The Best and Worst Foods for Acne-Prone Skin

One of the most frustrating things about acne is that it's so difficult to pinpoint what's actually causing it at any given time. Is it hormones? Stress? Genetics? Orrr ... what you’re eating?

We asked board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry about that last one—and here's what she had to say. 

"The answer is yes and no," Dr. Michelle says about your diet causing acne. "Acne is typically caused by hormones and genetics, but we do know there are some foods that contribute more to acne than others." 

The Worst Foods for Acne-Prone Skin 

1. Dairy  

"Milk and cheese—all those yummy dairy products we like—are more inflammatory, so they can contribute to acne." 

2. Sugary sweets 

"Anything that's going to spike your insulin is going to make your pores stickier and it's going to make you more prone to having an acne breakout." 

The Best Anti-Acne Foods 

1. Salmon 

"Salmon is full of those yummy, healthy fats that are naturally anti-inflammatory, so they're heart-healthy and skin-healthy." 

2. Avocado 

"[It's] full of those anti-inflammatory fats [and] going to give your skin that luminosity. [It will] also make it less inflammation-prone and help to quell those acne breakouts."