Still breaking out? These everyday foods might be fueling your acne

You wash your face, use the right products, and avoid touching your skin — yet the acne persists. What if the real cause is sitting on your plate, not your bathroom shelf?

Recent studies confirm that what we eat directly affects skin inflammation, oiliness, and hormonal activity. And we’re not just talking about junk food — even everyday items like milk or white bread can quietly aggravate acne.

Whole milk, for instance, increases IGF-1, a growth hormone that stimulates sebum production. Excess sebum clogs pores and triggers deep cystic pimples. Sugar, on the other hand, causes insulin spikes that promote chronic inflammation — including in your skin. Fast food combines multiple skin offenders: unhealthy fats, salt, and artificial additives.

According to this report published by Pravda.ru, teenagers and adults who reduced sugar and dairy for just two weeks noticed significantly clearer skin — even without using special creams or treatments.

Foods that worsen acne — and how they work

Common myths — and the truth

• Myth: Chocolate causes pimples
  Fact: It’s the milk and sugar — dark chocolate doesn’t have the same effect
• Myth: Skin is only affected by hygiene
  Fact: Internal inflammation plays a major role

FAQ — what people ask most

• Do I have to quit everything? Not necessarily — try reducing one item and see how your skin reacts
• What if my acne is hormonal? Diet still affects the intensity and frequency of breakouts
• Can I do a food test? Yes — cut out a suspect food for 2 weeks and track changes

In a study involving adolescents, removing dairy and added sugar for just 15 days led to a 60% reduction in active breakouts — without any medications or skincare routines. This proves one thing: your skin reflects what you feed it. And small changes can make a big difference in the mirror.