Looking for an easy home remedy to cure and prevent acne? A diet that focuses on good nutrition is an inexpensive way to keep skin problems at bay.
In order to maintain the natural beauty of the skin, what you eat is more important than what you apply on the skin. Simply dabbing expensive skin care products is not of any help, if a well-balanced diet is being ignored. For a healthy-looking skin, the key is to follow an acne-free diet.
Following are the foods that need to be included to get and maintain a clear acne-free skin:
Omega-3 Rich Foods
For a healthy skin, eating foods high in omega-3 essential fatty acids is essential. As we all know, omega-3s are healthy fats, lack of which can make the skin dry and prone to acne. One can certainly transform dull and lifeless skin into a youthful glow if omega-3 foods (given below) are included in the diet.
- Fish (salmon)
- Walnuts
- Flaxseeds
- Soybeans
- Raw tofu
Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Whether it is to heal acne or have a healthy glowing skin, depending on antioxidant-rich foods would definitely not leave you disappointed. Antioxidants are substances that do not allow free radicals to damage the skin. The antioxidant lycopene is especially useful to keep the skin healthy. Some of the lycopene-rich foods are given below:
- Tomatoes
- Watermelon
- Pink grapefruit
High-Fiber Foods
Improper digestion leads to accumulation of toxins in the body, which can cause acne. Besides acne, other skin problems that have been linked to poor digestion are rosacea and eczema. Fiber-rich foods (given below) improve digestive function, regulate bowel movement, which contributes in keeping acne problems at bay.
- Vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and artichoke
- Fruits such as oranges, bananas, apples, pears, and dried figs
- Almonds, oatmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat bread
Zinc-Rich Foods
It is found that zinc levels in acne patients is pretty low. Deficiency of zinc in healthy individuals can trigger formation of skin lesions. On the whole, for acne prevention, diet rich in zinc serves the purpose. Some of the foods containing a great deal of zinc are given below:
- Low-fat roasted beef
- Peanuts
- Roasted pumpkin seeds
- Lamb
Drink Adequate Water
Consuming water in adequate amounts daily is as important as having nutritious foods for a healthy skin. Sufficient water intake daily detoxifies the body, thereby helping to maintain that healthy looking complexion.
Foods to Avoid
Following an acne-free diet also means staying away from fried foods. Eating fried foods occasionally in moderation is unlikely to cause any skin problem but too much is definitely bad for the skin. Excessive consumption of processed foods (chips), high-sugar foods, and soft drinks can also increase the risk of acne breakouts as well as worsen pre-existing skin problems.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.