Given the huge range of lotions, brushes and supplements out there that
claim to help reduce or even remove acne, it can be quite disheartening
for people with the condition to be repeatedly met by failure or
unsatisfactory results each time they try something new. Some products
may be more effective than others, but there’s more to preventing acne
than simply trying to medicate it. One of the best ways to help battle
the problem is to eat foods that are rich in minerals and vitamins that
are not just natural and incredibly beneficial for the skin, but healthy
for the whole body too.
Nuts
Not only are nuts full of natural energy, the majority are also packed
with vitamins that are proven to be great for the skin. Look for
unprocessed varieties such as kernels, almonds, pine and macadamia for
example rather than those out of a packet coated in salt and oils. Such
nuts contain plenty of selenium, magnesium, zinc, copper, vitamin E,
calcium, potassium and iron – that serve to keep the skin healthy and
supple.
Red Grapes
Feel free to eat the
seeds as well, as the entire grape is also full of antioxidants that
can help prevent the inflammation that become apparent through skin
conditions such as acne and eczema. Like nuts these can be nibbled on
and picked at over the course of the day, keeping these beneficial
chemicals constantly working through the body.
Oily Fish
Often called ‘fatty’ fish, salmon, sardines and mackerel are among the
best because they are full of essential Omega 3 oils that help reduce
the capacity for the skin to become inflamed while unclogging blocked
pores. Omega 3 is available in supplements, but nothing beats naturally
ingesting these foods for the maximum potential benefit.
Avocados
Not only delicious and highly versatile, avocados are one of the best
and most efficient sources of vitamin C that not only prevents
inflammation but also serves as a natural moisturizer for the skin. Try
to eat a whole fruit a few times a week, ideally in a healthy salad
(minus any creamy dressings!) or whole meal sandwich. In case avocado
isn’t to taste, artichokes share similar properties.
Brown Rice
Sure it takes longer to prepare than white but that’s no excuse given
that it’s not just incredibly more nutritious but contains a wealth of
acne fighting properties. Full of protein and magnesium, it is also a
wonderful natural source of vitamin B that is a powerful regulator of
overactive hormones – that in many cases is causally linked to the
development of acne.
Fennel
This is a
slightly more obscure ingredient but one worth mentioning for cooks who
like to use plenty of fresh root vegetables in their recipes, fennel is a
wonderful aid for the digestive system and helps encourage the
excretion of toxins and free radicals that can be stubborn to shift.
Remember that the skin is a bodily organ, and just like kidneys, heart,
liver etc its performance is directly in relation to how well the rest
of the body is. Maintaining a strong digestive tract should be key to
anyone having difficulties with acne.
Broccoli
Perhaps most people’s favorite super food, broccoli is rich in vitamins
A, B, C, E and K – the complete package when it comes to maintaining
overall health, with great knock-on benefits for the skin. Like all such
vegetables try to steam rather than boil to prevent nutrients slipping
out while cooking.
Garlic
Renowned for
centuries thanks to its health giving benefits, garlic is one of the
best and certainly most easily available foods for its antioxidant
powers. It prevents the inflammation of the skin and helps the immune
system to function, and is available in concentrated vitamin supplements
for those who find its taste too pungent.
These are some of the
recommended foods that prevent acne and by replacing your junk food
with healthier alternatives, you are keeping your body healthy.