Why Does Acne Persist Despite Clean Eating
You switch to salads, fresh veggies, and whole grains thinking it will clear your skin. But acne sticks around, popping up on your jawline or chin. Clean eating helps many health issues, yet breakouts continue for some. The reasons go beyond just food.
Hormones often drive adult acne more than diet alone. In women, cycles, pregnancy, menopause, or polycystic ovary syndrome raise androgen levels. These hormones boost oil production, clogging pores even if you avoid junk food. Jawline spots signal this hormonal shift, common after age 30.
Stress plays a big role too. It spikes cortisol, worsening inflammation and oil. Poor sleep or busy days keep cortisol high, triggering pimples despite healthy meals.
Your skincare routine might trap problems. Heavy creams, makeup, or harsh soaps clog pores or irritate skin. Comedogenic ingredients in products build up oil and bacteria, no matter your plate.
Even clean eating has hidden traps. Some whole foods like dairy or high glycemic options such as certain fruits or grains can spike insulin and IGF-1. These boost oil and inflammation in sensitive people. Genetics, gut bacteria, and overall patterns decide if you react. One study showed low glycemic diets cut lesions, but responses vary.
Medical factors hide too. Thyroid issues, medications like steroids, or endocrine problems fuel breakouts. These need doctor checks, not just diet tweaks.
Lifestyle gaps add up. Skipping exercise or irregular sleep disrupts balance, letting acne linger.
Track flares with a journal. Note food, stress, products, and cycles. See a dermatologist for hormone tests or tailored care. Clean eating supports skin, but fixing these layers clears it best.
Sources
https://www.westchestercosmeticdermatology.com/blog/adult-acne-why-it-happens-and-how-to-treat-it/
https://spice.alibaba.com/spice-basics/what-foods-cause-acne
https://www.tuftsmedicine.org/about-us/news/acne-over-30
