Myth: Some of the foods I eat seem to be causing acne.

Answer: BUSTED, kind of...

We don’t know for sure yet what causes acne, but diet may play a role. A new review of a group of studies looking at diet and acne in males 15 to 25 years of age found that eating less high-carb foods such as white bread, pasta, crackers, white rice, soda, juice and candy bars is linked to less acne. Researchers suggest that eating these foods spike blood sugar which increases hormones. The hormones can stimulate oil production, triggering acne. However, good clinical studies involving larger numbers of people are needed before it can be stated that certain foods actually cause acne.

Replace junk foods with a healthy, balanced diet

So what to do in the meantime? There’s nothing wrong – and a lot right – to suggest eating less foods like soda, candy bars and refined grains like white bread. Eating more whole grains, a variety of fruits and vegetables and lean proteins will provide you with a healthy diet and can protect against heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

What about chocolate and acne? Based on the research, it’s more likely that the sugar in chocolate is what causes acne reactions, rather than the chocolate itself.

For more tips about healthy eating, visit MissouriFamilies.org.

Contributor: Ellen Schuster, M.S., R.D., Associate State Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, schusterer@missouri.edu, 573-882-1933