Do Certain Foods Cause Breakouts?

Studies suggest that foods with a high glycemic index (for exmaple, candy, bread, highly refined grains and cereals, fries, and potato chips) can lead to breakouts. These foods cause blood sugar and insulin levels to rise which results in higher androgen levels. Androgens lead to high sebum (oil) production, resulting in clogged pores and thus — breakouts.

You should also keep in mind your stress level when getting ready for a big event. Often I see patients with breakouts the day after a big party which may have involved alcohol and lack of sleep. When the body is stressed, it's not unusual to see breakouts because of increased cortisol levels which can raise your blood sugar and once again result in breakouts.