Iodine and Acne

Iodides

When we consume iodine-containing foods, our body turns it to iodide. We need iodide in our blood stream for essential hormone function. Excess iodides that the body can’t use are excreted through sweat glands on the skin, and that’s where the problem comes in.

When sweated out, iodide causes irritation and inflammation in the pores. For those of us who are acne-prone, this leads to breakout flareups.

High iodine-content foods to avoid include:

• iodized salt & sea salt (swap for Himalayan pink salt or black salt)
• herbal and vitamin supplements that contain iodine
• milk or other dairy products
• egg yolks, and whole eggs
• seafood (fish, sushi, shellfish)
• kelp and seaweed
• foods that contain additive: carrageen, agar-agar, alginate, or nori
• spinach
• potatoes
• FD&C red dye #3 (maraschino cherries and pink/red colored beverages)

Keep in mind I’m not telling you to overhaul your entire diet! Just know that diet plays a role in acne, and minimizing consumption of these foods can help your skin heal and glow. If you’ve been on a professional, targeted skin care routine for 3-4 months with little progress in your acne, you should consider your diet a little more seriously than someone who is just dabbling in skin care.

Check out other dietary factors that affect acne: glycemic index and hormonal influencers.