Peanut butter is a food spread that includes dry fruits, creams, and other ingredients like vitamin E, magnesium, vitamin b6, and salts to make it delicious. It is also healthy and good for the heart. However, it is dangerous for the person with acne and can worsen the acne if being used in a diet on daily basis. Moreover, peanut butter contains a high quantity of omega-6 fatty acids that can cause acne.
Does Peanut Butter Cause Acne?
Various ingredients in peanut butter that can cause acne includes:
1. Omega 6 Fatty Acids
High-quality omega-6 fatty acids exist in peanut butter, it is pro-inflammatory and bad for acne.
A 2017 study titled Diet in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris also supports the theory that high levels of omega-6 in the diet can influence the formation of acne.
2. Lectins
Lectins are another component of peanuts that can cause acne. Some people feel problematic in digesting lectins. Passing through the intestine, lectins can damage the wall of the intestine which can cause leakage.
The presence of foreign components in the blood cause triggers inflammation and leads to inflammatory acne. A review of the Potential Role of the Microbiome in Acne showed that intestinal permeability could trigger acne.
3. Added Sugar
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, data, 100 gm of peanut butter contains 10.5gm of sugar. so continuous intake of sugar can trigger acne.
3 Compounds Trigger Pimples:
- IGF-1 influences the production of sebum oil, which clogs your skin pores.
- IGFBP-3 can increase new skin cell development, and block pores.
- IL-1 contributes to inflammation, and redness, and causes pimple formation.
4. Added Vegetable Oil
Most peanut butter contains hydrogenated vegetable oils like soybean oil, sunflower oil, and canola oil. As vegetables are rich in omega 6. Therefore, they cause a high risk of acne.
Ways to Prevent Acne Caused by Peanut Butter
Acne does not last long if handled with care and take precautionary measures. Peanut butter cause acne usually leaves in 3 to 4 weeks and does not stay longer if general care has been taken into account.
1.Avoid Using Peanut Butter:
If the acne is getting worse by the use of peanut butter, avoid using peanut butter, or vegetable oil. Dairy products can also be harmful in triggering acne.
2. Maintain Good Hygiene:
Wash your face with a face cleanser and deep clean your face regularly to avoid the excessive oil staying over your skin. If you have active acne try to wash your face with an oil-free cleanser at least 2 times a day. This will really help you to control acne and pimples on your face.
3. Common Chemicals to Use:
Here is the list of ingredients that can help you to control your acne and makes your skin more youthful and younger than ever before. Apart from this, before buying any skincare products always do thorough research on its ingredients.
1. Glycolic Acid:
The alpha-hydroxy acid works as an exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and skin impurities. This stops your pores from clogging and prevents further breakouts. Also, glycolic acid also helps to control excessive oil production and enlarge pores.
2. Benzoyl Peroxide:
The main ingredients in multiple anti-acne facial cleansers and lotions. Benzoyl peroxide goes into your pores to remove excess oil, dirt, and particles.
3. Retinoids:
It is the most effective topical component in acne treatment. Retinoids help diminish oil, bacterial infection, and other acne-causing agents from your skin. Dermatologists also prescribe this powerful drug to stop acne scars from forming.
Foods that Cause Acne:
According to a study in 2016 are most likely to increase an IGF-1 level.
- Dairy products
- Food from high glycemic
- White bread and bagels
- Sweetened cereals corn flakes, puffed rice
- Instant cereals and oatmeal
- Some of the vegetables and fruits including melons, pineapples, pumpkins, and potatoes
- Rice pasta
- Short-grain white rice
- Snack foods include popcorn, pretzels, and rice cake.
Foods that Help in Preventing Acne:
Some foods help in preventing acne and cure scars and acne marks as well
- Fish
- Pastured egg
- Soya beans and soya products
- Spinach and kale
- Navy beans
- Grass-fed beef
- Nuts, including walnuts and almonds
- Mustard seeds
- Wild rice
Alternatives of Peanut Butter
If peanut butter causes you acne there are options available as an alternate:
1. Butter Alternate:
A few safe options to avoid butter are almond, cashew, Barney butter, and macadamia butter. All of them contain less amount of omega 6. Also, butter without sugar can be a good option as well.
2. Cooking and Salad Alternatives:
Peanut butter can also be by in cooking and as a salad dressing with better alternatives like extra virgin olive oil, grass-fed butter, coconut oil, and avocado oil.
When looking for acne-safe food options, cutting down on wheat and processed foods, in general, is a good idea. Some components of these foods can cause a lot of inflammation in the body and suppress good gut bacteria. Enjoy fresh fruits and veggies, low oily foods, organic/grass-fed meats, and so on as an alternative.
How Often is it OK to Eat Peanut Butter to Avoid Acne?
Consult your doctor or dietician for the usage prescription however 2 tables spoon a day would be enough to keep it level.
Peanut butter is healthy but extensive use can be harmful to the skin due to the indulgence of different ingredients. However, preventive measures can be taken to avoid skin issues. If it causes severe acne on the skin then consult your doctor and avoid intake of peanut butter