While onions are a great topical treatment for acne, and eating garlic can help reduce inflammation, not all of the foods that reduce acne are pungent. Eating a balanced diet with less refined carbs can definitely help, but some foods go further than that.
Find out which foods can have the best effect on your skin when you’re struggling with acne or breakouts. You can’t get rid of acne simply by making a few dietary changes, but these foods give your skin a boost of helpful vitamins and minerals, and also help reduce inflammation.
Brown Rice
While most refined carbs can have a negative effect on your skin, and even cause breakouts, whole grains and brown rice can have the opposite effect. This type of rice is great for your skin because it’s a great source of vitamin B, which both protects your skin and helps regulate hormone levels.
Yogurt
Probiotics are also a great way to keep your digestive system on track. Without inflammation in the gut, the risk of developing acne and breakouts is also decreased. That’s why natural yogurt is one of the foods that reduce acne. Choose Greek yogurt with live active cultures and without any sugar or flavoring. Other probiotic foods include pickles and microalgae.
Fatty Fish
A good balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is also important in order to keep inflammation under control. Cold water fatty fish is definitely one of the best foods for your skin, and it can help fight skin issues. Salmon, sardines and mackerel should be part of your diet, but all omega-3 rich foods can make a positive impact.
Red Grapes
With loads more antioxidants than white grapes, darker varieties are also one of the foods that reduce acne. Don’t spit out the seeds, since they can also help with acne and other skin issues. The secret is resveratrol, a compound found in red grapes and red wine, which fight inflammation of the skin, and can even provide relief for different skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis.
Nuts
Selenium deficiency has been connected with skin issues, and nuts are an excellent source of this useful mineral. Brazil nuts are especially rich in selenium, but all nuts also have plenty of vitamin E, which also has a positive effect on your skin. If you don’t like Brazil nuts, stick to almonds, walnuts and pecans. Peanuts should be your last choice, since they’re one of the fattiest nuts.
Sweet Potatoes
Foods rich in vitamin A, particularly beta-carotene, are also one of the best foods that reduce acne. Sweet potatoes are rick in beta-carotene, and other fruits and vegetables that are also an excellent source of vitamin A include carrots, cantaloupes, papaya, mangoes, and bell peppers. Butter and cheese can also be a valuable source of vitamin A, if you don’t have any form of lactose intolerance.
Artichokes
Packed with vitamin C and plenty of other antioxidants, artichokes are also rich in magnesium, a mineral that can have a beneficial effect on your skin. Artichoke hearts should become a regular ingredient in your meals if you want to avoid acne and breakouts. If your acne is caused by hormonal issues, magnesium is very important, and you can also get it from figs and oatmeal.
Oysters
Just like selenium, zinc is another important mineral for your skin, and zinc deficiency has been linked to acne. That’s why oysters are one of the foods that reduce acne. If you don’t like seafood, other great sources of zinc include beef and veal liver, along with pumpkin seeds and toaster wheat germ.
Green Tea
Packed with antioxidants, green tea should be your beverage of choice when it comes to a healthy diet that reduces acne or even prevents it. You can also apply the used and cooled tea bags on your skin on blemishes in order to reduce inflammation.
Avocado
With plenty of vitamin E and vitamin C, along with healthy monounsaturated fats, avocado is also one of the foods that reduce acne. It can also help keep your skin moisturized, so start introducing more of it in your diet, in order to reduce skin inflammation and keep your complexion clear.
