There is no doubt that our diet and eating habits are inextricably linked to our physical health. While researchers are yet to isolate a causal relationship between diet and acne, most scientists believe that improving one’s diet can help to curb acne and have a significant positive effect on the overall health of our skin. In short, certain foods can help us fight acne.
Acne is caused by the excess production of sebum, an oily substance produced by our sebaceous glands. These glands secrete sebum into our hair follicles, most notably on the face and scalp, and there is a direct co-relation between the intake of fatty foods and the production of sebum. It is thus important to avoid fatty and greasy foods. Other foods that should be avoided by people afflicted with acne are: preserved foods, high-cholesterol meats, coffee, alcohol, chocolates etc.
In order to maintain the overall health of your body and skin, it is also important to improve your intake of vegetables and fruits.
Examples of high-fiber foods: bamboo shoots, coarse grain, soybean, whole wheat, etc.
Some examples of Vitamin A and Zinc-rich foods: apricots, cabbage, carrots, eggplant, green onions, lentils, lettuce, mangoes, powdered milk, pumpkins, soybeans, spinach, tomatoes etc.
Examples of Vitamin B rich food: green leafy vegetables, fish, eggs, liver, peas, chicken, carrots, cattle, bananas, soybeans, dry seaweed, yeast, peas, grapes and (skinny) pork.
Examples of Vitamin E rich foods: algae, mushrooms, nuts, soybean oils etc.
Treatment of acne requires an understanding of the causes of acne and an overall improvement in skin health. Your diet is a big factor in determining the health of your skin, and thus should be taken into account when devising an acne-fighting treatment plan. In addition to a proper diet, it is important to choose the right medication according to your skin type, type of acne and treatment formula.
Acne is caused by the excess production of sebum, an oily substance produced by our sebaceous glands. These glands secrete sebum into our hair follicles, most notably on the face and scalp, and there is a direct co-relation between the intake of fatty foods and the production of sebum. It is thus important to avoid fatty and greasy foods. Other foods that should be avoided by people afflicted with acne are: preserved foods, high-cholesterol meats, coffee, alcohol, chocolates etc.
In order to maintain the overall health of your body and skin, it is also important to improve your intake of vegetables and fruits.
Acne-Fighting Foods
High-fiber foods:
High-fiber foods help to charge metabolism, maintain overall health and enable the body to discard excess oil.Examples of high-fiber foods: bamboo shoots, coarse grain, soybean, whole wheat, etc.
Foods rich in Vitamin A and Zinc:
Zinc and Vitamin A control the secretion of sebum from the sebaceous glands. Vitamin A is known to prove effective in regenerating skin and fighting acne.Some examples of Vitamin A and Zinc-rich foods: apricots, cabbage, carrots, eggplant, green onions, lentils, lettuce, mangoes, powdered milk, pumpkins, soybeans, spinach, tomatoes etc.
Foods rich in Vitamin B:
Vitamin B has skin healing properties. B2 and B6 increase cell oxidation and have a positive effect on the skin.Examples of Vitamin B rich food: green leafy vegetables, fish, eggs, liver, peas, chicken, carrots, cattle, bananas, soybeans, dry seaweed, yeast, peas, grapes and (skinny) pork.
Foods rich in Vitamin E:
Recent studies have revealed the link between vitamin E deficiency and acne. Vitamin E is known to make skin more beautiful and healthy.Examples of Vitamin E rich foods: algae, mushrooms, nuts, soybean oils etc.
Garlic:
Acne pigment can be removed by washing the affected area with a mixture of garlic juice and warm water. Consumption of garlic may also have acne-fighting properties, as Asian cultures have a garlic-rich diet and are known to be comparatively acne-free.Soy Milk:
Soy milk is rich in vitamins and may help to combat acne.Treatment of acne requires an understanding of the causes of acne and an overall improvement in skin health. Your diet is a big factor in determining the health of your skin, and thus should be taken into account when devising an acne-fighting treatment plan. In addition to a proper diet, it is important to choose the right medication according to your skin type, type of acne and treatment formula.
