What Is Acne and How Can We Prevent It?
October 18, 2023
Acne is characterised by inflammation of the skin with the presence of blackheads, whiteheads or cysts that often appear on the face, neck, chest or back. It is a disorder of sebaceous follicles primarily caused by an increase in sebum secretion, which leads to a follicle becoming clogged.
What Causes Acne?
Majority of people will experience acne at some point in their life, but it is especially common in teenagers and young adults. Acne can have a range of different causes such as excess sebum production, overgrowth of bacterial cells, inflammation, hormonal fluctuations, diet, poor hygiene and even air pollution!
Diet also plays an important role with regards to skin health - acne is generally associated with western diets. Western diets are rich in ultra processed foods which contain refined carbohydrates, oils and high sodium contents, these foods contribute to inflammation and may exacerbate acne. The consumption of dairy, specifically milk, has also been linked to a higher prevalence of acne.
How Can We Prevent Acne?
When it comes to skin health, maintaining proper hygiene is crucial. How can you expect to have clear skin if your skin is dirty?! There are plenty of skincare products that can help maintain healthy skin, the basics include a cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen - these often include ingredients such as salicylic acid, retinol, and nicotinamide that are found to help support skin health and reduce acne.
It is also important to stay hydrated! Dehydration can cause dry skin, which can increase risk of developing acne. Our microbiome may also affect skin health, and where acne is caused by an imbalance it may be beneficial to take a probiotic supplement such as MOBU Acidophilus to help reduce inflammatory acne. Diet can also contribute to healthy skin and acne prevention…
Acne-Fighting Foods
Because of the impact food has on skin health, it is important to consume a balanced and varied diet, one that preferably consists of whole foods such as complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, and good quality protein sources such as lean meats, fish and eggs. Omega 3 fatty acids, which are found in fatty fish, eggs, and some nuts and seeds, are anti-inflammatory and may also help reduce acne.
Certain vitamins and minerals such as niacin, aka nicotinamide, and zinc have also been shown to exert effects that can help reduce acne. Vitamins A and E have been found effective in acne prevention as well as its treatment. The MOBU range has plenty of vitamins and minerals that can help support skin health!
The Bottom Line
Acne is complex and can have a variety of different causes. Although some causes such as hormonal fluctuations may be more challenging to control, at the end of the day there are certain things that can be done to potentially improve skin health, such as consuming a healthy diet, maintaining proper hygiene, and ensuring you consume enough vitamins and minerals. The bottom line is that maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can benefit skin health, and when struggling with acne small changes may help relieve symptoms!
