Acne Disaster? Ways To Beat It.

Acne is a common skin condition that creates not only discomfort and embarrassment, but can also cause pain and irritation. Many common misconceptions surround the causes and prevention of acne. These include the affect of diet on both the frequency and the 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.
Although some dermatologists claim that diet has nothing to do with the formation of acne, many still hold that acne and diet do indeed have a certain link. It does appear that the food we eat may well play a role in the development of acne.

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.

There have been studies conducted on residents in New Guinea, the island of Papua and in Paraguay that suggest more proof of the link between acne and diet. The results of this study led researchers to believe that a diet rich with grains may contribute to acne formation. Limited grains can have optimal health benefits, and a low-grain diet can be beneficial in the prevention of 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.

There is no question that many diseases are the result of poor nutrition. On the other hand, a healthy diet is paramount to overall well being. Therefore, it only stands to reason that eating a proper diet will be beneficial in having healthy skin. If you are struggling in a constant battle against acne, try fighting the physiological factors by eating a proper diet, and take on the environment factors by using the right treatments. It's a two-handed approach that can help you win the fight against acne.

About the Author
Essayist Selena Rymore contributes articles to numerous popular Internet magazines, on best skin care product and health question themes.