Today I'll be sharing a topic that feels particularly personal and that is acne. I will be talking about some of the root causes of acne, the role of diet and what are some ways to alleviate acne through food. Many women with PCOS are forced to deal with acne even in their adult lives, largely because it is caused by hormonal imbalances such as having too much testosterone. To help explain this, I'll be sharing some of the current research around acne and diet and talk about the important ways we can change what we eat to reduce acne symptoms. Because acne is often both painful and shameful, I share my own story about struggling with acne since I was a teenager with the hope of helping women with similar experiences. Doctors could not figure out the source of my acne; creams, cleansers, and antibiotics didn’t help; and it always felt like a problem that was impacting both my personal and social life. It wasn’t until I realized the connection between PCOS and my acne that it seemed like I finally had an answer as to why it hadn’t disappeared with puberty. So now, better understanding the connection between hormonal imbalance and breakouts, I share with listeners some approaches to lessening acne, such as: Lowering your insulin Eliminating Dairy Aiming for a low glycemic diet I also explain the benefits of incorporating antioxidants and probiotics (especially fermented foods) into your diet and how these can help to reduce acne flare-ups and inflammation. It is important to note, however, that while these dietary practices can help to lessen the severity of acne, they will not eliminate it completely. Eating healthy and other self-care techniques such as yoga and stress reduction are not solutions to acne, and sometimes a medication is needed in order to first clear it away. Because of this, I recommend talking with a dermatologist and getting a comprehensive care plan to target acne in place. What You’ll Learn in This Podcast Episode: The science behind the connection between PCOS and acne Why dairy products and foods that increase blood sugar can worsen acne Why people in non-industrialized countries are less prone to acne and how we can learn from their diets Specific food recommendations that may help lessen the severity of acne The truth behind chocolate’s connection to acne breakouts Finally, I am currently taking on new clients who are dealing with weight gain, cravings and acne as they relate to PCOS. Want to get healthier and heal you body? Contact me via the email below. Questions, or interested in becoming a client? Email me at: [email protected] or apply: www.dafnachazin.com/apply Join me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/pcos.nutritionist.dafna/