Foods for Acne

Top Five Foods for Acne

What we eat affects each and every organ in our body. Simply put, the food we consume causes chemical changes that affect our body's condition. Different kinds of food can have different effects on our skin too. In fact, some types of food have been found to make skin healthier and even help with acne. Here is a list of the top five foods for more radiant, blemish-free skin:

Skin Food 1: Green Leafy Vegetables

If we just listened to mom when we were kids, eating more lettuce, broccoli and cabbage would have made our skin look flawless and beautiful. This is because green leafy vegetables are packed with antioxidants that boost skin health, prevent wrinkles and dark spots, and help pimples heal faster. If you're out for the best green veg for your skin, pick spinach. Not only is it packed with antioxidants, it's also rich in other skin-boosting vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin E.

Skin Food 2: Berries

The berry family of fruits is another skin secret. Ancient Greeks are said to regularly use a skin clearing mask of crushed berries with milk. And it's no wonder why - berries are very rich in skin-boosting antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Blueberries, in particular, are a good source of fiber, vitamin A, vitamins C, riboflavin, and vitamin E. These nutrients are not just good for the body but excellent for the skin too. Other skin-friendly members of the berry family include raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.

Skin Food 3: Grapefruit

Like most other citrus fruits, grapefruits are rich in the antioxidant vitamin C. Unlike oranges and lemons, however, grapefruits are also packed with vitamins A and B - vitamins known to boost skin health and improve the appearance of both wrinkles and pimples. That is why the lowly grapefruit stands way above its citrusy brothers. And a good reason why you should incorporate it into your daily diet too.

Skin Food 4: Carrots

Bugs bunny may not have known it, but munching on carrots can be one of the surest ways to clearer, smoother skin. This vegetable takes its name from beta carotene, a pigment that is a precursor to vitamin A. Vitamin A is used in many skin and acne products to reduce pimple redness and inflammation, manage hyperactive oil glands, and even reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Other foods rich in beta carotene include squash, pumpkin and mangoes.

Skin Food 5: Water

Okay, so technically water is not food. But it is the best thing you can consume for clearer, healthier skin. Why? Water flushes out all the toxins and impurities from the skin. Skin cells also need water so that they can heal faster, be more supple, and be better protected from infection, damage, and irritation. It also helps that water has zero calories too, and is more beneficial to your body than sugar-laden sodas or alcoholic drinks.

There you have it - the five best foods for acne. For a more complete list, you can read our guide to food and drinks for acne. And remember - managing our diet is just one of many natural treatments for acne you can try.