Adolescent Acne

Jocelyn Vazquez
Acne Vulgaris
A common skin disorder of the sebaceous follicles.
Acne appears when the follicles become congested
with excess oil.
Causes
It is believed to result from a combination of different
factors such as
Genetics
Hormones
Stress
Hygiene
Diet
By eating healthy foods and consuming adequate amounts of
water, a teenager is less likely to have severe acne.



Overproduction of Insulin
Starchy foods and sugary
foods contain glucose.
Once the glucose is
digested, it moves from the
intestines into the blood.
As the blood glucose level
rises the pancreas creates
insulin.

Scientists believe that raised
insulin levels from the carbs
may trigger a release of
hormones that inflame
follicles and increase oil
production.
High levels of insulin may
cause androgens (the male
hormones) to become more
active in both males and
females.
Androgens are known
regulators of sebum
production.

Dairy Products
High milk consumption
aggravates acne by
increasing the insulin/ IGF-1
signaling.
Studies have shown that
higher levels of insulin-like
growth factor-I (IGF-1)
correlate with overproduction
of sebum and acne.
A 2006 Harvard study found
that girls who drank two or
more glasses of milk daily
had about a 20% higher risk
of acne than those who had
less than a glass a week.
Sodium
The iodine found in table salt and other foods may
worsen acne breakouts.
The salt itself is not to blame.
Foods such as chips or fries are rich in carbohydrates,
which increase levels of insulin.
As insulin levels increases, so does inflammation,
making acne worse.
Its best to keep your overall salt consumption below
1,500 mg a day.

Low- Glycemic Index Diet
A low-glycemic diet consists
of eating unprocessed,
unrefined carbohydrates in
combination with healthy
proteins and fats.
Oatmeal
Beans
Vegetables
In a 2007 study, Australian
researchers found that
people who followed a low-
glycemic index diet had a
22% decrease in acne
lesions, compared with a
control group that ate more
high-GI foods.
When people eat simple
carbohydrates, the pancreas
secretes insulin.
Insulin stimulates the skin to
produce sebum.

Water
Water helps flush toxins and other waste materials out
of your body.
Water is also good for overall health because it helps
with blood circulation, digestion, absorption of nutrients,
and elimination of waste.
Water helps transport nutrients to all parts of your body.
Dietary Supplements
Dietary supplements are available to provide anti-acne
nutrients.
Zinc
Flaxseed and Borage Oil
Vitamin A (Enable the skin to eliminate waste from sweat
and oil glands)
Vitamin C (Used to produce collagen and elastin)
Vitamin B6 (Helpful for young women who experience
premenstrual acne flare-ups)

Diet Recommendations
Consume a diet that contains
organic vegetables
fruits
fresh fish
low- fat
high-fiber foods
Avoid or limit
refined carbohydrate
foods high in saturated fats
excessive amounts of iodized salt
Conclusion
Almost 85% of teens experience acne at some point during their
adolescent years.
A recent survey found that nearly 40% of teens avoided going to
school because they were embarrassed by acne.
Almost a third indicated that their acne prevented them from
making friends.
The skin condition can cause feelings of anger, depression, and
frustration.
We cant control the other factors such as our hormones, but we
can control what we put inside our body in order to prevent the
aggravation of adolescent acne.
References:
Acne vulgaris; new talking acne with your teen campaign offers advice to moms on how to help kids start the school year
with clearer skin. (2008). Biotech Business Week, , 1468. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/236197093?accountid=10071
Gazella, K. A. (2007). prescription for clear skin. Better Nutrition, 69(10), 46.
Hedden, S. L., Davidson, S., & Smith, C. B. (2008). Cause and effect: The relationship between acne and self-esteem in
the adolescent years. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 4(8), 595-600.
doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2008.01.021
Kumari, R., & Thappa, D. (2013). Role of insulin resistance and diet in acne. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology
and Leprology, 79(3), 291-9. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/0378-6323.110753
Melnick, M. (2012, June 27). Low Glycemic Foods, Explained. The Huffington Post. Retrieved May 6, 2014, from
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/27/low-glycemic-foods-diet_n_1630893.html
Mann, N., & Smith, R. (2007). SPOTTING THE PROBLEM--DOES DIET PLAY A ROLE IN ACNE? (cover story).
Nutridate, 18(2), 1-4.
Shaffer, A. (2013). Problem Solved! Adult Acne. Prevention, 65(8), 56.
Siegel-Maier, K. (2000). Better Skincare for Teens. (cover story). Better Nutrition, 62(9), 50.



References:
Uzoma, K. (2011, September 3). Does Sodium Cause Acne?. LIVESTRONG.COM. Retrieved May 6, 2014,
from http://www.livestrong.com/article/534387-does-sodium-cause-acne/
Williams, H. C., Dellavalle, R. P., & Garner, S. (2012). Acne vulgaris. The Lancet, 379(9813), 361-72. Retrieved
from http://search.proquest.com/docview/920097495?accountid=10071
Wyden, G. V. (2013, November 20). Water for Acne. LIVESTRONG.COM. Retrieved May 6, 2014, from
http://www.livestrong.com/article/73613-water-acne/
ZITS: DIET. (2003). Science World, 59(9/10), 30.
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