Facial and body acne can affect individuals of all ages. Suffering from acne can be very unpleasant, as it can affect one’s self esteem and sociability. There can be mean reasons for acne, but one of the most prominent causes is the foods that one eats. Therefore, below is a list of healthy diet tips and information to help mitigate the appearance of acne for a lovely and smooth complexion.
How Food Causes Acne
Before delving into what exactly one should eat and not eat and other diet tips, it is best to cover how food and acne are related. Studies conducted and published by the Archives of Dermatology have indicated that specific types of foods can cause acne breakouts. The reason for this is that foods that have a high glycemic index cause the body’s insulin levels to rise. When insulin levels are high, the body ups its sebum production, which clogs pores and results in acne. Here are some natural acne treatment and diet tips!
Top 10 Diet Tips
1. Refrain from Fried Foods
Fried foods are accused of being the culprit of many of the body’s ailments. From weight gain, to sluggishness, fried foods are also detrimental to skin. Because fried foods are essentially processed carbohydrates, they cause the skin to become oily and clog.
2. Drink Milk and Eat Dairy… But not Excessively
Research has shown that most milk that Americans drink tends to be high in hormones. The high hormone content increases the body’s oil production, which leads to acne. The ideal solution is to monitor dairy consumption and breakouts and find the best middle ground for how much dairy is the right amount so breakouts do not occur.
3. Chocolate
It’s yummy, no doubt. But chocolate that has less cocoa and more dairy and fat is another cause of acne. It is best to eat chocolate that has a high cocoa content.
4. Fish
Fish is extremely healthy for the body, as it contains beneficial omega-3. In addition, it also has vitamins and nutrients that reduce the appearance of acne on the skin.
5. Nuts
Another product that one should eat to reduce the occurrence of acne is nuts because like fish, they contain omega-3 that is healthy for the skin. However, eat them in moderation, as too much can have the opposite effect.
6. Carrots
These delicious orange vegetables are known for their high vitamin A content, which has the property of strengthening the skin’s protective tissue and decreasing the chance of acne.
7. Chromium Supplements
Chromium supplements are known for their skin strengthening and acne reducing properties. Take a supplement a day to keep the acne away.
8. Zinc
Studies have shown that individuals that have low levels of zinc in their body also tend to have a high frequency of acne. Therefore, eat foods that are rich in zinc, such as cooked oysters, beef, spinach, and wheat germ.
9. Daily Multivitamin
Another cause of acne is not having enough essential vitamins in your daily diet. Reduce fatty and processed foods and create a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins. One can also take a multivitamin for an extra boost.
10. Exercise
This last point cannot be stressed enough. Exercise has been shown to lead to clearer more supple skin, though not through sweating necessarily. Along with the needed hydration, exercise releases tension and stress in the body. And as research has shown, there is a strong association between stress levels and acne. Exercise is just a good idea to keep healthy physically and mentally.
There are many ways to reduce acne, but the above 10 are some of the best natural methods. For luminous skin and a beautiful glow, follow our above tips.
Still having trouble clearing up your acne? Contact Four Points Dermatology for quality skin care and dermatology services in the Austin, TX area. Four Points Dermatology is renowned for their friendly service and the best Austin dermatology office.