Certain medications, such as anticonvulsants and steroid drugs (not the inhalers used for asthma) can cause acne. In some people, genetics contributes to their acne. One study found that 50% of those with acne if you have a parent, brother/sister, or child with acne.

• 51% of women 20 -29 years old, 
• 35% of women 30-39 years old, 
• 26% of women 40-49 y/o 

have acne per a study in 2008

Almost everyone has had at least mild acne at some point. Acne is the most common of all skin problems, affecting ~ 1 in 6 Americans. 85% of people from 12-24 years old experience acne. You are not alone. People used to think that eating too much sugar or greasy foods caused acne. Now doctors know much more about why acne breakouts happen and how to treat them.

Can what I eat cause acne breakouts?

Generally, no. The main cause of most acne is hormonal fluctuation. Mainly it’s the “male” testosterone hormone that stimulates the oil glands to produce more sebum, which then blocks pores, which = a zit or acne. Bacteria can grow within the sebum, causing the zit/lesion to become inflamed (red) and large and full of pus.

Acne happens at times of major hormonal change, like during the menstrual cycle and during the teenage years, no matter what you eat.

Some research has shown associations between certain foods and acne.

A low-glycemic index diet has been associated with less acne. This was found coincidentally in a 2009 study for those people trying to lose weight on a low-glycemic index diet. The diet reduced acne: 87% said they had less acne and 91% said they needed less acne medications. In 2 studies, one of young Australian men 15-25 years old and another of Korean men/women 20-27 years old for 10-12 weeks, a lower glycemic index diet less to significantly less acne than their normal diet. Some examples of low glycemic index foods: whole grain bread, steel cut oats, apples, peaches, plums, pears, raspberries, strawberries, non-starchy vegetables, legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans). It’s important to note that there are no glycemic index for foods that do not contain carbohydrates; for example, beef, chicken, fish, eggs, herbs, spices, nuts, olive oil.

Many studies have shown that those who drink more cow’s milk have more acne than those who do not. Per the American Academy of Dermatology Association there is “no evidence that yogurt or cheese cause acne breakouts.”

Still other studies of acne’s relationship to nutrition have shown that a diet with a high glycemic index, such as white breads, waffles, and other carbs, worsens acne.

Does acne mean I’m not keeping my face clean enough?

No. In fact, scrubbing too hard at your face or washing too much can make your acne worse. The more you wash, the more oil your body makes to replenish what you washed off! Alcohol-based astringents can dry out the skin. Hormones trigger acne. With mild acne, gentle and regular cleansing with soap and warm water can sometimes be enough. For more severe acne, you need stronger stuff.

Why does acne appear most often in teenagers?

The main trigger of acne is extra hormones — specifically, testosterone, often referred to as the “male hormone,” (However, Women have testosterone too.) When teenagers hit puberty, their hormones start surging — and then, the acne acts up. However, acne is not just in teenagers.

• 51% of women 20 -29 years old,
• 35% of women 30-39 years old, 
• 26% of women 40-49 y/o 

have acne per a study in 2008