Hi everyone, welcome back to Adolescence Acne! I'm Dr. Maya Linton, and as always, I'm joined by Dr. Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa. Today, we're diving into a topic that comes up in almost every clinic visit with teens and their parents—food and breakouts. Jyoti, I feel like this is the million-dollar question, right?Absolutely, Maya. I get asked about diet and acne all the time. And, you know, the research has really evolved. We now know that certain foods—especially high glycemic foods, like white bread, sugary drinks, and even some breakfast cereals—can actually trigger or worsen acne in some teenagers.Yeah, and dairy comes up a lot too. I remember when I first started practicing, the advice was all over the place. But now, there’s more evidence that milk, especially skim milk, might be linked to breakouts for some people. But it’s not a simple cause-and-effect, is it?No, not at all. It’s really individual. I had a patient—a 15-year-old boy—who was struggling with persistent acne. His mom was convinced it was just hormones, but when we looked at his diet, he was having chocolate milk and cookies almost every day after school. We tried cutting back on the sugary snacks and switched him to water instead of milk for a few weeks. His skin improved noticeably, but I have to say, that’s not always the case for everyone.That’s such a good point. Some teens can eat all the pizza and ice cream they want and never get a single pimple, while others break out after one milkshake. So, it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. I think that’s important for families to hear, especially since there’s so much pressure to find a magic food fix.So, let’s talk about what actually helps—or hurts—when it comes to food and acne. Processed carbs, like chips and pastries, tend to spike blood sugar quickly, which can set off a chain reaction in the skin. On the flip side, fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in omega-3s—like walnuts or salmon—may help calm inflammation.And then there’s chocolate. Oh, chocolate. I remember before my med school interviews, I tried to cut out chocolate completely because I was so worried about breaking out. I was miserable! And honestly, the research on chocolate and acne is still kind of murky. Some studies suggest it might make things worse, but others don’t find a strong link. I think it’s more about what’s in the chocolate—like sugar and milk—than the chocolate itself.Exactly. And, you know, I always tell my patients, it’s about balance. If you love chocolate, you don’t have to give it up forever. Just be mindful of how much and what else you’re eating with it. Sometimes, the stress of avoiding a favorite food can be worse than the food itself.That’s so true. I mean, I eventually learned to enjoy a little chocolate without guilt. And I think that’s a healthier approach for teens, too. Instead of focusing on strict rules, it’s better to build habits that support overall skin health—like eating more colorful veggies and healthy fats, and not stressing over the occasional treat.And, of course, diet is just one piece of the puzzle. As we discussed in our last episode, hormones and genetics play a huge role in adolescent acne. A healthy diet can help, but it’s not a cure-all. Good skincare routines and, when needed, medical treatments are just as important.Right, and honestly, we still need more research before we can give teens a definitive list of foods to avoid or eat for clear skin. The science is moving, but it’s not settled yet. I do wonder, though, how much psychological factors play into this. Like, if a teen is super stressed about their diet, could that stress actually make their skin worse?That’s a great question. There’s definitely an interplay between stress, diet, and acne. I think the best thing parents and teens can do is create a supportive environment—one where healthy habits are encouraged, but there’s also room for flexibility and self-compassion.Absolutely. And if you’re listening and feeling overwhelmed, just remember: you don’t have to do it all at once. Small changes, like swapping out one sugary snack for a piece of fruit, can make a difference over time. And if you’re struggling, reach out to your dermatologist—we’re here to help, not judge.Well said, Maya. I think that’s a good place to wrap up for today. We’ll be back soon with more on adolescence acne and how to support teens through it all. Maya, always a pleasure chatting with you.Same here, Jyoti. Thanks to everyone for tuning in. Take care, and we’ll catch you next time!

Episodes

Food, Skin, and the Teenage Breakout