Acne vulgaris (acne) is a condition where the skin is affected by various causes such as pollution, bacteria, hormonal imbalance, resulting in pimples in the affected areas. These pimples are termed as zits in this condition. Also, blackheads, whiteheads, red patches which may be inflamed are found to occur on the infected skin. Acne occurs most commonly among teenagers, even sometimes in babies. The skin becomes oily and this oil gets secreted in the skin pores causing the follicle to open and dirt gets accumulated inside this pore. Slowly this becomes a whitehead, blackhead, gets inflamed and becomes a pimple and after this the red patches gets spread across the infected areas. When given a prescription, the physician usually goes for an antibiotic and counter medications such as benzoyl peroxide, gels, creams and soaps. But this is less effective when it becomes a long term treatment. But, diet also plays a vital role in controlling and treating this condition. Now let’s see how this can help.
Protein rich foods
High protein intake will always help in skin cells to react and recover faster in any case of infections. These proteins will help in working as antagonists for oil secreting enzymes in the skin and prevent the secretion process to occur. Thus, the main cause of acne is hampered and acne gets reduced. Also, protein helps to act on the cells to recur faster with replacement of the dead cells and thus making the skin lighter and softer. But care must be taken that proteins are taken along with low glycemic diet so that it acts in a better way. Sources of protein that are advisable include animal protein from red meat, vegetable protein from sprouts, seeds, legumes and so on. Whey protein shake is the best recommended diet for acne. 3-6 ounces of every meal must contain one among these sources.
Foods having right kind of fats
Fats are no way a danger to any skin related disease. But all the people have the misconception that the fats always aggravate the skin related problems. Without fats, the brain will not work properly and even sometimes shut down. The diet plan for acne must include a proportionate balance between omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. 1:3 is the appropriate ratio for acne that is if 2 g of omega 3 is taken in the form of sources such as olive oil, flax seed oil, fresh salmon, etc., then 6 g of omega 6 fatty acids must be taken in the form of sources such as beef, red chicken, all nuts, peanut butter, cakes, cookies, etc. These components act as best anti-inflammatory agents and also are best moisturizers for the skin.
Fruits
Fruits are the best medicines for all the skin ailments, especially acne. Now let’s understand in specific the best options:
Apples: The popular saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” can also be re-framed in a way that “An apple a day keeps the dermatologist away”. Apples contain anti-oxidant properties which help gradually reduce acne.
Apricots: Organically grown apricots are best sources of vitamin A, vitamin B complex and fiber that helps control and fight acne.
Bananas: The potassium content in bananas helps to act against the bacteria that causes acne and fight against acne.
Cantaloupes: Excellent sources of vitamin A and C helps acting as best agents to treat acne.
Cherries: Ripe cherries are best blood cleansers that help suppressing acne.
In addition to these specific ones, other citrus fruits and papaya help control acne.
Vegetables
Eating vegetables in the raw form as juice is the best and strong way to clean up acne. Now let’s see which are the best ones to treat acne.
Carrot: Juice/raw carrots contain rich form of vitamin A and also carotene that helps in treating acne. Also, the mineral magnesium that is present in carrot help in exfoliating the affected skin.
Cucumber: Also is a very healthy way of treating acne. It contains vitamin A and vitamin C and acts on the acne controlling it and enriching the skin tone.
Spinach: Contains rich iron, vitamin A and K that have an anti-oxidant property that helps in treating acne problems and also prevent future symptoms related to acne.
Garlic: Its juice has a property of controlling the oil balance on the skin that is the main cause of acne. Some people even apply garlic juice on the pimples.
Carbohydrates: Low glycemic index
Carbohydrates have a vital influence on balancing the blood sugar levels and also the inflammation in the body. So, choosing carbohydrates that are best suited for treating acne is very important. A low-glycemic diet is preferable for acne since the inflammation is the main symptom in case of affected skin. Sources of low-glycemic diet include beans, legumes, oats, barley, quinoa, which needs to be taken in a well cooked form along with protein to have effectiveness on treating acne.
Vitamins and minerals
As dealt commonly in other sections, vitamins and minerals are very vital in acne treatment. Especially vitamin A, C, D and K are vital constituents of an effective diet to treat acne. These have property to act against harmful bacteria, exfoliate the skin, eliminate the inflammation on the rashes on the skin and also act on pimples. Vital minerals for treating acne include zinc, magnesium and potassium.
Limit intake of diary and processed foods
This is the foremost mathra/slogan to keep in mind for treating acne. Milk and diary products are in fact antagonistic to affected skin because these animal fats are in the saturated form and tend to promote growth of the bacteria that will happily thrive in the atmosphere and the acne never comes down and in fact gets more serious. Also, when processed foods are taken, it might have some preservatives that might harm the skin and results increase the skin problems, especially in case of acne.
Say no to milk and diary; yes to healthy vegetables and fruits and more openly to proteins that help in treating acne in an effective way.