Glycemic Index and Acne

We've all heard that there is no correlation between acne and one's diet. As time has passed, though, and as the internet has grown, many people have come to realize that your diet can play a vital role in the overall health of your skin. In fact, what you eat can be one of the major reasons you even get acne at all. But for now, let's discuss the glycemic index, and how it could possibly cause flareups.

If you're unfamiliar with the glycemic index, it's used as a way of measuring how your blood sugar level is affected by carbohydrates. Eating simple carbohydrates, or simple sugars, causes your blood sugar levels to rise. It's well-known that eating foods that cause high blood sugar will also cause an increase in your insulin, along with an increase in many other hormones. Because of this reason, many dermatologists believe that these elevated hormones cause the production of sebum, which causes acne.

If you take the time to do some research, you will find that people who eat foods that are low on the glycemic index are less likely to have acne. For these reasons, many people recommend trying a low GI diet to combat pimples. This means avoiding simple carbohydrates with a high GI rating. For some people, this will be extremely difficult to do. If successful, though, the benefits can be great. In some cases, you may be able to clear up your skin, altogether.

As the foods you eat can play a vital role in the overall complexion of your skin, in some cases, your diet may not be able to be altered. In this case, there are many alternative methods you can use to clear up your acne.

In my case, I use a combination of 2.5% benzoyl peroxide acne treatment, along with healthy eating, to keep my skin clear. Also, drinking 8+ glasses of distilled water a day, seems to be extremely beneficial, as it hydrates the skin, and flushes acne-causing toxins from your body. Although I don't avoid simple carbohydrates, altogether, I do avoid the following: Energy drinks, soda, coffee, and alcohol. When I do consume the listed beverages, I tend to have acne problems, whether I am on the benzoyl peroxide regimen or not.

Using a combination of internal and external acne treatments seems to be the best way to keep the skin clear and healthy. Although some methods may work better for certain individuals than others, remember that each person is unique. What may work for someone may not work for you. Your best option is to try what has worked for others, as a starting point, then to go from there.