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The western diet is typically composed of high-glycemic meals, which have shown in various studies conducted, to cause acne breakouts. Such foods with an elevated glycemic index (GI) include industrial sugar and starchy foods like milk, breads, cereals, grains, and processed meals.

As some studies report, the increase in the level of insulin hormone and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) in the human organism, results to the elevation of testosterone level in males. Then, as the secretion of sebaceous glands is directly affected by testosterone, increased testosterone brings about an excessive sebum production. The sebum or oil secreted inside the body can block the pores of the skin, creating a bacteria-friendly environment and thus promoting acne vulgaris. Also, the previously mentioned hormones cause the overproduction of skin cells, further aggravating the clogging of the pores and nourishing the acne-causing bacteria.

A specific study conducted had observed that participants who only consume natural meals rather than the highly refined meals common in an occidental diet, showed minor or no acne episodes at all.

After that, they made the same study on immigrants living in westernized locations. Strangely, these people, who used to eat only natural foods and did not ever experienced acne before, have developed the disease when they arrived to their actual western residence and have adapted the western diet including highly refined meals. Also, consumption of western diet in young teenagers causes a sudden increase in the sex hormones, causing an even higher occurrence of acne.

Researches have also shown that a caffeine excess can also increase the levels of stress hormones inside the body. The large stress hormones levels can further stimulate the development of acne, or exacerbate existing acne conditions. The western diet commonly includes high-caffeine beverages, like soda, tea, and coffee.

Other studies have also presented the importance of the high amounts of dairy products and red meats in the western diet to the incidence of acne skin problems. This protein diet increases the levels of IGF-1, which, as stated earlier, can also increase the level of testosterone, indirectly over stimulating the secretion of sebum, as well.

Studies further show that dietary modifications oriented to low glycemic carbohydrates, like vegetables and fruits, have positive endocrine effects that are therapeutically efficient in treating acne. Such positive endocrine variations maintain a healthy skin and a healthy growth of its cells, as well as promote normal secretion of sebum.

Although there is actually no sound evidence on the influence of certain meals in the western diet and acne formation, it is still best to control the amounts (neither too little nor too much) of whatever kinds of food that we consume.

A new acne skin care product is now available to rejuvenate your skin thanks to biological ingredients that guarantee no allergic reactions or adverse side effects.