Are Bananas Good For Acne

Bananas are great for overall health. However, their potential skin benefits are frequently debated, with some experts arguing they do more harm than good. While bananas contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help your acne-prone skin, they're also high in sugars and the IGF-1 hormone known to trigger the production of sebum, the natural oil that causes acne.

Bananas pack many health benefits

There are several benefits to having bananas as a regular part of your diet!

They contain a lot of important nutrients

Some of the best nutritional benefits include: 

• High in potassium

• Fair amount of Vitamin C

• High in vitamin B6

• A good dose of daily fiber

Bananas may increase digestive health

As mentioned above, bananas are a good source of fiber. Specifically, bananas are high in pectin and resistant starch. While resistant starch becomes good bacteria in your lungs, pectin helps protect against colon cancer. 

Bananas are high in antioxidants

Bananas are a good source of dopamine and catechins. These antioxidants specifically reduce the risk of developing heart disease and degenerative illnesses. 

Here's how bananas may help your acne

You may have never thought of making a mask out of bananas. But actually, bananas contain silica, which is believed to increase collagen production, a chemical that makes your skin soft and smooth. Additionally, bananas are high in other chemicals that are good for the skin. These include: 

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin B6 (helps reduce inflammation) 

• Potassium

But, eating too much may also make it worse

Be careful! Despite their benefits, bananas are high in sugar, known to worsen sebum production, the oil-related to acne breakouts. Additionally, IGF-1, a hormone also found in bananas, stimulates your sebaceous gland and produces excess sebum.

The best method? Enjoy your bananas, either as food or as a mask, in moderation.

Research has shown that these foods do cause acne

While the science is shaky about bananas, there are a few foods we know do lead to acne. 

• Shellfish. This includes shrimp, scallops, and crustaceans. These are high in iodine, which is known to exacerbate breakouts. 

• Peanut butter. Sorry to break the bad news! This favorite spread is high in fatty oils that cause inflammation, worsening, or even causing acne episodes.

• Sugar. Not just bananas! Sugar and other foods high on the glycemic index can trigger sebum production, clogging pores, and causing breakouts. 

Food isn't the only acne trigger

If you're looking to control your breakouts, it's essential to realize acne isn't just caused by the foods you eat. Here are a few other things you should consider:

• Stress. Your stress can cause breakouts! Hormones triggered by stress can lead to sebum production.

• Oil-based beauty products. Make sure your makeup and facial cleansers aren't too oily! Particularly if you already have oily skin, this can contribute to buildup and lead to breakouts. When in doubt, ask your dermatologist. 

• Medication. If you've just started suffering acne breakouts, consider it could be a side effect of a new drug. Conversely, if you've been taking medication long-term, ask your doctor if it may be contributing to your acne. 

Here's the best ways to treat your acne

While acne breakouts and pimples are inevitable at some point in your life, it's not something you have to live with forever. There's a wide range of treatment options that have shown to combat those pesky red bumps for good.

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Typically a main ingredient in many acne facial cleansers and lotions, benzoyl peroxide goes into your pores to lift and remove excess oil, dirt and debris (acne-causing agents).

• Glycolic Acid: An alpha-hydroxy acid, this ingredient exfoliates dead skin cells and removes surface impurities. This stops your pores from clogging; preventing future breakouts.

• Retinoids: Arguably the most effective acne treatment, retinoids expertly diminish sebum (excess oil), dirt, bacteria, and any other acne-causing agents on your skin's surface to prevent future breakouts. This powerful drug has also been proven to stop acne scars from forming, leaving behind only smooth, radiant skin.

Treat your acne fast! Get a prescription retinoid, today!

We understand how annoying and bothersome acne breakouts can be. Whether it's picture day at school, or you've got a job interview, acne is not a welcome friend. Fortunately, it's a treatable condition. Our licensed physicians make it easy and more comfortable to have a discussion about your skin and the best treatment options available for you.

Talk to one of our reputable online physicians to get your prescription Retinoid, today!