Bread could cause teenage acne? 

Studies done by US scientists show that refined sugar, along with wheat and other grains, can raise insulin levels. Studies done previously may show that too much insulin can lead to acne. And those new low-carbohydrate diets that are so popular right now? It's possible that they can lead to reduced acne breakouts for some.

Research conducted by Colorado State University's Loren Cordain has suggested that insulin surges may be triggered by easily-digested refined bread. IGF-1, a growth factor resembling insulin, can be produced as well. This combination of substances in the body can spike male hormones, which is known to created large amounts of sebum in the skin. And sebum, a thick substance that can build up in the pores of the skin, encourages the bacterial growth responsible for acne.

Other research has pointed out a lack of acne among teenagers living in other parts of the world, where food is largely unprocessed. Acne only appeared among the Inuit people of Alaska when people there switched from their traditional fare to a Western-style diet.

Scientists at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, are planning a major study to see if eating a low-carbohydrate diet can reduce the incidence of acne. The experiments will involve 60 teenage boys, tracked over the course of three months.

Lots of anecdotal evidence has been seen by dermatologists when they had their patients move to low-carbohydrate diets. But, the Australian research will be one of the first controlled studies to examine the effects of a low-carbohydrate diet on acne.

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