If you struggle with acne, you know how tough it can be to avoid breakouts. I've spent a lot of time trying to fight acne from the outside, using cleansers, masks, and other topical treatments. While these strategies can and do work, they're not the only way to achieve clear skin. Eating foods that reduce breakouts is another way to fight acne - this time from the inside out. So what are the foods that reduce breakouts? I've listed ten of my favorites below, along with foods that you should definitely avoid if you're prone to acne. In addition using Argan Oil can help reduce breakouts as well.
10 Foods That Reduce Breakouts & Help Clear Skin
- Water: If your goal is good health and clear skin, there's nothing better than plain 'ol water. It hydrates your skin, helps deliver vital vitamins and nutrients, and flushes out bacteria and other nasties that can lead to pimples. Drink up!
- Green Tea: Acne and inflammation go hand in hand. Green tea is full of compounds that help fight inflammation. Drink green tea regularly for its inflammation-fighting powers, then place the bags (cool them first!) on breakouts to help soothe them even further.
- Fresh Juice: Fruits and vegetables are definitely foods that reduce acne breakouts. Drinking their juice is a quick and easy way to take advantage of their natural anti-inflammatory powers. Plus, drinking fresh juice reduces your dependence on sodas and other sugary beverages, which can increase your risk of breakouts.
- Fish: When you eat fish, you get a dose of fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6. Both of these compounds reduce the type of inflammation that can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. If you're not a fish fan, try fish oil capsules or flaxseed instead.
- Avocado: This tasty fruit is full of Vitamin E and Vitamin C, both of which increase your skin's vitality and reduces inflammation. Plus, they're absolutely delicious, making them one of my favorite foods that reduce breakouts.
- Oatmeal: It's time to chuck those sugary cereals - they just encourage breakouts. Instead, reach for a warm, comforting bowl of oatmeal. Not only does oatmeal contain compounds that reduce inflammation, it's low on the glycemic index, which will help you avoid acne-provoking insulin spikes.
- Garlic: It's not just for fighting vampires. Garlic contains a chemical called allicin, which has mild antibacterial properties. That means it can help fight off the bacteria causing your breakouts.
- Oysters: Here's one you might not have heard about - new studies are showing that zinc can help fight off acne. Your body absorbs zinc much more effectively from food than from supplements, so look to zinc-rich oysters for a dose of this breakout-fighting mineral.
- Broccoli: Broccoli is a great source of vitamin C and fiber. It also contains chlorophyll, which reduces inflammation and detoxifies cells, giving you clearer, happier skin.
- Nuts: Nuts like walnuts, almonds, and cashews are full of the vitamins and minerals your skin needs to stay healthy and clear, including potassium, Vitamin E, and magnesium. They're also a great snacking alternative to greasy junk foods.
3 Foods To Absolutely Avoid to Reduce Breakouts
- Cow's Milk: The average gallon of milk can contain growth hormones that affect your skin in a nasty way. When they make it into your bloodstream you'll see insulin spikes, increased inflammation, and more oil production. Definitely something to avoid to reduce breakouts.
- Fast Food: Fast foods tends to be low on the glycemic index, which leads to one of acne's biggest enemies - insulin spikes. Your favorite drive through order can dramatically increase inflammation in your body, leading to - you guessed it - breakouts.
- Chips: Just about any bag of chips you come across is filled with refined carbohydrates. Refined carbs increase inflammation, encourage wrinkles, and are one of the main reasons for the recent rise in adult acne cases. There's really nothing redeeming about them.
You can fight acne from the outside, but you won't get the results you want until you understand how what's going into your body impacts your complexion. Join me in choosing foods that reduce breakouts and enjoy your new acne-free complexion.
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