Acne: the curse of just about every man and woman around the world!
There are few things worse than waking up on the morning of your wedding, high school graduation, prom, or big job interview and finding a massive zit in the middle of your face. Your heart sinks as you reach for the cover-up, but it’s just not enough to get rid of that pimple.
Following an acne diet is a good way to not only get rid of pimples, but also prevent them in the first place. A diet for acne is rich in skin clearing foods, foods that help clear acne and stop the pimples from forming. For those who want to add the best foods for acne to their diet, here are a few you MUST eat:
1. Dark Chocolate
The belief that chocolate contributes to the formation of acne is a myth, but it’s known that dark chocolate is one of the best foods to clear acne. Dark chocolate is rich in zinc, a mineral that plays a central role in skin health. Plus, the antioxidants in the dark chocolate will help to fight the free radicals that contribute to acne.
2. Sunflower Seeds
Vitamin E should be a central part of your acne diet, as it protects your skin against damage caused by the sun, pollution, and bacteria on your skin. Sunflower seeds are one of the best sources of Vitamin E, so they definitely deserve a place in your diet for acne.
3. Salmon
Salmon is one of the best sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, nutrients that are effective at fighting inflammation in your body. Pimples are basically inflamed, infected skin pores, and salmon helps to reduce the visibility of your pimples by reducing the redness and swelling of the inflamed skin. Definitely a useful addition to your acne diet!
4. Nettle Tea
Nettle is one of those natural herbs that treat a wide range of health problems, and making a tea with the leaves of the nettle plant is a good way to get rid of pimples. The tea is loaded with anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe your skin, as well as antioxidants that protect your skin from free radical damage.
5. Garlic/Onions
These aromatic veggies can do so much more than make your food taste delicious, but you’ll find that they’re one of the best natural sources of selenium. The mineral protects your skin, preventing it from sagging and keeping it nice and elastic. Selenium can also reduce the amount of damage that is done to your skin when it is inflamed, so eating more aromatic veggies can help to protect your skin from acne scars.
6. Carrots
Carrots are one of the best natural sources of Vitamin A, a vitamin that plays a central role in your skin health. Thanks to carrots–one of the best foods to clear acne–you can slow your skin’s cellular reproduction rate and prevent the overproduction of dead skin cells which leads to clogged pores.
7. Dark, Leafy Greens
If it tastes like a leaf and is dark green, it’s one of those skin clearing foods you MUST add to your diet. Dark, leafy greens are loaded with Vitamin A, but they also contain Vitamin C, folic acid, iron, zinc, and a host of other skin-nourishing nutrients. Spinach, broccoli, kale, and chard are just a few of the dark leafy greens that will help to both prevent and clear acne breakouts.
8. Green Tea
Green tea is a food you’ll find on just about every diet list, including this list of the best foods for acne. Loaded with antioxidants, green tea is effective at protecting your skin from free radical damage. It can stop acne breakouts from happening in the first place, so it’s worth starting your acne diet with a cup of green tea every morning.
9. Tomatoes
Did you know that tomatoes are loaded with Vitamin C? Vitamin C gives your immune system a boost, enabling it to get rid of the P. acne bacteria that may be responsible for your latest acne breakout. Eat more tomatoes, and you promote healthier skin thanks to the fact that Vitamin C is needed to produce more collagen and elastin.
10. Oatmeal
Oats definitely belong in your acne diet, as they are one of the best sources of fiber. Fiber helps to detoxify your body, getting rid of the free radicals that can cause skin damage. Oats are also rich in magnesium, a mineral that helps to balance out your hormones. (Remember: Hormones play an important part in acne breakouts.)
11. Beets
Beets are rich in antioxidants, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, all of which will help to clear up your acne. The rich, purple root vegetable is one of the best skin clearing foods, plus it’s an EXCELLENT source of soluble and insoluble fiber!
12. Watercress
Loaded with magnesium, carotenoids (nutrients turned into Vitamin A), and potassium, the odd-flavored watercress is one of the best detoxifying acne-fighting foods around.
13. Fennel
Fennel isn’t just a digestive aid, but it’s also effective at flushing toxins and excess liquid from your body. It’s a food that contributes to your hair and skin health, so it belongs in your acne diet.
14. Red Grapes
Dark red grapes are rich in flavonoids, antioxidants that will help combat the toxins that can cause acne breakouts. Many people suggest drinking red wine to clear your acne, but it’s better to stick with the non-alcoholic dark red grape juice just to be safe!
15. Legumes
Beans, lentils, chickpeas, and other legumes are awesome sources of plant-based protein, a macronutrient that your skin needs in order to be healthy. They’re also rich in dietary fiber, which aid in digestion and help to detoxify your body. Plus, you get an assortment of skin health-promoting minerals and vitamins with each serving!
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