Acne has long been viewed as an ailment of the teenage years; but, today nearly eighty percent of adults experience some amount of facial blemishes. A variety of factors such as stress, overburdened liver and kidneys, and nutritional deficiencies can all be mended with a specific diet for acne prone skin. Addressing diet is a way of addressing the root of the problems that cause acne, rather than trying to 'chase' the symptoms with topical treatments which can be expensive and irritating to the skin. By combining different types of food to cure acne, the body has the opportunity to reach a state of balance and health, which will manifest as clean, blemish-free skin.
What is Acne?
Acne is a common skin disorder, characterized by blemishes and skin inflammations in the form of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. These skin disruptions can manifest on the face, but also on the back, chest, and shoulders. Although there are a number of causes of acne, it is often due to a hormone imbalance. Androgens, or male hormones are produced in excessive amounts. They increase the production of sebum, which is the skin's natural lubricant. An excess of sebum can clog pores and lead to perpetually oily skin.
Another direct cause of facial blemishes is a build-up of waste in the body. The two primary filtration organs, the liver and kidneys, have to rely on the skin to eliminate toxins when they are unable to keep up with the pace of waste elimination. The skin then becomes less and less pure, the more it is forced to reduce toxins in the body through sweat. Dirt, grime, and everyday pollution can clog pores as well.
The effects of any of these situations can be greatly reduced with food remedies for acne. By consciously eating a healthy diet for oily skin, rich in nutrients, fiber, and water, the body has the chance to reach a state of equilibrium.
How to Control Oily Skin
Can a poor diet cause you to have acne? Definitely. A diet rich in difficult to digest foods such as red meats, fatty dairy products, hydrogenated oils, fried, and sugary foods will almost inevitably lead to poor skin. Some foods need to be either minimized or eliminated. Caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, butter, cheese, high amount of seafood (fish and shellfish contain iodine, which is linked to facial breakouts) soda, eggs, citrus, and wheat germ can all trigger acne. What the body needs are nutrients for proper function and renewal, and fiber and water for cleansing.
A diet for acne prone skin needs to include vitamin A, which is a powerful antioxidant for skin tissue; B-complex vitamins to regulate stress levels and increase circulation to the surface of skin; vitamin C for immune health and for inflammation; and, vitamin E for healing and repair. This means that vitamin-rich, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and nuts are all excellent food remedies for acne. Zinc, which is found in high quantities in lima beans, soy, and mushrooms, is also connected with reducing acne.
A Healthy Diet for Acne Prone Skin
A healing diet for acne consists of a minimum of eight glasses of water per day, as well as cleansing fresh fruit juices, namely apple, papaya, and pineapple. A cup of green tea each morning will also help the body eliminate toxins naturally. Eat a salad every day; green leafy vegetables contain blood purifying chlorophyll, fiber, and all of the necessary vitamins required in a healthy diet for oily skin. Also include generous amounts of raw fruits and vegetables. Carrots, apples, pears, and broccoli are all excellent food remedies for acne. Brown rice, oats, and other whole grains should be consumed regularly for their fiber as well as the B vitamins, while white rice and white flour products should be avoided. Poultry and soy are the best sources of protein, and flax seed oil or evening primrose oil can be taken for the skin-nourishing omega oils.
Eating a variety of natural foods, with a focus on the types of food that are known to help cure acne, as well as getting enough fresh air, moderate exercise, and adequate sunlight, will strengthen and rejuvenate the body. This state of health will eventually lead to permanent healthy, glowing skin.
Sources:
Balch, Phyllis A. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Fourth Edition (Penguin Books, 2006).
Page, Linda. Healing Healing: A Guide to Self-Healing for Everyone. Eleventh Edition (Traditional Wisdom, 2003).
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