The Best and Worst Foods for Acne-Prone Skin

Acne is a common skin problem, especially for teens. While various acne treatments are available, your diet also plays a big role in preventing pimples. Some foods can trigger acne breakouts while others help improve your skin condition. Thus, knowing the best and worst foods for acne-prone skin can aid you in choosing the right products to include in your diet.

Adding colorful fruits and vegetables to your diet is vital to get glowing skin. But, did you know that these crops can also calm down your acne breakouts? One reason is due to their high amounts of antioxidants that also act as anti-inflammatory agents. Furthermore, a lot of fruits and vegetables are rich in beauty nutrients that can help reduce acne breakouts. This is especially true for foods with beta-carotene, which turns into vitamin A once inside your body. The best sources of this antioxidant are yellow and orange colored-foods, such as carrots, squash, and sweet potato.

Most of you are aware of the importance of having a healthy gut. As you know, the good bacteria present in your digestive tract will not only aid in your digestion but offers other benefits as well. One, in particular, is preventing inflammation that may result in acne breakouts. Among the highly recommended products in this list of best and worst foods for acne-prone skin are cultured vegetables, like kimchi and sauerkraut. Remember, the main ingredient in these dishes is cabbage, a veggie that can boost your collagen production. The other sources of probiotics are tempeh, coconut kefir, and kombucha tea.

Dry skin is a common problem when treating acne. However, applying rich moisturizers may lead to more pimples. For this reason, drinking plenty of water can help hydrate your skin from the inside out. Another great option is to eat hydrating foods, like watermelon and tomatoes. Plus, these products can also offer nutrients that can improve your skin’s condition.

Most of you may avoid eating nuts, thinking that their fatty substances may cause pimples. However, these foods are actually beneficial for your skin. For one, almonds and other kinds of nuts are rich in omega-3, which aids in fighting inflammation. Furthermore, these foods are also great sources of zinc, an important mineral in treating acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, in this list of best and worst foods for acne-prone skin, nuts are among the highly recommended foods you can eat to combat acne.

In this list of best and worst foods for acne-prone skin, among the major culprits of acne breakouts are refined carbohydrates, like cakes, cookies, and white bread. The primary reason is that these products cause a rise in your blood sugar levels, triggering a series of effects, such as inflammation, hormone fluctuation, and an increase in oil production- leading to acne breakouts. But, your body also needs carbohydrates. The solution is to opt for complex carbohydrates. Some highly recommended foods are oats, sweet potatoes, and whole grain products.

Aside from high-glycemic foods, consuming too many fatty products may also lead to acne breakouts. This is especially true for foods rich in trans-fat and saturated fats. Like the refined carbohydrates, these products can also trigger an inflammation, resulting in acne breakouts. Nonetheless, a diet rich in healthy fats is essential for a radiant complexion. So, consuming foods with monounsaturated fats and omega-3 is vital for your health.

Finally, the last in this list of best and worst foods for acne-prone skin is cow’s milk and other dairy products. Basically, several studies have pointed out a link between acne and consumption of cow’s milk and dairy products. One reason is due to the hormones present in cow’s milk that can trigger an acne breakout. So, if you have acne-prone skin, you can try non-dairy substitutes for cow’s milk, like soy milk.

Knowing which foods can cause pimples is crucial to prevent acne breakouts. However, eating a healthy diet for healthy skin is not enough. Having a good skin care routine and lifestyle habits can also aid in improving your skin’s condition.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

Diet Hacks for a Radiant and Youthful Skin