Many people may have noticed that they have a preference for sweet foods and that acne seems to never really leave them, occasionally popping up. So while some people say that you shouldn't eat sweets when you have acne, others say that there is no real connection between eating sweets and acne. So, can you really not eat sweets when you have acne?
Can you not eat sweets when you have acne?
You should not eat sweets when you have acne.
After getting acne, you should reduce or avoid eating sweets. The large amount of sugar in sweets depletes the body of B vitamins, which worsens acne. Excessive intake of sugar and fats, such as butter, can also make the body more prone to producing oil, leading to increased acne.
Eating sweets can accelerate acne growth
Not only should you avoid sweets after getting acne, but you should also avoid consuming large amounts of sweets in your daily life. The large amount of sugar in sweets stimulates the secretion of insulin in the body, disrupting the balance of other hormones. Excessive secretion of androgens, in particular, can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce a large amount of sebum, leading to acne.
What to do if you get acne from eating sweets
If you get acne from eating sweets, the first thing you should do is stop eating sweets, especially ice cream and popsicles, especially in the summer. Then, keep your skin dry and clean. If you have excessive oil secretion, consider increasing the frequency of washing your face. Use acne masks or other products to help eliminate acne, and make sure to eat plenty of vegetables and fruits and maintain a regular sleep schedule.
How to eat sweets without getting acne
Eating sweets and getting acne does not mean that you cannot eat any sweets at all. Eating a small amount of sweets will not cause acne. Therefore, it is important to note that besides sugary treats like candy, chocolate, and ice cream, other sweet foods like Hong Kong-style desserts, sweet soups, milk tea, fruit milkshakes, fruit juices, milkshakes, and herbal jelly are also considered sweet foods and should be consumed in moderation.
What not to eat when you have acne
Besides sweets, there are other foods that should be avoided when you have acne:
Barbecue
Barbecue food is generally oily, spicy, and highly stimulating, which is not easily digested and can cause increased sebum secretion and worsen acne. Eating these foods often leads to sweating and oily skin, resulting in acne or exacerbating acne.
High-fat foods
After getting acne, avoid eating high-fat foods. These foods have high fat content and can easily lead to excessive sebum secretion, worsening acne. In addition to fatty meat, foods like animal fat, cream, butter, ham, bacon, roasted chicken, canned meat, and animal organs should also be consumed in moderation or avoided.
Fishy foods
Some fishy foods in daily life can cause allergic reactions in the body, leading to worsening of acne due to the expansion of chronic inflammation in the sebaceous glands. Therefore, fishy foods must be avoided, especially seafood such as eel, shrimp, crab, and mackerel. Meats with hot properties, such as lamb and dog meat, can also cause hot accumulation in the body and worsen the condition.
Black foods
Black foods contain varying amounts of black pigments, so it is best not to consume these foods when acne is about to heal. Foods like soy sauce, black beans, and vinegar can cause black pigment deposition, leaving stubborn acne marks. Therefore, it is recommended that people with acne problems avoid these foods when their acne is about to heal.
Smoking and alcohol
If you still smoke after getting acne, the nicotine in cigarettes can constrict the blood vessels and cause the accumulation of toxins in the blood and lymph, resulting in reduced oxygenation of skin cells. This weakens the skin's healing ability and makes it more susceptible to cross-infection of acne wounds, worsening acne.
How to eliminate acne
Cleanse the skin
In terms of skincare, it is important to cleanse the skin to reduce oiliness and effectively prevent clogging of sebaceous glands and secondary bacterial infections. Also, avoid squeezing acne with your hands.
Maintain a regular sleep schedule
From 11 PM to 1 AM is the time for liver detoxification. It is best to go to bed before 11 PM and maintain a regular sleep schedule to maintain normal skin metabolism, which is beneficial for eliminating acne.
Massage to eliminate acne
Start by massaging from the sides of the nose to the temples, then massage along the cheeks from the forehead to the jawline, and finally use your palms to slide from the chin to the ears.
Note: Maintain a continuous and gentle motion, adjust the strength properly, and stop when you feel a slight soreness. Also pay attention to the amplitude and speed of the movements.
Maintain a relaxed and happy mood
Excessive stress and irritability can cause autonomic nervous system disorders and severe hormonal imbalances, making it difficult for toxins in the body to be completely eliminated. This can make acne on the face worse. Therefore, learning to adjust your mentality and maintaining an optimistic attitude are important when getting rid of acne.
Maintain a balanced diet
To effectively eliminate acne, it is important to maintain a balanced diet. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, drink plenty of water, and avoid the foods mentioned above.