Millions of people all around the world have had bouts with acne at some point in their lives. This skin problem often makes a dreadful appearance during adolescence and, if not treated successfully, may continue into adulthood. The usual cause of acne is linked to changes with hormones, hygiene, and genes. However, recent studies show that it can also be caused by the food that we eat and our environment. This article takes a look at these two factors and the effective acne treatments available in Singapore (https://onefaceskincare.com.sg/skin-concerns/active-acne/).
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Active Acne and Food
Individuals who have active acne may have experienced their skin condition worsening after consuming certain types of food. Researchers have found out that food can indeed have a direct effect on the severity of acne by increasing inflammation, causing hormonal changes, and influencing the skin’s health. Below are foods that have been linked to cause or aggravate acne.
Culprit 1: Dairy
Studies discovered that dairy products, specifically milk, contain hormones that contribute to an individual’s risk of developing acne. These hormones are those that either occur naturally in the milk or from recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH), which are used to treat cows. It is believed that these hormones may trigger the production of excess oil in the sebaceous glands. Milk also increases insulin levels, which may boost acne development.
Even though the link between acne and dairy has not been established fully, a lot of individuals who suffer from acne and have lessened their dairy intake have reported improvements in their condition. If you are a fan of dairy and have been under acne’s grip for a long time, you may want to consider minimizing your consumption of any food with dairy to see if your skin improves.
Culprit 2: High-Glycemic Foods
One of the most common causes of acne is the rapid spike of blood sugar and high-glycemic foods are known for causing that. These types of food stimulate the increase of insulin production, which then leads to the generation of sebum, which is an oily substance that is produced by the sebaceous glands. Excess sebum can mix with bacteria and dead skin cells, which becomes clogged in the pores, resulting in the formation of acne.
A study on people with acne showed that those individuals who consume high-glycemic foods, such as pasta, processed carbohydrates, sugary snacks, and white bread in huge amounts are more prone to acne breakouts.
Culprit 3: Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Too much omega-6 fatty acids, which are derived from foods like fried foods, processed snacks, and vegetable oils (corn, soybean, sunflower), can trigger inflammation in the body. To balance the level of omega-6 fatty acids in the body, it is recommended that acne sufferers add more foods containing omega-3 fatty acids to their diet and reduce intake of food rich in omega-6. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help bring relief to your skin. Examples of foods that are packed with omega-3 fatty acids are chia seeds, flaxseeds, salmon, sardines, and walnuts.
Culprit 4: Junk and Processed Foods
Fast food, junk food, and processed foods have high sugar content as well as plenty of preservatives and unhealthy fats. These ingredients cause inflammation inside the body and trigger the increase of sebum production. In addition, they affect the gut health negatively as they disrupt the digestive system’s microbiome, resulting in the thriving of harmful bacteria that adds to the development of acne.
Environmental Factors that Cause Active Acne
Aside from food, the environment that we live in can also worsen our acne condition. Factors like climate, pollution, skincare products, and stress can trigger acne formation.
Culprit 1: Air Pollution
Studies discovered that being exposed to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2), which are common air pollutants, can influence acne formation as well as exacerbate its condition. This particulate matter causes skin inflammation and clogged pores due to oxidative stress. It is common for people who are living in highly developed cities with high levels of air pollution to experience acne build up.
Culprit 2: Climate and Humidity
Climate and weather are two factors present in the environment that also play a role in acne development. When exposed to humid and hot conditions, the skin produces more sweat, which can mix with dirt and oil, resulting in blocked pores which lead to acne breakouts. On the other hand, A dry and cold climate can cause the skin to lose moisture and become dehydrated, which leads to the excessive production of oil in the sebaceous glands, leading to acne.
Culprit 3: Cosmetics and Skincare
Having flawless skin is one of the most coveted dreams of many people. During the recent years, more and more cosmetic and skincare products have flooded the market to meet the demands of consumers who are always on the search for new products that can help them look their best and at the same time achieve healthy and glowing skin. However, not all cosmetic and skincare products are beneficial for your skin.
Makeups, such as concealers, primers, and thick foundations, may block your pores and cause acne. Likewise, some skincare products have harsh ingredients like abrasive scrubs, alcohol, and exfoliants can remove the skin’s natural oils, which can cause breakouts.
Culprit 4: Stress
Stress does not cause acne, but it has an indirect effect on your skin’s condition. When the body is stressed, it releases the stress hormone, called cortisol, which triggers the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Excess oil in the skin can cause the build up of bacteria, dirt, and oil in the skin, resulting in breakouts.
Effective Active Acne Treatments in Singapore
Active acne can be frustrating, but it can definitely be managed and with effective treatment, clear skin can be achieved. Thankfully, there are many active acne treatment options available in Singapore.
Topical Treatments
The most common approach to cure active acne is following a skincare regimen using various topical treatments, such as creams and gels. These products have active ingredients that combat acne like benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and salicylic acid. Other topical treatments have antibiotics like clindamycin and erythromycin, which work to lessen inflammation and fight bacteria in the skin.
Chemical Peels
For moderate to severe acne, a chemical peel using glycolic or salicylic acid is best to exfoliate the skin, reduce acne, and regenerate new and healthy skin cells. Chemical peels deep cleans the skin’s pores, which unclogs the build up of bacteria, dirt, and oil resulting in lesser breakouts with repeated treatments.
To know more about effective treatments for active acne, visit One Face Clinical Skincare.
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Dr David Ng
One Face Skincare
1 Tras Link #02-03 Orchid Hotel
Singapore 078867
+65 6222 2262