Nuala Woulfe Beauty

Carbohydrates are fundamental to skin cell growth but our modern diets high in carbs, fats and sugars directly show with increased adult acne.Fundamental to skin cells, the glucose we need to be taken from carbohydrates, the foundation structure processing proteins and lipids contained in the extracellular epidermis. Consuming too many carbohydrates can directly affect the blood sugar levels, glucose is rapidly broken down creating proinflammatory enzymes and developing glycosylases that result in glycation. In human nutrition and biology, ‘advanced glycation end products’, known as ‘AGEs’, are substances that can be a factor in the development or worsening of many degenerative diseases, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, chronic renal failure, and Alzheimer’s disease. These harmful compounds can affect nearly every type of cell and molecule in the body and are thought to be one factor in ageing and some age-related chronic diseases.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8092979

Overconsumption of carbohydrates also ties into acne. With blood sugar level fluctuations, insulin levels are influenced along with the IGF-1 hormones, estrogenic production can be affected. Acne sufferers often show an increase of the 5-alpha reductase deficiency of steroid metabolism, this often results in the development of androgen hormones, increasing sebum production & hyperkeratotic conditions.

Causes of acne

•    Acne develops as a result of a blockage in skin follicles. Other causes include:
•    Enlarged sebaceous glands & increased sebum production
•     Genetics
•     Stress & Lifestyle Factors
•     Hormonal activity
•     Exposure to certain chemical compounds.
•     A high GI or high carbohydrate diet
•     Low levels of vitamin A and E .
•     Underlying health conditions

The quality of the food we eat directly influencing skin conditions such as vitamin deficiency with acne and rosacea vitamin deficiency is not only strengthening; the rapid growth of gastrointestinal disorders celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease is also highlighting nutrient deficiencies within our populations. Overall, there are direct links to nutrient levels and food quality impacting our general health .