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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- "Clinics in Dermatology"; Acne and Diet; R Wolf et al.; September 2004
- National Institutes of Health: Acne
- "Journal of Dermatological Science"; The effect of a low glycemic load diet on acne vulgaris and the fatty acid composition of skin surface triglycerides; R Smith et al; April 2008
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Raisins And Acne
More people suffer from acne than any other condition of the skin, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases 2. Although not a serious health threat, acne can induce anxiety and scarring in certain people. Consuming a healthy diet may help you improve your acne symptoms. When it comes to acne, raisins are a double-edged sword.
Background
A research review published in the September 2004 edition of the medical journal "Clinics in Dermatology" notes that diet is an under-appreciated aspect of acne development and management 1. The review warns that chief acne contributors--including skin oxidation, sugar diets and inflammation--are all modifiable by consuming a healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Antioxidants
The Effects of Fasting on Skin
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Oxidation is a natural byproduct of your body's metabolism that can contribute to the formation of acne lesions. Stress, pollution and illness can exacerbate oxidation. Your body's only defense against oxidation is through the consumption of compounds known as antioxidants. Antioxidants are commonly found in plant foods, such as whole grains, vegetables and beans. According to research compiled by the California Raisin Marketing Board, raisins are an abundant source of antioxidants.
- Oxidation is a natural byproduct of your body's metabolism that can contribute to the formation of acne lesions.
- Antioxidants are commonly found in plant foods, such as whole grains, vegetables and beans.
Glycemic Load
A food's glycemic load--a modified version of the glycemic index--is how much it increases your body's blood sugar and insulin levels after consumption. Research published in the April 2008 "Journal of Dermatological Science" discovered that adopting a diet rich in low glycemic load foods helps reduce symptoms of acne 3. Low glycemic load foods include dairy products, fresh vegetables, unprocessed fruits and legumes. According to the University of Wisconsin, raisins have a high glycemic load.
- A food's glycemic load--a modified version of the glycemic index--is how much it increases your body's blood sugar and insulin levels after consumption.
- Research published in the April 2008 "Journal of Dermatological Science" discovered that adopting a diet rich in low glycemic load foods helps reduce symptoms of acne 3.
Considerations
Grapes & Acne
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Because acne is a medical condition, it should be treated by a licensed dermatologist. As no studies have researched raisin's impact on acne, it's unclear what affect adding or removing raisins from your diet will have on your acne. You can get similar levels of antioxidants without the high glycemic load by opting for antioxidant-rich fresh fruits, such as blueberries, apples and oranges.
Related Articles
References
- "Clinics in Dermatology"; Acne and Diet; R Wolf et al.; September 2004
- National Institutes of Health: Acne
- "Journal of Dermatological Science"; The effect of a low glycemic load diet on acne vulgaris and the fatty acid composition of skin surface triglycerides; R Smith et al; April 2008
- Kraft J, Freiman A. Management of acne. CMAJ. 2011;183(7):E430-5. doi:10.1503/cmaj.090374
- Sutaria AH, Masood S, Schlessinger J. Acne Vulgaris. [Updated 2019 Dec 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173/
- American Academy of Dermatology. WHAT CAN CLEAR SEVERE ACNE?
- Cleveland Clinic. Rosacea (Adult Acne). Last reviewed October 10, 2019.
- American Academy of Dermatology. IS SPORTS EQUIPMENT CAUSING YOUR ACNE?
- American Academy of Dermatology. I HAVE ACNE! IS IT OKAY TO WEAR MAKEUP?
- Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, Alikhan A, Baldwin HE, et. al. "Guidelines of Care for the Management of Acne Vulgaris." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology; 2016. 74(5):945-73.
Writer Bio
Ryan Devon is a registered dietitian with a Master of Science in nutrition and health promotion from Simmons College. He starting writing in 2010, specializing in weight management and eating-disorder science.