Acne Tip #1 The Relationship Between Sugar and Acne
Studies have shown that people suffering from acne tend to have higher levels of glucose, a simple sugar, in their skin. One particular study demonstrated that this is due to people with acne not processing sugar properly, similarly to those with diabetes. This finding led one researcher to refer to acne as "skin diabetes." Additional studies have revealed that, as in the treatment of diabetes, insulin has proven to be effective in the treatment of acne. This is because in both cases, insulin helps the body to properly process sugar.
Acne Tip #2: Dietary Changes
An easier, healthier alternative to taking insulin is reducing refined sugars in your diet. Refining sugar is removing the sugar (sucrose) from the plant it is contained in. On average, Americans consume 120 to 150 pounds of sugar annually. This amounts to over 600 calories from sugar per day. Sugar is not just an ingredient in desserts and snacks. It is also "hidden" in many other foods such as spaghetti sauces, peanut butter, and salad dressings. Read labels to determine the amount of sugar in foods. Watch out for the various forms of sugar such as maltose, fructose, and glucose.
Acne Tip #3: Chromium
Another dietary substance helpful for acne is chromium. Chromium is a mineral that is known to improve sugar tolerance as well as help to regulate fats and proteins. Sources of chromium include meats, whole-grain products, and fruits and vegetables such as broccoli and grapes.
