Do Carbs Have an Effect On Your Skin?

Maddie Gerth and Nicole Heyer

Do you ever wonder why your skin is breaking out? Your diet could be the reason and the number of carbs you eat could definitely have an effect as well. Different sources have different takes on the effects that carbs have on your skin. Some claim that decreasing your carb intake can significantly benefit your skin quality and others claim that carbs have important nutrients that could help your skin. We will be addressing both claims, but take the following with a grain of salt, everyone’s skin and body is different so find out what works best for you and your body.

When carbs are removed from the diet it can reduce inflammation and even decrease your chances of getting skin cancer. Cancer cells prefer to bond with glycolysis, which is a structure found in carbohydrates. So, if that structure is completely removed from the diet, there is a lesser chance of skin cancer cells forming. With the removal of carbs from the diet, many people see a reduction in the amount of acne that they have. Although some have occasional flare ups, this is a normal part of bodily functions to get rid of the dirt within the body and skin. But, something else to think about is when carbs are removed from the diet, there is generally a higher fat intake, specifically dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt. Dairy is known for having higher chances of causing acne. With that said, if you balance the amount of dairy and carbs that you consume, it could really benefit your skin. This requires time and trial. Try a week or two not eating any carbs and see how your skin reacts and the same goes for your dairy intake. Be patient and flexible and you can really figure out what diet benefits your skin.

In an article called “What to Eat for Glowing Healthy Skin” by Science Daily, it is claimed that carbs can actually improve your skin. They said that eating about three ounces of carbs daily can help your skin. There is an abundance of minerals and nutrients found in whole wheat and whole-grain products. So that doesn’t mean that eating lots of white bread helps your skin but making nutrient dense carbs a part of your diet has the potential to improve your skin.

Like anything, carbs aren’t necessarily the sole cause of all problems in your skin. You have to take a look at your overall diet and skincare routine as well as any conditions or allergies that you may have. Sometimes low carb works great, and other times it wreaks havoc. Find what works best for you and your skin. No matter how many articles are written about skincare and diets, nobody’s skin is the same. Take time to figure out your skin, the products that work best for you, and the diet that makes your skin feel and look the best.