The Sugar - Acne Connection

Doctors have been said for years that glucose does not lead to pimples. Studies show they may be wrong.

A study looked into whether glycemic index (GI) has effect on pimples. Glycemic index is the measure how quickly carbs (glucose is a carbohydrate) makes its way into the bloodstream. The higher the GI of a food the faster the sugars are absorbed.

The study, reported at the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, compared the impact of normal (higher GI) diet plan to a low GI eating habits. The findings? Individuals on the low GI diet plan had far fewer pimples than the control group eating the high GI diet plan. Conclusion: glucose and other high glycemic index foods have an effect on acne breakouts.

How sweets causes acne?

It comes down to how your body regulates blood sugar levels. Sugar for your system is like petrol for your car. In order for your body to run properly it needs the appropriate quantity of glucose in the bloodstream; not too much or too little. And that's why your body does everything it can to manage them.

Right after a meal, blood glucose levels start increasing. Your system takes action by releasing insulin, which is a hormone that escorts sugar from your blood into the cells and controls blood sugar levels. Along with insulin the body also releases other hormones.

The insulin-acne connection

It's just that insulin and also the other hormones also influence your acne. In a nutshell they increase sebum output and lead to clogged skin pores. This is spelled out in more detail at the link between blood sugar levels and pimples page.

In simple terms the more your blood sugar levels fluctuate the more of these kind of acne triggering hormones your body releases and the more likely you are to break out.

What can you do about it?

And what can you do about this? Eating sugar, refined carbohydrates and other foodstuff with high glycemic index is probably the primary component. But the effect isn't restricted to eating habits. Lack of exercise, being overweight and shortage of sleep can make it harder for the body to sustain stable blood glucose levels.

Regrettably only cutting down carbs in your diet may not be enough to cure your acne. If you have an adult acne, curing acne almost certainly requires a regular effort and hard work to improve your overall health.

Seppo Puusa is the author of the best selling acne book Clear for Life: Lifestyle for health, happiness and clear skin.

He was tormented by acne for almost 20 years. After 8 years of learning about natural health and healing he discovered the simple and obvious solution to acne. Ever since he has dedicated to sharing his experience with other acne victims. You can read Clear for Life for free at http://www.clear-for-life.com