Acne, Carbs, and the Tricky Link

Do Carbohydrates Cause Acne? Should you avoid them if you want to cure your acne?

In this article I separate the science from the nonsense behind acne and carbs.

The link between carbohydrates and acne is clouded by confusion and misinformation. Research in recent years shows a possible link between acne and high glycemic foods (mostly refined carbohydrates).

These foods put your blood sugar levels on a roller coaster. As a result, the body releases hormones that increase sebum production, cause skin cells to divide more frequently (more dead skin cells), and weaken the immune system (more acne-causing bacteria).

Based on this research, it appears that carbohydrates cause acne. But that’s only half the story.

The real culprit is unstable blood sugar levels.

Now, it is true that eating carbohydrates increases blood sugar levels. And refined carbs cause an even steeper rise. But the body is very good at regulating blood sugar levels. It has to be, because levels that are too high or too low are dangerous and possibly even fatal.

As long as this regulation mechanism works well, your blood sugar levels will stay reasonably stable no matter what you eat.

It’s only when they fail, a condition called insulin resistance, that you have problems that lead to acne. So insulin resistance is at the root of your acne.

Insulin resistance is a rather complicated condition that develops over the years as a result of the wrong diet and lifestyle. Some of the main causes are:

• Eating too much fat.
• Eating too many calories.
• Chronic inflammation (for example, from stress, exposure to toxins and chemicals, and eating inflammatory foods).
• Sleep deprivation.
• Sedentary lifestyle.

Contrary to popular belief, eating carbohydrates does not cause insulin resistance, at least unrefined carbohydrates in whole foods. A person without insulin resistance can eat 19 bananas a day without any blood sugar problems.

Are low carb diets the answer to acne?

When people hear about the carb connection for acne, they think low carb diets are the answer. If carbohydrates cause acne, the solution is to avoid them.

Since these diets are low in calories and lead to short-term weight loss (good for insulin resistance), they may work in the short term.

One of the problems with low carb diets is that they are extremely high in fat. Too much fat is one of the main reasons behind insulin resistance. Fat blocks the action of insulin in the bloodstream, and the pancreas has to pump more constantly to compensate. Research consistently shows that those who eat the most fat have the highest levels of insulin.

These diets are also extremely dangerous for your health. The Atkins Exposed website (http://www.atkinsexposed.org/) explains the dangers these diets expose you to and the scientific nonsense used to promote them.

Please understand that healthy, unrefined carbohydrates in whole foods are not your enemy or your skin’s. There is no reason to risk your life avoiding them in the fleeting hope of clear skin.

Especially since you can have clear skin and excellent health by following the scientifically backed and proven principles of eating healthy foods in their natural state.

In short, acne is not caused by carbohydrates.