New York City Dermatologists

Dr. Adam Penstein and Dr. Alyson Penstein direct and see patients for acne at their successful New York City office, Penstein Dermatology. Our experienced, skilled, and licensed dermatologists are here to explain your diet's impact on your skin.

Find Out More About the Connection Between Diet and Pimples

Penstein Dermatology in New York City explains that acne is a frequent problem in their dermatology office. Many people come to us for help after their home remedies fail to decrease or eliminate breakouts. Most of our clients with pimples are younger adolescents whose self-esteem has declined due to significant outbreaks. We also see a few adults who need help. 

Pimples develop primarily on the face, back, shoulders, and chest when oil glands under the skin become blocked. Preventing outbreaks takes some work to follow simple tips that help with overall body wellness and fitness. 

• Regular exercise
• Stress reduction
• Drinking 64 oz of water per day
• Clean and disinfect phones 
• Use non-comedogenic makeup
• Avoid touching your face
• Eat healthily

We find that three factors determine outbreaks: diet, genetics, and hormonal changes, diet being the most significant factor.  

The Western Diet versus Pimples

Research finds that the Western Diet that so many Americans are prone to eating causes skin problems in addition to a host of other health problems. This diet's foundation is high-glycemic carbohydrates, dairy, saturated fats, and trans fats, creating various health problems, including pimples.

Certain foods create more oil in your skin or raise blood sugar levels. For example, when your blood sugar rises, it releases a hormone that causes your oil glands to produce more sebum. The increase in sebum increases the risk of skin inflammation and pimples.

These foods are pasta, white rice, white bread, cow's milk, and simple sugar. Research has not found that chocolate, cheese, or yogurt cause pimple outbreak problems. There are anti-acne foods and vitamins you can buy to decrease skin breakouts. 

• Whole grains
• Legumes
• Unprocessed fruits/vegetables-yellow and orange fruits, carrots, apricots, sweet potatoes, spinach, dark green/leafy vegetables, tomatoes, blueberries
• Zinc
• Vitamin A/E
• Antioxidants
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids
• Brown rice
• Quinoa
• Turkey, salmon, mackerel, and fatty fish
• Pumpkin seeds, beans, peas, lentils
• Nuts

We can help you experiment with your diet to see what decreases your outbreaks. You may be allergic or sensitive to some whole foods, so you can't eat them. Enough science-based evidence suggests certain foods help or contribute to pimples. We can help you sort through your diet. 

We Can Help You With Pimples

Call doctors Penstein today at (212) 517-5171 at Penstein Dertamology in New York City and schedule your acne consultation. Our diet recommendations are highly successful in helping those with pimples. We also provide many other services.