Be careful with quickly digestible sugars An elevated insulin level stimulates the secretion of androgens (male hormones). The result is increased sebum production, which plays a fundamental role in causing acne vulgaris.
When you consume high-sugar foods, your blood sugar spikes, causing a surge in insulin and insulin-like growing factor (IGF-1). These hormones can increase sebum (oil) production and trigger inflammation (two key factors in acne development).
Foods that contain a high amount of sugar (especially processed ones) and refined carbohydrates (such as white rice, and white pasta) accelerate IGF-1 production. IGF-1 is a hormone that promotes growth and plays a crucial role in sebaceous gland physiology (sebum or oil production).
Sugar has been painted as the bad guy of our diet for some time, and it is guilty of yet more problems when it comes to oily skin. If a food is high in sugar then it can increase the production of a peptide hormone which can cause an overproduction of sebum.
Sebum production is closely tied to hormone levels in the body. Hormones such as testosterone stimulate the sebaceous glands and cause them to increase in size and ramp up sebum secretion. During puberty, rising testosterone levels lead to a surge in sebum production.
People with high-glycaemic diets produce more sebum than average, so eliminate sugary, processed foods, and cut down on bread, rice, pasta and cereal. Instead, opt for a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains, and drink 7-8 cups of water throughout the day.
QUITTING SUGAR: BENEFITS FOR SKIN
Fewer Wrinkles – lower sugar intake reduces glycation, preserving collagen and elastin, which helps minimize wrinkles and fine lines. Reduced Acne – cutting out sugar stabilizes insulin levels, reducing oil production and inflammation, leading to fewer breakouts.
Visible Skin Damage: The effects of sugar on the skin manifest as wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of facial volume, particularly noticeable in areas like the jowls and cheeks.
Vitamin D seems to inhibit sebocyte proliferation, differentiation, and sebum secretion, all of which are key factors in the production of sebum.
Albumin, the main protein found in egg whites, can contribute to acne in some individuals through several mechanisms. When consumed, albumin can increase levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a hormone that stimulates sebum production and can lead to clogged pores and acne.
Topping the list is dairy, which can lead to increased sebum production and inflammation. Dairy products can also contain hormones that can trigger breakouts. Other foods that made the list include sugar, fried foods, chocolate, and nuts.
Since increased sugar consumption affects the creation of collagen and elastin, the skin becomes more prone to open pores and sagging.
Vitamin A is well knowns to reduce sebum production when taken orally as a retinoid medication.
Overproduction. Sebum production varies in response to age-related hormone fluctuations, certain medications, and lifestyle factors. An overproduction of sebum can lead to oily skin. People with oily skin may notice that their pores look larger, and their skin appears greasy or shiny.
The antioxidant polyphenols in green tea could help treat various skin conditions, including oily skin. Although more research is necessary, one 2017 review found that the polyphenols in green tea may reduce sebum secretion.
Within two weeks of quitting sugar, you may experience a better mood, have higher energy levels, and even speed up your weight loss.
To reverse the effects of sugar, Dr. Nish says we can reduce the metabolic consequences of sugar (diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome) and possibly some of the aging aspects. But, unfortunately, we're stuck with the skin changes from ingested sugar.
Regular use of a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) exfoliant for sebaceous filaments can really help, because BHA is oil-soluble and can dissolve sebum and other substances crowding the pore lining. Use of a well-formulated clay face mask for sebaceous filaments might also help due to the clay's oil-absorbing properties.
No, you can't permanently eliminate sebaceous filaments as they are natural. However, you can reduce their visibility with a consistent skincare routine. This includes cleansing, exfoliation, and using specific ingredients like retinol, salicylic acid, and alpha-hydroxy acids.
Sebaceous filaments are thin, threadlike appendages that line your sebaceous (oil) glands. They help move an oily lubricant called sebum from the glands to the surface of your skin.