A diet high in fruits, vegetables and fish may help fight acne in adult women
20 to 40 percent of adults still struggle with acne
20 to 40 percent of adults still struggle with acne
Adult acne is more than just annoying. It could also be an indicator of poor diet and high stress levels in women over 25, according published by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2016.
Research found that women who consumed little to no fruits, vegetables and fish were more likely to experience breakouts as adults. Twenty to 40 percent of people over 18 still struggle with acne.
"We see that people who have a diet of junk food tend to break out more," Dr. Debra Jaliman, an assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City last week. While an unhealthy diet and stressful lifestyle may not be the cause of acne in adult females, it's possible the two factors could worsen the condition.
Foods high in simple carbohydrates and sugar -- cookies, donuts, cake, white rice and potato chips -- are among the worst culprits. Foods with a high glycemic index may cause inflammation in the body, which could lead to inflammation on the skin.
The Italian study surveyed 238 women diagnosed with adult acne and 270 women diagnosed with other conditions as its control group.
Those who ate fruits, vegetables and fish on less than four days per week were twice as likely to have adult acne than women who consumed the foods more often. Fish is high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, while fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients. However, it's not clear if those foods will ward off acne completely.
Chronic stress can also lead to flare-ups, and women who led highly stressful lives were three times as likely to have adult acne. Genetics plays a role, too -- adults were more likely to have acne if their parents or siblings had it.
Supplements that contain vitamins C and E, like can also help reduce breakouts.
While the jury's still out on what causes adult acne, lowering one's stress levels and consuming a healthier diet certainly won't hurt.
"I recommend doing something that you find relaxing for yourself daily," Jaliman advised. Improved eating habits and reduced stress levels are great goals to reach for in 2017.