Does Eating Eggs Cause Acne? Here's What the Science
Do eggs cause acne? This is a question that has been asked for years, and there is still no clear answer. This is especially common among people who go to the gym and follow a protein-rich diet. The reason why eggs are often blamed for causing acne is that they contain a lot of cholesterol and saturated fat.
Some people believe that the protein in eggs causes acne, while others think that the cholesterol in eggs contributes to breakouts. So what does science say? In this blog post, we will take a look at the research on this topic and see what we can learn.
What are the Different Acne Causes?
Before diving into the research on eggs and acne, let's first look at the different causes of acne. Acne is a skin condition that is caused by several factors, including:
- Hormonal changes
- Excess oil production
- Bacteria
- Inflammation
Hormonal changes are one of the most common acne triggers. This is because hormones can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Excess oil production can then lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
Bacteria are also a major cause of acne. The bacteria Propionibacterium acnes lives on the skin and feeds on sebum (the oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands). P. acnes can cause inflammation and lead to the formation of pimples.
Inflammation is another key factor in the development of acne. When the pores become blocked, it can trigger an inflammatory response from the body. This inflammation can then contribute to the formation of pimples.
How Does Eating an Egg Affect Your Body?
Eating eggs daily can be beneficial for your health. Eggs are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain cholesterol and saturated fat.
Cholesterol is a type of fat that is found in all animal products. It is necessary for the body to create hormones and build cell membranes. However, too much cholesterol can lead to health problems like heart disease and stroke.
Saturated fat is another type of fat that is found in animal products. It can raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease.
So how does eating eggs affect your acne? Let's take a look at the research on this topic.
It has been found that eggs are among those foods that cause acne. Reason? Eggs contain high levels of progesterone, which is an acne-triggering hormone.
A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that people who ate two or more eggs per week had a higher risk of developing acne. The study participants who ate the most eggs also had the most severe acne.
Another study looked at the effect of dietary cholesterol on acne. The researchers found that eating foods high in cholesterol can increase the levels of certain hormones in the body, which can trigger breakouts.
Apart from progesterone, eggs also contain a high concentration of iodine, biotin, and albumin. Iodine is a known acne-triggering substance, while biotin and albumin can contribute to the formation of pimples.
How to Determine if Eggs are Causing Breakouts?
If you think that eggs might be triggering your acne, there are a few things you can do to find out for sure.
- First, try avoiding eggs for a few weeks and see if your skin improves. If you notice a difference, it's likely that eggs are causing your breakouts.
- You can also keep a food diary to track any changes in your skin. In the diary, make sure to note down what you eat, when you eat it, and how your skin looks afterward. This will help you identify any potential triggers.
- Finally, speak to a dermatologist or other healthcare professional about your concerns. They will be able to give you more specific advice on how to manage your acne.
Also Read: Does Dairy Cause Acne? The Truth About Acne-Triggering Foods
So does this mean that you should avoid eggs if you have acne?
Not necessarily. Eggs are a healthy food that can be part of a balanced diet. If you have acne, you may want to limit your intake of eggs or eat them in moderation. You should also make sure to cook them thoroughly to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Most importantly, if you are eating eggs on a daily basis, make sure you sweat it out at the gym or go for a run to help keep your skin clean and clear. Exercising will help to flush out the toxins from your body and reduce the chances of breakouts.
Moreover, you can invest in The Pink Foundry's Anti Acne Range of products that are formulated to help people with acne-prone skin.
The line includes a serum, spot treatment, and moisturizer. All of the products are made with natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin and effective at treating acne.