Ayobamiji Komolafe 
Research has shown that high glycemic diets may increase the risk of acne in women, by causing rapid spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels.
Acne vulgaris, a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilo-sebaceous unit, occurs with the production of sebum and affects teenagers and young adults.
The glycemic index (GI) measures how quickly foods raise blood sugar levels, and foods with high GI, such as white bread, sugary snacks, and processed foods, are likely culprits.
Research has revealed that consuming these foods can lead to increased sebum production, inflammation, and the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria, all of which are key factors in the development of acne.
It has been discovered over time that acne is more prevalent in women than in men, with over 80% of women experiencing it at some point, thus posing a threat to their beauty.
“One of the most common reasons adult women between the ages 20 of 40, for example, come to the dermatology clinic is for acne.
Clinical trial data revealed that approximately 50% of women in their 20s, 33% of women in their 30s, and 25% of women in their 40s suffer from acne”, says Yale Medicine dermatologist Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD.
The prevalence of acne among women has posed a major threat and has tendencies of reducing the self-esteem of most women.
Foods with high GI, such as white bread, sugary snacks, and processed foods, cause rapid spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels.
These spikes can lead to increased sebum production, inflammation, and the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria, all of which are key factors in the development of acne.
Also, women who often experience hormonal fluctuations, stress, poor diet, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) may be more susceptible to acne.
In order to reduce the further spread of acne among women, medical experts have proffered hormonal treatments, blue light therapy, microdermabrasion, topical creams amongst others as treatment options.
