DRINKING MILK MAY MAKE ACNE WORSE

THERE is no doubt that the tendency to have acne is related in part to genetics. Hormones, too, play a role. But what about diet?

Many acne sufferers say they notice that if they eat sugary and fatty foods, such as chocolate, it makes their spots worse. As a general principle, I recommend avoiding anything that seems to exacerbate a skin condition, but is there actually a proven link between food and acne?

There have been several studies suggesting that acne is more common in populations that eat a Western diet — thought to be generally lacking in omega-3s (found in oily fish) and high in refined carbohydrates.

This link seemed to be confirmed by a recent study in Australian men, which looked at the connection between the glycaemic index (GI) of the foods they ate — how quickly it raised blood sugar levels — and their acne. High-GI foods include white bread and rice, most cereals and potatoes. Low-GI foods are vegetables, beans, pulses, nuts and whole grains. In this study, 43 men with acne were divided into two groups — for three months, the first followed a strict low-GI diet while the second ate carbohydrate-dense food. At the end, the low-GI group had less acne and it was less severe. So this does suggest a link between diet and acne, but it’s not conclusive.

Many people say eating chocolate makes their acne worse. In a 2014 study, 14 men aged 18-35 with mild acne were given capsules containing either unsweetened, 100 per cent cocoa, or hydrolysed gelatin powder or a combination of both. The acne was worse in the group who ate the unsweetened cocoa capsules, which slightly goes against the idea that it must be the sugar in the chocolate that’s the trigger for acne.

As for dairy products, most studies suggest that higher milk consumption is associated with more acne. Further research is needed, but if you suffer from acne, it would be sensible to try a low-GI diet and not to drink large quantities of milk.

P.S.

DON’T squeeze spots: this can cause the sebaceous gland underneath to partially rupture its oily contents not only out on to the surface, but also into the deep levels of the skin, which causes inflammation and ultimately scarring. It’s better to remove the pus by wiping it off.