Acne vulgaris, or simply acne, is a common skin condition that almost all individuals experience some time in their lives. Believed to be a disease of adolescents, acne has actually been found most prevalent in adults at the mean age of 24 years. Acne is also more common in women within all age groups.
Acne is inflammatory and may be seen from increased sex hormones producing excessive oil in the skin's glands, or blocked follicles due to keratin, or even excessive amounts of the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes.
Current acne treatments may only treat the symptoms without truly treating the underlying condition. Systemic antibiotics and isotretinoin are potentially harmful treatments that may only work temporarily.
A diet high in sugar and processed food will exacerbate acne. By reducing these foods in your diet, you can improve your skin and overall health. Besides reducing sugary and processed foods, increasing fiber will better help regulate your blood sugar levels, putting you at less risk of craving these unhelpful foods. New trends like cauliflower rice and kale gnocchi might actually be improving our risk of acne.
Our physicians at Be Well Medical are happy to help you make positive dietary changes and discuss further treatments for acne. Schedule an appointment to learn more.
