Five acne-causing foods to avoid this holiday season

Here's a list of some festive-popular foods to pass up on if you want to avoid getting acne this holiday season.

Five acne-causing foods to avoid this holiday season
© Getty/SolStock
Five acne-causing foods to avoid this holiday season

There's no need to feel bad about having pimples, because they're a natural part of life. However, if you are trying to fight your acne because you feel better that way, you should know that your diet can help you.

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Some foods are inflammatory and cause excess sebum, which is the cause of pimples. Other foods have a high glycemic index and cause an excess of insulin in the blood, which tends to cause acne.

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1. Alcohol

Champagne, white wine, red wine... Alcohol often flows freely during end of the year celebrations. However, we hear it every day: alcohol is bad for your health! If consumed regularly over the long term, it can cause cancer, mental disorders or cardiovascular disease. But, in the short term, it also has harmful effects on the body. It causes weight gain and is the worst enemy of all diets. It also causes the appearance of pimples, because whatever the alcoholic drink, it contains a lot of sugar, which increases insulin levels.

2. Dairy products

According to various studies, dairy products stimulate the production of sebum. If you have acne-prone skin and want to avoid pimples, choose plant-based milk instead of skimmed or semi-skimmed milk and watch your cheese consumption...

3. Chocolate

In cakes, advent calendars and generally most desserts... Chocolate is everywhere at Christmas and New Year! It's comforting in winter and whether it's of the white, milk or dark varieties, everyone loves chocolate. However, this confectionary tends to cause pimples since it is very sweet. Dark chocolate is less sweet, so if it's your guilty pleasure, and you're struggling with pimples, we would suggest sticking to this type.

4. Red meat

There is very often meat accompanied by small potatoes, mashed potatoes or beans. However, many studies have shown that this type of meat promotes pimples. It is therefore recommended not to eat large quantities of meat if you want to fight acne. At Christmas or New Year's, choose chicken, turkey, duck or vegetarian dishes instead of red meat, as these are less fatty.

5. The bread

White bread contains glucose, which accentuates the appearance of pimples, just like other processed cereal products such as rice or pasta. To fight acne, it is therefore recommended opting for wholemeal bread, wholemeal pasta or even vegetables.

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Christmas: Health tips that will help you take care of your body during the holiday season Christmas: Health tips that will help you take care of your body during the holiday season