Beauty Science

THE DIET-ACNE LINK

One foundational study linking acne and diet suggests a direct relationship between the glycemic index of a person’s diet—which represents how a specific food affects their blood sugar level—and the severity of acne. The study, done over a relatively short, twelve-week time period, showed that participants who ate a diet of 25 percent protein and 45 percent low glycemic carbs (think sweet potato, oats, raw nuts, beans, and legumes) decreased the number of their acne lesions as well as their weight, and increased their insulin sensitivity. To apply some of the study’s findings to your life, focus on stabilizing your blood sugar with clean protein and healthy fats, and filling up your plate with low glycemic carbs. Skip high-glycemic foods like sweets and processed snacks. You may see a clearer complexion and a healthier weight overall in only a short time.