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Acne is Not Only Skin Deep

Acne is a common skin condition that causes discomfort, embarrassment and, in some cases, pain and irritation. There are many misconceptions surrounding the causes and prevention of acne, including how diet can affect the frequency and severity of acne breakouts.

Teenagers and adolescents frequently suffer with acne, but the condition can occur well into adulthood. Acne affects more than ninety percent of the world's population, and it does not discriminate by race, age or gender. Dermatologists list acne as the skin disorder they treat most commonly, with teenagers and adults making up the majority of their patients.

Some scientific research has suggested that acne is caused by physiological factors like hormones and genetics. Others believe that environmental factors including bacteria can cause breakouts. For many years, it has also been debated whether, and how diet may contribute to the acne condition. Acne and diet is an issue that has spent many years under the spotlight.

Some dermatologists claim that diet has nothing to do with the formation of acne. On the other hand, many doctors believe that acne and diet do indeed have a certain link. On the surface, it appears that the food we eat does play a role in acne development.

Certain studies have shown that eating refined carbohydrates and sugars can lead to a surge of insulin, as well as an insulin-like growth factor known as IGF-1. When IGF-1 is released in the body, it can lead to an excess of male hormones called androgens. These hormones are deemed to be the most potent cause of acne formations.

Further, those who believe in the link between diet and acne maintain that when an excess amount of male hormones is produced, the pores of the skin begin to secrete sebum. This oily or greasy substance will generally pull the attention of acne-causing bacteria. This process also triggers the IGF-1 to cause skin cells known as keratinocytes to duplicate and multiply, an activity that also contributes to the formation of acne.

In New Guinea, Paraguay and the island of Papua, studies have contributed further to the link between diet and acne. The results of this particular study led researchers to believe that a diet rich with grains may actually contribute to acne. While some grains can optimize health benefits, a low-grain diet may also be beneficial in preventing acne.

The acne and diet issue remains one of the hottest topics in modern medicine, but lack of funding may be hindering the amount of actual research that is being conducted. Some critics believe that doctors and dermatologists discount the diet and acne connection, simply because they want or need to sell more pharmaceutical treatments.

A poor diet will cause many diseases. On the other hand, good nutrition is essential to maintain overall well being. It only stands to reason that eating a proper, balanced diet will keep your skin healthy, too. If you find yourself fighting a constant battle against acne, take on the physiological factors with a proper diet, and use proper cleansers and treatments to combat environmental aggravators.

By: Selena Rymore

Contributor Selena Rymore enjoys writing articles for a variety of web sites, such as pathbreaking.com and www.shop4body.com.

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