Follow a low glycemic diet

The glycemic index (GI) of a food is a measure of how quickly it raises blood sugar levels. Consuming foods with a high GI induces an increase in insulin, which probably raises sebum production. Therefore, foods with a high GI may have a direct impact on the development and severity of acne.

In a 2018 research, 66 participants either followed a standard or low glycemic diet. After two weeks, those who followed a low-glycemic diet had reduced insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a hormone critical for the development of acne. Another study conducted in 2017 on 64 participants found that those with moderate to severe acne consumed diets higher in glycemic load and carbs than those without acne. These short trials showed that those with acne-prone skin may benefit from a low glycemic diet. Foods with a low glycemic index include: fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole or minimally processed grains