Running head: Adolescent Acne 1

Adolescent Acne
Jocelyn Vazquez
PED 105- 201 Integrated Health and Physical Education

Running head: Adolescent Acne 2
Abstract
Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder of the sebaceous follicles. There are a number
of different reasons as to what triggers acne. Other factors such as diet have been
associated with the cause, but not proven. Acne can continue into adulthood, with
damaging effects on self-esteem. The purpose of the research paper is to inform readers
on the importance of smart, dietary choices and how it can prevent physical and
emotional damage to an adolescent.

Running head: Adolescent Acne 3
The adolescent years are a time of physical, psychological, and social changes
(Hedden, Davidson, & Smith, 2008). During this time, the adolescent begins to form a
sense of identity. Self- esteem plays a major role during this transition. It is during this
period of identity formation that positive or negative influences upon self-esteem can
cause long-term effects. Acne is a prime example of a negative influence with which
adolescents are often faced. By eating healthy foods and consuming adequate amounts of
water, a teenager is less likely to have severe acne.
Acne is a disorder of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles (Hedden, Davidson,
& Smith, 2008). Acne appears when the follicles become congested with excess oil
(Hedden, Davidson, & Smith, 2008). There are different forms of acne such as white and
blackheads to nodules or cysts (Gazella, 2007). Pimples occur when bacteria grow on the
skin resulting in the non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions. The exact cause is
indistinguishable, but it is believed to result from a combination of different factors such
as genetics, hormones, stress, hygiene and diet (Gazella, 2007).
The connection between diet and acne is still debatable (Williams, Dellavalle, &
Garner, 2012). According to The American Academy of Dermatology acne is not related
to diet. However, it also mentions that if a person feels that certain foods flare the acne,
and then they should avoid eating that type of food. Other studies have concluded that
diet does play a role in acne formation.
Many studies have shown that dairy products can irritate or cause acne. Studies
have shown that high milk consumption aggravates by increasing the insulin/IGF-1
signaling (Kumari & Thappa, 2013). Occurrence of acne as part of various syndromes
associated with insulin resistance also provides evidence in favor of correlation between
Running head: Adolescent Acne 4
IGF-1 and acne. Recent studies have shown that higher levels of serum insulin-like
growth factor-I (IGF-I) correlate with overproduction of sebum and acne (Kumari &
Thappa, 2013). 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 (Shaffer, 2013). It is important to determine dietary acne triggers, which usually
vary from each person.
Sugars glucose is the bodys basic energy source and is present in the blood.
According to Science World (2003) glucose comes from digestion of carbohydrate
containing foods in the small intestine. Starchy foods and sugary foods contain glucose.
Once the glucose is digested, it moves rapidly from the intestines into the blood. As the
blood glucose level rises the pancreas creates a hormone called insulin (Science World,
2003). If blood glucose levels are rapidly rising after consuming high GI foods, then large
quantities of insulin are constantly being released into the blood.
The over-production of insulin is believed to affect many other hormones, some
of which are connected to acne. For example, high levels of insulin may cause androgens
(the male hormones) to become more active in both males and females (Moyer, 1999).
Androgens are known regulators of sebum production (Moyer, 1999). Insulin can also
promote growth of keratin in skin cells, which can cause the follicles to become blocked.
With a blocked duct the excess oily sebum cannot escape onto the skin surface, as it
should. It builds up in the duct and skin and bacteria grows rapidly in the duct using the
sebum as food. This is infection and leads to redness and swelling called inflammation.
Running head: Adolescent Acne 5
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 (Shafer, 2013). Scientists suspect that raised insulin levels
from the carbs may trigger a release of hormones that inflame follicles and increase oil
production. When people eat simple carbohydrates, the pancreas secretes insulin, a
hormone that helps muscle cells absorb sugar. Insulin also stimulates the skin to produce
sebum. The consumption of simple-carbohydrate foods may be harmful to the skin.
Doctors also suspect that sodium can also cause acne. The iodine found in table
salt and some seafood may worsen acne breakouts. Its best to stick to low sodium
versions of packaged foods, and keep your overall salt consumption below 1,500 mg a
day (Shafer, 2013).
Food allergies can also cause acne. Food allergens that can contribute to acne
include refined carbohydrates, nuts, and chocolate (Gazella, 2007). It may be the milk
and sugar in chocolate that causes acne, not the chocolate itself. All forms of refined
carbohydrates, especially soda, have been shown to contribute to acne. Foods such as
bread, chips, processed flour, and food that contain trans and hydrogenated fats are likely
to cause acne (Gazella, 2007).
A diet that contains organic vegetables, fresh fish, and low-fat, high- fiber foods
will help control acne (Mann, 2007). Its also best to drink eight, 8-ounce glasses of water
daily in order to stay hydrated.
Dietary supplements are available to provide anti-acne nutrients and help balance
a healthful diet. Some important anti-acne nutrients are zinc, flaxseed and borage oil, and
vitamins A, B6, and C. Vitamins C and A are important for healthy looking skin (Siegel-
Running head: Adolescent Acne 6
Maier, 2000). Vitamin C is used to produce collagen and elastin. Vitamin A enables to
the skin to eliminate waste from sweat and oil glands. Natural sources rich in these
vitamins include broccoli, kale, spinach, bananas, carrots, and tomatoes. Protein
nourishes the skin with amino acids that help the skin to heal and renew itself.
The B vitamins are also important to maintain skin health. B-6 is very helpful to
young women who experience premenstrual acne flare-ups, since it helps to prevent
water retention. The best sources for B vitamins are cereals and whole grains.
Its best to avoid or limit refined carbohydrates, foods high in saturated fats,
excessive amounts of iodized salt and, shellfish due to their iodine content. It's not a good
idea to mega-dose with vitamin supplements either. Many teens try to clear their skin by
taking large amounts of vitamin A or the B vitamins. Unfortunately, not only can this
aggravate acne, it can also harm the body. By taking a general once-a-day multivitamin
and eating a well balanced diet, will help make sure that you're getting all the nutrients
needed for healthy looking skin.
According to Biotech Business Week (2008), Almost 85 percent of teens
experience acne at some point during their adolescent years. A recent survey found that
nearly 40 percent of teens avoided going to school because they were embarrassed by
acne (Barone, 1996). Almost a third indicated that their acne prevented them from
making friends (Barone, 1996). Unfortunately the skin condition can cause feelings of
anger, depression and frustration. By making the proper dietary choices, it is less likely
for a teenager to have severe acne.


Running head: Adolescent Acne 7
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

Barone, P. (1996). Psychological effects of acne on adults, teens can prove to be
devastating. Dermatology Times, 17(9), S6.

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

Mann, N., & Smith, R. (2007). SPOTTING THE PROBLEM--DOES DIET PLAY A
ROLE IN ACNE? (cover story). Nutridate, 18(2), 1-4.

Moyer, P. (1999). Androgen excess known to cause male, as well as female, acne.
Dermatology Times, 20(11), 42.

Shaffer, A. (2013). Problem Solved! Adult Acne. Prevention, 65(8), 56.

Siegel-Maier, K. (2000). The `secrets' of all-natural pimple protection. Better Nutrition,
62(1), 64.

Running head: Adolescent Acne 8
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

ZITS: DIET. (2003). Science World, 59(9/10), 30.