Almost everyone has had at least mild acne at some point. Acne is the most common of all skin disorders, affecting some 40-50 million Americans. A generation or so ago, it was thought that eating too many sweet or greasy foods caused acne; now doctors know much more about why breakouts happen and how to treat them.
Can what I eat cause acne breakouts?
Generally, no. The primary trigger of most cases of acne is the fluctuation of hormones. Hormones stimulate the oil glands to produce more sebum, which can block pores. Bacteria can then grow within the pores, causing them to become inflamed and break out.
That happens at times of major hormonal change, such as during the menstrual cycle, and during the teen years, no matter what you eat. So despite what your grandmother told you, eating too many potato chips won’t make you break out in pimples.
But there some evidence that certain diets may have an effect on acne, says Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, MD, PhD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. “A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology offers rather convincing evidence that people who consume a lot of dairy products have a higher risk for acne.” In the study, milk, cream cheese, and yogurt were all associated with more acne; researchers theorize that hormones in dairy products may be the culprit.
Should I stop wearing makeup if I have acne?
You don’t have to stop wearing makeup altogether, but you might try switching brands or going with a different type. Alexiades-Armenakas notes that some makeup can be so occlusive that they can aggravate acne. If you’re noticing breakouts along the sides of your temples, hair creams or gels might be exacerbating your acne, she adds. Look for cosmetics and toiletries with the label “noncomedogenic,” meaning that they don’t clog pores.
Does acne mean I’m not keeping my face clean enough?
Not necessarily. In fact, scrubbing too hard at your face can aggravate your acne, and using alcohol-based astringents can dry the skin out. Acne is triggered by hormones, and while gentle, regular cleansing with soap and warm water can sometimes help with mild breakouts, more significant acne requires more than just good hygiene.
Why does acne appear most often in teenagers?
The primary trigger for acne is fluctuating hormones -- specifically, the male hormone testosterone. (Women do have some levels of testosterone.) When teenagers hit puberty, their hormones start surging -- and often, so does acne.
Why do some adults have acne?
Although the hormonal fluctuations that cause acne are most common during the teen years, they can also affect adults. Women may experience hormonal swings during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause that result in acne breakouts.
Acne can also be a side effect of certain medications, such as anticonvulsants and steroid drugs. Some people may also have a genetic predisposition to acne. One study found that 50% of adults with acne had a parent, sibling, or child with acne as well.
