Food and Eating Habit Tips for Acne Treatment

If you suffer from acne, you are probably always on the lookout for ways to achieve clearer skin. Although healing skin products can help, you’re most likely treating the symptoms, not the underlying cause. It’s equally important (or more so) to have whole body health for skin conditions. Eating the right foods can go a long way toward restoring health to the body and the skin.

A low-glycemic diet may reduce acne
Studies suggest that eating a low-glycemic diet can reduce acne. However, most Americans consume plenty of high-glycemic beverages and foods and beverages. These are foods that raise blood sugar quickly. Some high-glycemic foods include:

  • Doughnuts
  • Pastries
  • Baked goods
  • Sugary drinks
  • White bread
  • Corn flakes
  • Potatoes, potato chips, and french fries
  • White and puffed rice

A low-glycemic diet, one that doesn’t trigger a spike in blood sugar levels, may reduce your acne. When the blood sugar rises rapidly due to foods and beverages with high sugar or fructose content, it leads to inflammation throughout the body and more sebum (pore-clogging oil) production. Low-glycemic foods include most fresh vegetables, low-glycemic fresh fruits (some fruits are high-glycemic), beans, and whole grains.

Avoiding milk and certain dairy products may reduce acne breakouts
Milk alone is a low-glycemic beverage. However, some research suggests that drinking milk and consuming specific dairy products may be linked to an increase in acne breakouts. All types of milk (skim, low-fat, and whole) are associated with causing acne. Why milk can worsen acne is still a bit of a mystery. However, it has been theorized that some of the hormones contained in milk can lead to inflammation in the body. Inflammation can clog the pores, causing acne.

Foods That Promote Skin Health
Your skin is considered an organ of your body, and it thrives on good food. Several different foods that are helpful for acne include;

Broccoli and cauliflower
Broccoli and cauliflower contain a compound called glucoraphanin, which can help sun-damaged skin and lower the likelihood of age spots.

Carrots
Carrots are a significant source of vitamin A and antioxidants. These nutrients are excellent for making damaged skin appear healthier and more vibrant. Other foods rich in vitamin A include kale, sweet potatoes, and mangos.

Strawberries
Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C. They contain plentiful antioxidants which fight inflammation and can stop your pores from being blocked.

Blueberries and blackberries
Blueberries or blackberries are full of antioxidants which fight inflammatory damage and can help clear your skin.

Green Tea
A cup of green tea might help heal your acne symptoms. Studies suggest that drinking green can reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, and reduce the amount of pore-blocking oil (sebum) your skin produces.

Brazil nuts
Brazil nuts contain selenium, a nutrient that can give your skin a boost and may even help reduce damage caused by acne. Selenium is also found in abundance in onions and garlic.

Oysters
Foods which are rich in zinc are excellent choices for helping to reduce spotty skin. You can also increase your intake of this mineral by consuming beef, pork, lamb, mushrooms, or pumpkin seeds.

For more information on which foods to fill your fridge and cupboards with to help you have healthier skin from the inside out, contact a skin health professional in your local area to set up an assessment and consultation.