Did you know that when it comes to acne, the food we eat is actually a massive contributor to your skin health? As it is commonly known, food is our fuel and assists in energy production and overall health, however it is less thought that appearance is largely affected by what we consume and our gut health. If your skin is continuously problematic, and you have tried many different over the counter products and treatments, it may be worth looking at the type of food you are consuming. This is often the last resort when treating acne, however it may be the solution you have been looking for, and if taken into consideration before going down the path of trying many washes and scrubs, you may save yourself the time and frustration!
What To Eat
- Omega-3 rich foods: Eating foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids will help to maintain good skin health as it helps the skin stay plump and moisturised. This includes eating fatty fishes such as salmon and herring. Some great plant based options are chia seeds, brussel sprouts, hemp seeds, walnuts and flaxseeds.
- Avocados: Yep, that’s right! The favourited smashed avo on toast will help your skin! This beautiful natural butter contains a high amount of healthy fats that are great for your skin and can help the appearance and springiness of your skin. It also contains Vitamin E and C which are needed for both health and our skin.
- Nuts: Nuts are a great way to get your nutrition in as they are small and can be eaten as a snack, topping, or made into powders, milks, etc. They are great for your skin as they contain many vitamins that boost your skin’s health. A great one to grab is sunflower seeds as they contain a high amount of Vitamin E and Zinc which are both known for its skin healing qualities.
- Vegetables: Eating a diet of mostly unprocessed foods is best for your skin. Vegetables are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that will improve your skin health. Great veggies to eat are pumpkin, quinoa, soy, tomatoes, broccoli, sweet potatoes and red and yellow bell peppers as they have beneficial qualities for your skin!
What To Avoid
- Sugar: It is apparent that lessening your sugar intake can help improve your acne. Many skin experts believe that a low glycemic (GI) diet is best for inflammations of the skin and fluctuating hormones. Reduce your intake of both natural and processed sugars and reach for honey, or natural sweeteners such as agave and stevia.
- Dairy: There is a large link between acne and consuming dairy. As milk comes from pregnant cows, dairy is potent in the female hormone progesterone, causing acne. Skim milk has also been tested and proven to cause more acne for teens. Try a tasty alternative such as almond or oat milk!
- Chicken: The reasoning for this is similar to dairy. Chicken and manu store bought meats often contain high amounts of added hormones, on top of the animals naturally occurring hormones. This can extremely worsen those who suffer from cystic acne.
- Coffee: We all love a coffee in the morning to help wake us up, but this delicious drink also heightens our stress hormone, cortisol. When our cortisol is high, our skin’s oil glands are worked up and this can produce an oily film on the face, leading to acne. Try having some herbal teas to substitute for this.
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