Millions of people suffer from acne, and it's not just teenagers. Acne is considered to be a worldwide epidemic, now affecting more adults -- particularly women.
"We've got women who've never had acne at all and are now only experiencing it for the first time," says naturopath Dr. Alan Logan.
Part of the reason is hormones. But Dr. Logan also believes what you eat plays a significant role in how you look.
"We're taking in far too much sugar -- the wrong types of fats which can promote inflammation, and inflammation is a key in acne," says Logan.
Logan has written a new book called The Clear Skin Diet. In it, he details the good and bad relationship between food and acne.
For example, milk is considered a bad drink for people with acne because it spikes blood sugar levels.
High sugar foods that are low in fibre spike blood sugar, like soda pop and processed foods like sweets and desserts.
Dr. Logan says people with acne should also avoid cheese, butter, white bread -- even bananas.
Good foods are deep coloured fruits and vegetables, yogurt and foods that are high in fibre and omega three fatty acids.
"Ginger, tumeric... these types of foods are great anti-inflammatory products and green tea which also helps hormonal aspects of acne," says Dr. Logan.
Oily fish like salmon are also packed with anti-inflammatory omega three fatty acids. Coffee, in moderation, is a great source of anti-oxidants.
"The old paradigm that diet and lifestyle don't matter that's been turned on its head," says Dr. Logan.
Through a healthy diet, it's hoped acne sufferers will be turning heads for the right reasons.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Dr. Rhonda Low.
