9 Surprising Foods and Drinks That May Cause Acne

Acne is a skin problem that can cause bumps on the surface of the skin. When it happens, it's worth taking a look at your plate. The old adage "you are what you eat" holds especially true. Your diet affects all organs of your body, including your skin. Even expensive professional creams won't help you get rid of acne if you consume the wrong products. Here are nine foods and drinks that may trigger acne.

1. Milk

People who regularly consume milk have a four times higher risk of breakouts on the skin than those who don't. Skim milk may have a worse effect on your skin. When milk proteins, whey, and casein attach to the receptors in the digestive tract they signal certain molecules that cause acne. If you struggling with acne then choose non-dairy milk substitutes like rice, almond, or coconut milk.

2. Dried fruits

Many people think that dried fruits are very healthy. However, it is a refined carbohydrate with a high glycemic index. Dried fruits cause a rapid jump in blood sugar and insulin levels. This causes a hormone rush that increases oil production and makes you more prone to acne. It is recommended to replace dried fruits with fresh ones to reduce the risk of breakouts in the skin.

3. Shellfish

Shellfish, shrimp, and lobster may cause breakouts on your skin. These foods are high in iodine. This nutrient may cause acne in people who are sensitive to it or consume too much iodine. It is recommended to consume seafood like wild salmon instead of shellfish. Salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that will benefit your skin and will not cause acne.

4. Trans fats

Trans fats are not good for your skin and may cause skin problems. Many processed foods like cookies or chips are filled with trans fats. If you want to get rid of acne on your skin it is crucial to choose foods without trans fats. They clog tiny blood vessels and cause inflammation. You may safely consume polyunsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids as they don't cause acne. Moreover, these fats are incredibly beneficial for healthy skin.

5. Juice

Bottled juice can be a major breakout trigger. Fruit juice is high in sugar with no fiber. It causes a rapid jump in your blood sugar that increases sebum production and inflammation. It is recommended to eat whole fresh fruits or choose juices based on vegetables.

6. Sushi

Not all sushi has the same acne-causing effect. However, all sushi types carry some risks for your skin. Let's take a look at the most popular California sushi. The main ingredient of sushi is white rice which has a high glycemic index. Imitation crab meat contains gluten that is a common cause of inflammations and breakouts. Even the nori sheets are high in iodine that may also trigger acne.

7. Milk chocolate

Milk chocolate causes acne due to the high content of the most common acne triggers. Milk chocolate is filled with refined sugar, dairy, and often trans fats. This doesn't mean that you cannot eat chocolate at all. Choose dark chocolate with at least 70 percent cocoa. This chocolate contains less bad ingredients and is rich in antioxidants.

9. Alcohol cocktails

Cocktails are often loaded with sugar and alcohol. Sugar causes inflammation and alcohol is diuretic that can dehydrate the skin. Dry skin can't exfoliate properly and this causes pores to clog, leading to breakouts. It is recommended to replace alcohol cocktails with a glass of red wine, for example.