Food and acne have a direct relationship. So, if you're seeking a skin solution to help your child get clear skin, you might want to look into their diet.
In this read, you'll find a list of acne-trigger foods to avoid and healthy alternatives to try for clear skin. But first, we must warn you, though. Some of these foods might be your child's favorites; taking them out of their diet might get you into some trouble.
So, what foods cause acne in kids? Let's get right into it.
Drinks
- SODAS/JUICES
Packaged juices usually contain high fructose corn syrup, additives, and refined sugar. The refined sugar gets into the skin and wreaks havoc.
So as your child chugs their favorite sodas or juices, they're setting their skin up for an acne invasion. Your best bet is to limit your child's soda and juice consumption and swap these drinks for healthier alternatives such as water, smoothies, green juices, and plant-based milk.
- FRAPPUCCINOS/LATTES/STARBUCKS
These drinks have loads of sugar; as we learned, sugar is bad for acne. Instead of these drinks, give your child matcha, chai, and rooibos teas.
- ENERGY DRINKS
According to an article published in the Psychology of addictive behaviors: Journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors, almost 67% of teens take energy drinks. So, it's common for your teen to enjoy a couple of energy drinks, especially if they're having an all-nighter to study for a test or other academic work.
But energy drinks contain large amounts of sugar and caffeine, which can breed acne and cause several health conditions. Save your child's health and skin by swapping energy drinks for natural fruit juices, ginger root tea, coconut water, and green tea.
The Good, The Bad, and The Delicious; We Are Talking About Fried, Greasy Food
- FAST FOOD
Honestly, we get it. With school runs, work, and the full-time job of being a parent, it can be tempting to turn to fast food 2-3 times a week (or more!). While it's convenient, fast food can ruin your child's skin. Swap it for healthy quick fixes such as yogurt parfait, chicken or Mediterranean salad, fruit bowls, veggie burgers, and low-fat cheese sticks paired with fruit and rolls.
- PIZZA
Yummy, cheesy, and savory, pizza is a fantastic dish. But it can cause terrible acne flare-ups because of its high glycemic index, i.e., it raises blood sugar levels.
Instead of ordering the usually greasy and unhealthy pizza, you can make homemade pizza using whole grain bread and other healthier ingredients. The best part is you'll bond with your kids and create lasting memories while staying healthy. It's a win-win situation if you ask us!
Snacks
- CHIPS
Potato chips also have a high glycemic index. So as your teen demolishes pack after pack of potato chips, they are more susceptible to an acne attack. Zucchini chips, beet chips, and pita crisps with strawberry spread are skin-friendly alternatives.
- CHOCOLATE
Asides from giving your kids a sugar rush, science notes that chocolate (especially milk and white chocolate) may worsen skin conditions like acne because of its high sugar content. So have them take less chocolate and more trail mix, homemade dark chocolate energy bars, maple syrup, organic honey, or Greek yogurt.
- SWEETS
Instead of sweets, let your teen have more dried or frozen fruit, homemade fruit popsicles, or trail mix.
Before acting on your newfound knowledge, know that your teen's diet shouldn't be entirely void of these foods. Only limit how often they take them and opt for the healthier alternatives more frequently.
If your child has acne from an unhealthy diet or for some other reason, have them eat healthier and consider using quality kids' skincare products to help. At TBH Kids, we pride ourselves in formulating products that promote healthy, acne-free, and clear skin. Find out for yourself!
