There's been a lot of talk lately about anti acne diets and their amazing effectiveness, and fortunately, there’s some good science behind these claims. And while some people would have you believe that you need to consult a dietician or even a medical professional before you start a diet to clear acne, there are others who get started immediately without waiting around to talk to these "specialists".
Personally, I'm part of the latter group, as I don't need a doctor or "trained" dietician to tell me that eating "natural" foods is a good thing. After all, this isn't a crash diet, it's an anti acne diet, which just involves eating more natural foods that are good for your skin and overall health.
The key for success in a diet to clear acne is to find the right foods which actually help clear and prevent acne breakouts. That said, here are seven foods that are very common in anti acne diets...
1. Organic Green or Black Tea
Tea is rich in antioxidants as well as catechins and polyphenols, and therefore an excellent beverage to include in a diet to clear acne. Tea's chemical compounds have anti inflammatory properties. Black tea contains the highest concentrations of these nutrients, but green tea contains less bitter tannin and caffeine. So the choice between the two types of tea is determined by personal taste preferences.
Personally, I'm not a fan of green tea and how it tastes -- same goes for black tea -- so I use honey, milk, lemon juice, and a few other natural sweeteners to make it more tolerable for myself.
2. Whole Grains and Nuts
Rich in omega-3 oils, vitamins B3, B5, E, as well as trace minerals of selenium and zinc; whole grains and nuts keep the skin healthy, thick, plump and supple.
Omega 3 comes from Brazil nuts and peanuts as well as cereals, meat, fish, and eggs. Brazil nuts, whole bread and cereal grains such as barley and oats are the richest ordinary sources of selenium, which synthesizes the nutrients in anti acne diets and aids in creating healthy, glowing skin.
3. Lemon & Lime Juice
Lemon or lime juice can be a great addition to a diet to clear acne. You can add small amounts to water (or tea) and drink it OR you can use lemon and lime zest, made from the grated rinds of these fruits, as a non-salt seasoning which gives most foods a nice little kick!
Lemon and limes are good because of they are loaded with antioxidants, they have powerful anti inflammatory properties, and they've got amazing immune system boosting benefits.
4. Berries (And Acai Berry Juice)
Berries are practically the best tasting and most powerful natural fruit remedy for acne in existence. Acai berry juice, for instance, contains vital nutrients and fatty acids to regulate hormones and control sebum production in our skin; making it awesome addition to all types of anti acne diets. Include acai berry juice in your diet to clear acne to experience an astounding synergistic effect.
Strawberries are another great food to add to anti acne diets, as they contain both antioxidants and salicylic acid, two key ingredients in many products. And for those of you with acne scars, strawberry juice may help to lighten hyper pigmentation of acne scar tissue while it keeps skin smooth and supple.
5. Watermelon
Watermelon is a good source of beta carotene, vitamin C, as well as citrulline, and lycopene, and should be included in anti acne diets. The bright red "flesh" of the watermelon is recognized by experts as one of the best natural sources for beneficial antioxidants, which are required in a diet to clear acne. The watermelon contains a lot of water too, which hydrates the skin and stimulates blood detoxification.
6. Yogurt
Yogurt is a very important part of anti acne diets. The consumption of yogurt as part of a diet to clear acne provides your body with much needed vitamins. Yogurt’s acidic character comes from L acidophillus, which kills harmful bacteria contributing to acne. For those with acne scars, yogurt can reduce their appearance while it keeps your complexion smooth and fresh.
7. Apples
The apple is another one of the best foods in anti acne diets. Try eating at least 2 apples every day! Don't even think of an excuse not to either -- apples are super cheap year around and they a quick and EASY snack.
Apples contain lots of pectin , a natural enemy of acne. Do not peel off the apple skin as pectin is mostly concentrated there, and it is an excellent source of dietary fiber.
Another way use of apples is apple cider vinegar and you can use it as a mild toner for acne. Two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar added to a pint of water should do the trick. Apply this skincare concoction after your normal skincare routine and massage it in thoroughly.
When starting a diet to clear acne, do not shock yourself by immediately eliminating all your favorite foods. You can take it one step at a time and slowly replace them with these healthy alternatives. By doing so gradually, you will be more successful in achieving your goal of becoming acne free.
