Top 5 Hidden Acne Triggers In Your Diet

When you feel like you're doing everything right with your skincare but are still breaking out, the culprit is often hiding in your diet. While food isn’t the root cause of acne, it can absolutely influence inflammation, oil production, and hormones that lead to congestion. Let’s break down five of the biggest acne-triggering foods and what to swap them with for clearer skin.

Dairy - Dairy contains hormones that can increase oil production and cause inflammation within our bodies. Dairy includes milk, cheese, yogurt (including greek), kefir, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, ALL DAIRY. Great swaps are almond or coconut milk/yogurt products. Be careful it isn't a soy alternative.

Soy- Soy effects our estrogen levels, and its sneaky because its in SO many things, often times healthy things too. Soybean oil and soy lethicin is hidden in the ingredient list of most processed food, bread, granolas, gum, cookies, hummus, dairy-free alternatives, mayonnaise, salad dressings, etc. As well as tofu, edamame, soy sauce. Soy is personally one of my own biggest acne triggers. When I grocery shop, I check all my ingredient labels and can usually find a soy-free option. Aldi's sourdough is my favorite soy-free bread, and I've mastered the art of making my own salad dressings.

Whey- Whey is derived from dairy and is also a big acne trigger. Most protein powders, shakes, and bars are whey. Whey is also in some chocolate treats as well. If you use protein powder, bars or shakes, look for one that doesn't contain whey or soy. Lara granola bars are a good option, although they don't have a ton of protein. Hemp, pumpkin seed or pea protein are good alternatives. My favorite pea protein powder is Truvani.

Peanuts- Peanuts are high in androgens, which can effect hormone levels and cause increase sebum and oil production, aka more clogged pores. It's best to avoid peanuts, peanut butter and peanut oil.

Seaweed- Seaweed is high in iodides. When we have too much iodine it is excreted through our pores and irritates the pore lining. Seaweed, sushi with seaweed, seaweed supplements, and seaweed or algae in green drinks can trigger acne. Carageenan is a type of seaweed that's often in food, some dairy-free creamers and surprisingly, lunch meat.