So often people dole out the advice to ditch gluten and dairy as a cure-all for everything—including acne. But there may be a hint of truth in one of those. "There have now been several
good studies on diet and acne, and I can say confidently to patients that a high-glycemic index diet with lots of processed foods—especially sugar—is bad for acne," says Fishman, as these foods spike blood sugar and are pro-inflammatory. Cow's milk, especially skim, is also
associated with breakouts. The best diet for skin is one of the healthiest for your heart, she says: the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and fish. That said, eating a good diet isn't a guaranteed fix, Fishman says: "There are many factors that go into acne. Even if you have the healthiest diet, you can still break out. You shouldn't feel like a failure."
