Estheticians have observed the effects of a wrong diet in teen and adult skins for many years. Current research and biological studies are beginning to suggest that certain foods affect acne in teens.
- Too much sugar and refined carbs may increase blood sugar and insulin production. Too much insulin makes androgen hormones. This can increase cell growth and sebum production that may worsen acne. Sticky cells in the pores that do not slough normally along with inflammation and bacteria are all components of acne.
- Eating too much chocolate may not be a myth. Since the 1920's it has been reported that chocolate is an acne trigger. Recent research supports a link between chocolate consumption and acne, although whether it causes acne is unclear. Some studies suggest that eating chocolate increased the reactivity of the immune response to acne causing bacteria. Research is ongoing concerning this correlation. If chocolate is a suspected trigger in a teen, young adult, or even adult, limit or discontinue its' use for awhile and see how the skin responds.
- Cow’s milk and dairy products made from cow’s milk may also increase acne activity in teens. Research has shown there is a correlation between cow’s milk and acne. Some researchers believe it is the hormones in milk that can cause inflammation in the human body thus contributing to acne. Although milk has a low glycemic index, it can raise insulin levels in some individuals due to its' lactose content.
- Fast food studies (Western Diet) suggest the risk of developing or worsening acne. More research is being done. Self-reported data and the correlation with fast foods is not clear. Bad fats and additives can have diminishing effects on our bodies through toxic effects on our biological processes.
A good esthetician will advise teens and young adults that diet and troubled skin are linked. Don’t overindulge in cereal, deserts, bread, and pasta made with white flour. Too many sweets—sodas, candy, and sweeteners—introduce too much sugar into a diet. Fast foods contain potential toxic additives and poor fats.
Clean eating, water, exercise, and sleep are essential to develop a vibrant and healthy young teen. Young adults and teens should be counseled on life choices that diminish their developing life force. Encourage life enhancing and nurturing rhythms of life that enhance their growth and development.
Teen years are a time of tremendous change physically, emotionally, and intellectually. With this transformation comes a sense of developing independence. Good nutrition should be a greater focus of a growing life stream than weight. Eat healthy; enjoy what you eat. Develop good nurturing rhythms with food.
Fruits and vegetables should be eaten daily. Protein through lean meat, fish, eggs, or chicken helps build muscle and organs. Calcium necessary for growing bones can be consumed through dairy products such as yogurt, milk, and cheese. If dairy is not tolerated, some green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, collards, and broccoli are great sources of calcium. Some good alternatives to cow's milk are hemp, almond, and oat milk. Iron rich foods like lean meat, dried beans, spinach, and fortified cereals are essential to support growth. Grains, necessary for energy, can be found in brown rice, whole grain pasta or bread, bulgur, and cereals with no added sugars. Unsaturated fats found in olive oil, sunflower oil, tuna, and salmon are preferred over saturated fats found in fast foods and many prepared and boxed foods.
The human experience must have oxygen, water, and food to exist within the living biosphere of Earth. Without oxygen we will cease to breath and very quickly loose our connection to the earth plane. We can go without water only for a short while. As we lose water in our bodies, our skin and organs become dehydrated, and we lose function of our essential earth living body systems.
For vibrant living and health, it is important to have clean air to breath, clean water to drink, and clean nutrient-rich foods for nourishment.
In Health and Beauty,
Kathleen Peara