The saying, “you are what you eat” hits close to home on today’s entry as your skin is the reflection of your body. When your complexion is smooth, it is safe to say that you are feeding it healthy food. Alternatively, when your diet is poor, it tends to show up on your skin. Experts who work in dermatology and nutrition strongly urges you to stay away from food that are keeping your skin unhealthy. Which foods are a culprit to poor skin care?

Chocolate–  While chocolate isn’t directly connected to causing a breakout, it increases sebum production that promotes an inflammatory responses to the body. This ultimately leads to acne.

Spicy Food– Many people blame spicy food for their breakout. According to Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, it was proven that patients suffering from an acne breakout link their acne to spicy food.

Coffee– A cup of coffee may give you energy, but it’s linked to breakouts. An organic acid found in coffee beans are the culprit that ultimately raises the cortisol levels. If you weren’t familiar with cortisol, it is a stress hormone that acts like an androgen. It stimulates the sebaceous glands and inflames them.

Bread– If your skin is prone to acne, bread like baguettes and croissants can actually make this worse. The fact is that wheat causes inflammation in the body. If you want to keep your body from worsting your acne, avoid foods like bread that stimulates inflation.

Dairy– According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the consumption of milk is actually linked to breakouts. You can blame this on the promoting  a spike in hormones that causes acne. Instead of dairy, try rice milk, almond milk, or coconut milk instead.

Keep blemishes and breakouts at bay by choosing healthy food for your skin care! Your body and complexion will thank you for it later!