Does salt cause acne?
In this brief guide, we will answer the question “Does salt cause acne?” with an in-depth analysis of why this happens. We will also list down other foods that may be responsible for causing acne and discuss whether too much salt is bad for you or not.
Does salt cause acne?
Yes, salt can cause acne but there is not a lot of research to back this up. There have been some studies but their results are not enough to give a verdict that is 100% confirmed.
As of now, there are two probable causes. The first one is that high salt intake might trigger inflammation and cause acne since acne is an inflammatory disease.
The second one is that taking too much salt can leave you dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to dry skin and when this happens, the dead skin cells block your pores. And whenever there’s blockage, bacteria can invade.
Although acne is usually caused by bacteria, hormones etc, diet and lifestyle also play a role when it comes to skin care.
Which other foods can cause acne?
Other foods that may be responsible for acne are as follows.
Refined carbohydrates
Refined carbs are found in foods like white bread, white rice, and sodas etc. Refined carbs have a high glycemic index and they are digested quickly. This fast digestion leads to a spike in blood sugar levels which in turn causes insulin levels to rise.
Insulin can have an effect of androgens which can lead to acne. So consuming refined carbs is not good for you, you should opt for complex carbs.
Junk food
Eating junk food on a daily basis can also increase the risk of getting acne. Junk food is loaded with unhealthy fats and carbs. Although it is not clear how junk food can cause acne, there are some studies which have shown a correlation between the two.
Milk
Milk and other dairy products may lead to an increased risk of acne or worsen it. Milk can also lead to raised insulin levels which may cause acne as explained above.
Diet low in omega-3 fatty acids
There needs to be a balance in the body between omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. A lot of foods nowadays are rich in mega-6 fatty acids while they run low on omega-3 fatty acids. This imbalance can lead to inflammation and since acne is an inflammatory condition, it can lead to an increased risk of getting acne.
Chocolate
Although there is not enough research on the correlation between chocolate and acne, some studies have shown that consuming chocolates can increase the risk of developing acne. So you might want to hold back on eating a lot of chocolates.
Find out what other foods can cause acne here.
Is taking too much salt bad for you?
Yes, taking too much salt in your diet is bad for you. An average human only needs about 1500 milligrams of sodium per day and if you consume more than this on a regular basis, you may face some immediate and long term side effects of it.
Although sodium and chloride both are essential for the body to maintain the electrolyte balance and proper nerve function, you should take it in moderation.
Some short term effects of taking too much salt are as follows.
- Taking too much salt can lead to water retention in your body. You may feel like your stomach is bloated and your hands, feet or face is puffy. You may even weigh more than before due to all the water weight.
- It can also cause a rise in your blood pressure.
- It can make you feel so thirsty because a lot of sodium can leave you dehydrated so you end up drinking a lot of water.
- Your urine frequency may also increase because since the sodium will leave you dehydrated, you will be drinking a lot more water.
Other FAQs about Salt that you may be interested in.
Does salt conduct electricity?
Does salt dissolve in alcohol?
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “Does salt cause acne?” with an in-depth analysis of why this happens. We also listed down other foods that may be responsible for causing acne and discussed whether too much salt is bad for you or not.
Citations
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-that-cause-acne#TOC_TITLE_HDR_6
https://www.practiceupdate.com/content/salty-food-intake-tied-to-acne-development/33338
