Can You Treat Pimples with an Anti-Acne Diet?
Can you eat your way out of acne? Some studies suggest that there are certain foods that not only nourish your skin, but can also help get rid of pesky acne problems. Read on to learn what these foods are, and how they help treat acne such as pimples.
How Food Affects the Skin
Diet is one of the many things that affect the skin’s health and appearance. This is through some foods’ effect on blood sugar and the excessive release of insulin. Made of simple sugars, these foods are called “high-glycemic” carbohydrates. These are pasta, white rice, white bread, and sugar, among others.
Too much insulin in the blood causes the skin’s sebaceous glands to produce more sebum (oil), which increases the risk of acne.
How to Treat Pimples with Food
How to treat pimples with food? It’s all about eating the right types of food. Multiple studies have shown that switching to a low-glycemic diet can prevent and improve acne. Made of complex carbohydrates, low-glycemic foods are found in whole grains, legumes and fresh or unprocessed fruits and vegetables.
It also helps to know about what nutrients benefit the skin’s health and appearance. The following, for example, are known to be helpful in keeping acne in control thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that’s important in regulating metabolism and maintaining hormone levels in the body. Aside from its anti-inflammatory benefit for the skin, zinc has also been found to help with redness and irritation. The mineral may be found in foods such as pumpkin seeds, cashews, beef, turkey, quinoa, lentils, seafood such as oysters and crab.
- Vitamins A and E
Multiple studies have linked low levels of vitamins A and E to severe cases of acne. Both nutrients are known for their influence on skin cell growth and regeneration. The regular production of new skin cells helps keep the skin stay young-looking and moisturized without having to trigger excess production of sebum.
- Antioxidants and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
On one hand, antioxidants help neutralize free radicals (toxins) that wreak havoc not just on the skin, but also on the body. On the other hand, omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fat found in plant and animal protein sources. Together, they have been found to significantly minimize the appearance of acne while also improving mental health.
Anti-Acne Diet Tips
The best diet advice when it comes to eating for your skin’s health is to indulge into a low-sugar, well-balanced diet of food known to reduce inflammation and regulate hormones. Take these pro tips for an acne-free complexion.
- Drink Plenty of Water
There’s no denying that water is good for the body. It helps with numerous processes and functions, including energy production and mental alertness. For the skin, staying properly hydrated helps keep it moisture while also helping wash away toxins that may cause premature skin aging. How much water should you drink daily? While it depends on factors such as your activities and your physical attributes, aim for at least 8 8oz. glasses a day.
- Less Sugar is Better
Remember, more sugar means higher blood sugar and insulin. But totally avoiding sugar can be challenging. Like salt, it’s in most of what we consume! A good practice would be to limit your sugar intake to natural sugars such as those in fruits.
- Say No to Alcohol
Certain lifestyle habits can make you more prone to having acne. While drinking alcohol does not directly cause pimple problems, the habit does affect other systems within the body. This includes hormone levels, which may trigger the development of acne.
- Keep with Fresh and Unprocessed
Processed foods tend to be pumped with sugars, salts, fats and preservatives that can do more harm than good. As best as you can, always reach for the fresh and unprocessed alternatives. If you have the time, cooking and preparing your own food is ideal if you want to be in control of what goes into your body.
- Put a Limit on Dairy
Unfortunately, dairy is high in sugar content. As with glucose and fructose, lactose is also a type of sugar. Although dairy is high in good-for-the-body nutrients such as calcium and protein, studies have linked this type of food to increased acne. You don’t have to strike it off of your list though, just remember to consume moderately. You may also turn to better alternatives such as Greek yogurt.
- Munch on Green Leafy Veggies
Leafy greens such as kale and spinach are good sources of antioxidants, and vitamins A, C and E! They also have folate which is a necessary nutrient for DNA repair. The more leafy greens in your regular diet, the clearer your skin and healthier your body!
Lastly, put time and effort into knowing what you eat and consume. For your anti-acne journey, oral medication such as Lactezin can help manage oily skin and inflammation. With continued use, lactoferrin, vitamin E and zinc in Lactezin helps lessen pimples in as early as 2 weeks.
SOURCES:
https://www.healthline.com/health/anti-acne-diet
