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Stress, hormonal disorders (thyroid disorder, for example), use of drugs, smoke, mistakes in the choice of cosmetics, a bad one sun exposure or the abuse of lamps are some of the factors indicted on development acne. At the base there is an anomalous activity of the sebaceous glands that causes a sort of plug in the skin pore, favoring the development of some bacteria on others by triggering inflammation. Here, then, is the birth of the papules (round lesions, of various sizes, red, hard, painful), whose evolution leads to pustules (pimples with pus). Once the pus is reabsorbed, the lesion subsides and begins repair, generally leaving no traces, other than a temporary reddish spot. Some forms of acne, however, go further and leave cysts or nodules on the skin with the risk of scars permanent, the dreaded signs of acne.
For those who suffer from it, the summer heat and the continued use of the mask they can make the problem worse. In fact, 90% of patients attribute the worsening of acne and rosacea to the use of the mask and 30% declare that the pathology has developed or flare-up because of the same. The use of the mask for many hours a day – however very important for the prevention of infections from Covid-19 – in fact it determines an occlusion that can cause the alteration of the skin microbiota and therefore of the lipid film.
Acne is a skin condition that, despite being a disorder typically adolescent, also affects the 15% of adults, but some tricks in the daily diet they can come to your aid.
Role of nutrition in the onset of pimples and oily skin
Sugars
A diet healthy and balanced it’s good for skin health, but there’s more. According to the most modern research in the dermatological field, the real culprits of the link between food and impure / acneic skin are the sugars and refined grains that, having a high glycemic index, cause an insulin spike and increase the levels of glycemia. This results in hormonal fluctuations that trigger inflammation, increased sebum and the appearance of impurities. This type of diet, not by chance, is the most common among adolescents.
In particular, one Japanese study conducted on more than 8,000 college students found that the daily consumption of sweetened soft drinks significantly increases the risk of moderate to severe acne. This is especially true when sugar intake exceeds 100 grams per day. We are talking about added sugars, those who, according to the latest guidelines of theWorld Health Organization, should remain below 10% of the daily caloric requirement, or 50 grams, with the hope of reaching less than 5%, about 25 grams, to have additional health benefits.
Chocolate
In addition, other myths have recently been debunked about relationship between diet and impure skin, like what the chocolate make pimples come. Since, in the second half of the eighteenth century, the Swedish naturalist Linnaeus gave the cocoa plant the name Theobroma, from the Greek “drink of the gods”, cocoa has always been demonized and only recently did he receive absolution from the whole scientific world, which recognized him as extraordinary qualities. Among them, the property of fighting the caries instead of provoking it, action anti-inflammatory and the ability to stimulate the metabolism, thanks to the enormous quantity of polyphenols, powerful antioxidants, which make it up, an action that also sees it as a protagonist in cosmetics and spas where chocolate treatments have become decidedly cool. “The important – they write Pucci Romano, dermatologist, and Nicola Sorrentino, nutritionist, in their book “Beauty Food: the diet of beauty” (Sperling & Kupfer) is to choose that dark, at least 75%, and pay attention to the amount of sugar it contains, but only for the caloric intake. Yes to chocolate, then, even if you have pimples! “
Salami
The two experts also faced another false myth: that of cured meat, and of salami in particular, as responsible for the appearance of acne. According to the authors, this too belief must be debunked: there is no scientific relevance that confirms it. “Deprive yourself of a sandwich at salami or mortadella won’t help heal acne, ”they say. “It is certainly true, however, that the abuse of sausages is unhealthy, due to the presence of two preservatives: sodium nitrite and potassium nitrate (indicated by the abbreviations E251 and E252). They are carcinogenic substances and their abuse is absolutely not recommended. There are cold cuts on the market that do not contain them and that declare it on the packaging: they will have a shorter shelf life and a less brilliant complexion, but they are definitely to be preferred. However, the raw ham of good quality, it does not contain any, its only preservatives are fat and salt ”, say the experts.
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