Re: Chocolate, french fries and acne

Judy - Actually, you are both right.  I don't say this just to pacify either of you.

The explanation:

Teenagers go through many hormone changes and that causes  their oil glands to over-produce.

Teenagers eat anything and everything. They have french fries and chocolate milkshakes and candy bars, etc.  It is primarily a coincidence that their skin breaks out when they consume these things.

The link I see is that many of these snacks and quick foods make them gain weight.  This clogs up their systems with fats.  The body can't eleminate these toxins quickly enough and the skin secretes what it can't dispose of.

Also snacks like potato chips, corn chips and the like, are loaded with salt. Salt deprives the body of moisture and that is very hard on the skin, leaving it to dry out and crack, thereby letting in bacteria and that causes acne.

Also, the tendency to acne can run in families.  You have the same DNA that may not take well to salt and saturated oils, plus you have probably inherited your eating habits from your family.

What you can do:

• Keep your face clean.  Don't use harsh soaps. There are many cleaners on the market. I would stay with Ivory or Neutrogena soap.
• Go slow on the fast food. You may be clogging your elimination and that can certainly cause problems.
• Remember that too much salt is s bad as too much suger.  Go easy.
• Check the ingredients on your favorite snacks (and regular food, too)  Look for more than just the calories.  You don't need added color, suger, salt, preservatives.
• Drink plenty of water.  Try to cut down on the soda and sweetened juices.  Water is the best secret to a beautiful skin.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegatables.  They will fill you up and clear up your skin at the same time.  It's not easy to change your eating habits, but, if not now - when?  You'll be glad you did.

Keep in touch. I would like to know if you five these suggestions a try and if your skin shows results.

Francine