The One Fruit You Should Never Have Because It Clogs Your Pores

There are a lot of factors that play a role in your skin’s health and appearance. If you suffer from acne, you know that there’s a long list of things you should avoid if you want clear skin–starting with unhealthy, processed foods and sweets. These foods have a high glycemic index and trigger your blood sugar to spike, causing an increase in hormones and sebum production. But, did you know that there are healthy foods that can still have a negative effect on your skin?! In fact, one Reddit user said that this common fruit was the reason for her acne–Apples!

“I tried Stridex, it didn’t help. I tried a different toothpaste, it didn’t help. I made sure not to touch my face, it didn’t help. I made sure my pillowcase was clean, it didn’t help,” the Reddit user wrote after detailing her acne-fighting routine. “I came to a major realization—apples! I love apples and eat at least one or two a day. I’m not a messy eater, but the juice must be a major irritant for my skin.”

This is insane, right? Dermatologists and skincare experts are still divided on whether or not apples can actually cause breakouts, but Annie Chiu, a dermatologist in Hermosa Beach, California, says there could be one logical explanation. “It’s more likely that the possible irritant effects of acidic fruit juices can cause some people to break out. Changing the pH of the skin even temporarily can disrupt the natural barriers of the skin and could be a trigger for breakouts in some individuals. It’s the same reason spicy foods can increase inflammation and cause breakouts around the mouth area,” she tells Allure.

The juice from the apple could also be acting as a skin-drying agent, according to Kavita Mariwella, a dermatologist in West Islip, New York. “It sounds like the acid may be drying her skin and causing an irritant reaction, or it could be a chemical or preservative on the peel itself she is allergic to,” she explains.

Love apples but hate acne? The Reddit user who first shared this troubling dilemma said that eating apple slices helped improve her acne. “I [started] cutting up my apples instead of biting them to decrease the chance of the juice getting on my skin,” she continued. “It was an instant improvement and I now have clear skin.” Other users pointed out that they were experiencing the same thing after eating oranges! Thankfully, they had some advice for preventing this fruit-induced acne:

“Cut your fruit into small pieces when you can. The same goes for really salty, greasy, or acidic foods that get all over your chin. It’s one of those things most people don’t think about.”

Another effective acne treatment for oily skin is witch hazel. You can also use witch hazel to wipe up any unwanted oil and grease from your mouth to prevent acne. Witch hazel is an effective at-home acne remedy and works to slow down inflammation, redness, and oiliness. It can also reduce the look of pores and stop excess oil production!

Good to know! Want more clear skin tips? Check out some of our favorite acne-fighting and breakout-clearing products that always save the day: