One common myth many people share is that groundnuts cause pimples. The common belief is that because groundnut is an oily food, it can cause excess oil production in the inner layers of the skin, leading to acne and pimples. Some people say they notice an increased appearance of spots after taking groundnut. People who are allergic to groundnuts also believe that eating them causes spots on their skin. For these reasons, people assume groundnut causes pimples. What are the facts?
The Facts
Groundnuts do not cause pimples or acne. Acne develops when the opening of hair follicles gets blocked and clogged with dead skin cells and oil, which may lead to the formation of swollen, red, pus-filled lesions called pimples. However, groundnuts can aggravate pimples due to the nutrients and ingredients. In addition, it contains an androgen-like component. Androgen is a hormone, and high androgen levels in the body can cause the oil glands under the skin to grow. This will trigger the overproduction of sebum, which triggers acne as the excess oil traps dead skin cells and debris in the pores.
What Causes Pimples?
Many factors can exacerbate your skin’s sebum production: bacteria, medication, hormonal changes, and diet. Consider the following:
Excess Production of Sebum
Sebum is an oily, waxy substance produced by your body’s sebaceous glands. It is a necessary component of healthy skin. It moisturizes and protects the surface of almost your entire body. Androgens help regulate your overall sebum production. The more active your androgens are, the more sebum your body may produce. The more sebum your body produces, the more pimples you will likely have.
Bacteria
Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) is the bacteria most strongly linked to causing acne. It was previously called propionibacterium acnes. It is a generally harmless, slow-growing, aerotolerant, anaerobic, gram-positive bacteria. Also, it usually lives on your skin under healthy conditions and doesn’t harm or cause disease. Critical in maintaining skin homeostasis and preventing harmful organisms from setting up home on your skin. Unfortunately, it is also involved in causing acne in specific environments, typically in the presence of excessive sebum. When a pore becomes blocked with a plug of dead skin cells and sebum, it creates a favourable environment for C. acnes to thrive. The bacteria proliferate and begin to irritate the lining of the pore or hair follicle, causing redness and inflammation.
Hormonal Changes
Hormone fluctuations and increased androgens may cause an oily forehead. This is why teenagers and pregnant women are more likely to develop acne. Their bodies are in states of transition where hormone imbalances are prominent. A critical hormone, particularly within men, is an androgen. This hormone controls men’s voice change and body hair growth during puberty. Peanuts contain an androgen-like material. When you increase your body’s presence of androgen or a material like it, your skin is more likely to create more oil. When more sebum is produced, it traps more debris, which results in acne breakouts.
Using the wrong Skin Care Products
Medication and a well-curated skincare routine can help combat acne; however, they can sometimes cause more harm when done improperly. Using the wrong exfoliation products can irritate the skin and worsen the situation. Overusing acne medications, especially those that contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, can become a problem too. These products tend to dry out the skin, triggering our skin’s oil production further. The oilier the skin, the more chances there are for clogged pores. Using the wrong cleanser can bring about even more skin problems. Using the wrong moisturizer can also cause problems. Find the right moisturizer that matches your skin to keep skin well hydrated and moisturized. Always read the instructions for acne medication and research more about the products. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a dermatologist to seek proper guidance.
Diet
For many people, certain foods can contribute to acne breakouts. Regarding acne and food, it’s hard to prove cause and effect. But the evidence does suggest a link between acne and certain foods — especially foods that can increase inflammation or cause a change in hormones. Sugar and other high-glycemic foods have most consistently been linked to acne breakouts. For some people, dairy and dairy products can also worsen acne. If you have acne, changing your diet may not cure it. But it can help to stick to a healthy, whole-food diet and pay attention to your food triggers.
Prevention
The accepted wisdom is that neither good hygiene nor diet can prevent outbreaks. Treatments can control acne and minimize future breakouts. Sensible skin care is recommended, especially during adolescence.
You can’t completely prevent acne, especially during hormone changes, but you can reduce your risk of developing acne by:
- Washing your face daily with warm water and a facial cleanser.
- Using an oil-free moisturizer.
- I was wearing “non-comedogenic” makeup products and removing makeup at the end of each day.
- You are keeping your hands away from your face.
If it becomes severe, you may need to visit a dermatologist for professional advice on tackling pimples.
