Do you want that acne to go away quickly? Would you like to know what creates havoc on your skin and causes breakouts? Then check out our guide to acne and diet.
It’s true what you put in your body shows up on your skin: if we snack on junk foods, we know we’re likely to wake up with new pimples – but do you know why this happens?
Save me from that pimple!
Acne develops when pores in the skin become clogged, with bacteria or dead skin leading to new pimples and inflammation. This can also occur if your body produces too much sebum (the oil produced in our skin). Sebum is good while it helps your skin from drying out, but when it’s produced too much, you’re at risk of acne
Sugary foods
Some foods are high in GI, that is, Glycemic Index and GL, that is, Glycemic Load. Measuring these two can tell how a particular food can raise blood sugar levels and disturb your skin’s balance, causing new breakouts, even before you’re done with the old ones. Here’s a short list of foods that have a high GI and GL. Try to avoid eating them too much.
- Sweetened breakfast cereals
- White bread and bagels
- Instant foods like oats
- Pineapples, pumpkins, and potatoes
- Rice-based pasta
- Dairy, sugar, and seafood
- Whey protein powder
- Spicy and fried food
Let’s aim for a healthy diet!
It’s suggested that part of the reason acne occurs relates to digestion of certain foods. When the body isn’t able to break down some foods properly, they may damage the lining of the gut and also decrease our good bacteria, with accumulation of toxins. By following a healthy diet, digestion can be improved and hopefully acne can be better controlled too. Here are a few suggestions to help.
Try to include these foods in your diet:
Orange colored vegetables
Pumpkins, carrots or bell peppers, anything orange is rich in the antioxidant beta carotene, which helps with digestion, treats breakouts and fights pigmentation.
The leafy greenway
Spinach specifically, is rich in vitamins B and E, which are all about skin health. Vitamin B3 regulates oil production in the skin, amongst other effects. Add a little lemon to enhance the taste.
Fermented foods
Apple cider vinegar and yogurt, to be specific. They are full of good bacteria and can help with digestion as well as acne. You can enjoy a dairy-free yogurt made from coconut extracts. These food helps to maintain proper digestion.
Stay hydrated
Drink as much water as you can, at least six glasses a day., It helps to cleanse the body by flushing out toxins. Those with constipation may be more prone to acne, and therefore drinking lots of water is key.
Healthy fats
Don’t miss out on them, they reduce inflammation and scarring, and play an essential role in repairing your skin. Raw almonds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and avocados are some of the best picks.
Turmeric
It contains anti-inflammatory properties, so is an excellent natural remedy to manage acne. Add a tablespoon when cooking vegetables or just use a little in your daily detox drink.
Omega 3 and zinc
Whole grains, legumes, fish and olive oil, sounds so Mediterranean right? Actually, these can reduce acne because zinc and omega 3 create a protective barrier on your and are anti-inflammatory.
But wait – there’s more!
Keep it clean
Avoid harsh cleansers and walnut shell scrubs for your face, it can cause micro-tearing as well as wash off the required oils, drying it out too much. Don’t use warm water if you have inflammation.
Moisturize
Moisturizing doesn’t cause acne, rather it keeps the skin hydrated and prevents peeling and dryness. Choose a moisturizer formulated for acne, such as Hydrogel.
Exercise daily
Don’t wear clothing that rubs against your skin, bathe right after exercise, and don’t forget to eat healthily and avoid junk foods.
Chill!
Tame that stress: do yoga or watch your favorite show, anything that can help you with the anxiety can help with your skin too.
And remember, never pick or pop your pimples!
Overall, a healthy diet can have a significant effect on your skin health too. Try to figure out what foods seem to trigger your breakouts, then reduce your intake of those foods. The best way to manage this is to keep a food diary for a while and record your skin health.
We hope our suggestions were helpful.
Guest post written by Emylee Modestino
