  • Watermelon

Although many of these can appear healthy, they can lead to wild fluctuations in blood sugar levels which can increase inflammation.

Look for fruits and veggies with lower glycemic numbers such as:

  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cauliflower
  • Artichokes
  • Asparagus
  • Leafy greens
  • Beans
  • Watercress
  • Radishes
  • Water chestnuts

These foods are not likely to cause blood glucose fluctuations and can soothe the skin.

5. Fatty Foods


A lot of trans fats are used in fried foods and other processed foods. They contain cytokines that are known to cause skin inflammation and make the skin redden and blotchy. This creates a favorable environment for blemishes.

6. Whey Protein Powder

This one is often overlooked. Whey protein powder, a dietary supplement, increases the growth of amino acids like glutamine and leucine, which can lead to acne. Healthline reports that there have been studies showing direct links between whey proteins and acne in male athletes. There has also been a correlation between acne severity and duration among those who take whey protein supplements.

7. Highly processed convenience foods

These foods include a variety of foods that are high in unhealthy fats and have shocking amounts of sugars, refined sugars, and flour. These foods can make meal preparation more simple and often are affordable, but they are not recommended for people with acne-prone skin.

8. Chocolate

Although chocolate isn’t the main culprit, milk chocolate and lighter chocolates can promote acne. WebMD suggests dark chocolate which is made with less refined milk and sugar to be a better choice for those who want to clear their skin.

9. Chicken

Chicken is another shocking food that should be avoided when you want to manage acne.

Chicken hormones can trigger inflammation, just like dairy. This could make your skin more susceptible to acne.

10. Coffee

Some people believe it’s the sugar and dairy that are added to their coffee. Others find it is the “adrenaline rush” that the first cup of coffee gives them that keeps them going. It also increases the levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can lead to an increase in oil production and acne.

Small changes in your diet can improve your skin’s health and immune system. There is no evidence that certain foods can cause acne.

Acne is not something to be taken lightly by those who suffer from it every day. You can make dietary changes to eliminate the above foods, but you should also talk to your doctor about treatments that are appropriate for you.