Acne. The word that can send many teens and young adults into a frenzy, especially on occasions like spotting a newly-developed pimple the day before the senior prom! Fortunately, most people simply outgrow acne as they get past those hormone-fueled teenage years, although it can continue to be a problem for some well into adulthood. Although it seems impossible at times to win the battle against acne, there are things that can be done to improve the situation. Adjusting your diet is one thing that could be helpful, and knowing what not to eat is a key component of this strategy. These are some of the worst things you can eat if you are waging a war against acne.

1. DIET SODA

There are many more reasons to avoid diet soda than preventing acne, but since that’s our topic, let’s look at it a little more closely. The ingredients in diet soda can cause inflammation in the body, which among other things, can prompt break-outs. This stuff may also lower your body’s pH, which can also cause worsening acne.

2. SALSA

Salsa has gained tremendous ground as a popular condiment in the United States in recent years. Although salsa is generally a very healthy food, unfortunately it also contains a lot of acid, thanks to ingredients like tomatoes and vinegar. This does not necessarily mean you have to swear off salsa completely, but it’s recommended that you avoid overdoing it. It should be fairly easy to work out how much you can get away with eating before it causes problems for you.

5. GLUTEN

There’s a lot of controversy these days about gluten and whether it may or may not be bad for you. One theory is that gluten – a protein found in wheat and other grains – causes inflammation, which can then lead to break-outs. For those with celiac disease or a sensitivity to foods with gluten, staying clear of this is a no-brainer. Fortunately, many excellent substitutes for food containing gluten are now available.

6. KELP

Who eats kelp? That’s what some of you may be thinking, but this somewhat unconventional food from the sea is something that many people are now eating for its health benefits. The iodine that’s found in kelp can cause major acne break-outs. The key with kelp, like so many foods, is moderation. If kelp is as regular part of your diet, experiment and find the right amount that you can get away with eating without risking break-outs.

7. SALT

Much like sugar, salt seems to be an ingredient that’s worked its way into just about everything. Salt is obviously something that should be avoided by those with high blood pressure, but it can also be trigger acne break-outs. Salt is often iodized, meaning it has been infused with iodine to make sure people get sufficient quantities of this important element, but as with kelp, the increased iodine intake can lead to worsening acne.

8. SHELLFISH

As one of the most common allergy-triggering foods, shellfish can be downright life-threatening when consumed by the wrong person. There are also people with allergies who do not experience serious reactions even though they are still considered allergic. The allergic reaction could be rash, or an acne break-out, which is probably a good reason to stay clear of this treat if you are sensitive to it.

9. CAFFEINE

Caffeine is an ingredient most people probably associate most readily with drinks like coffee and tea, but it shows up in many other beverages and foods as well, which may not be as obvious. Soda, chocolate and pain killer medications may also contain significant quantities of caffeine. Caffeine can stimulate the release of hormones which can lead to acne breakouts. Caffeine can also disturb your sleep which reduces your body’s natural ability to detoxify itself, which may further increase your risk of skin problems.

10. PEANUT BUTTER

A favorite for many people, this otherwise healthy food can be problematic due to the natural oils that are present which can lead to clogged pores. In other cases, a mild allergy to peanuts could also lead to break-outs. Switching to other nut butters or various substitutes may be a good solution for dedicated peanut butter fans.
 

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