You’ve tried every remedy, from oral medication to topical ointment, but your skin never seems to change. Along with a dedicated skin care regimen, it’s crucial to prioritize your diet. What you put into your body can make a real difference when it comes to concerns like acne.

The more nutrient and antioxidants you consume, the better! Here are the best foods to eat to avoid acne.

How Diet Affects the Skin

It’s essential to note that acne isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your skin more than likely differs from your friend’s, even if you both experience blackheads, pimples and whiteheads. While you may experience hormonal acne, they could suffer from cystic acne – and both require separate treatments. That said, your diet can have an impact on your skin either way.

When you eat food that raises your blood pressure, your body releases insulin. A large amount of insulin can cause sebum overproduction. In other words, your skin becomes more oily every time you consume too much sugar. Many experts suspect that dairy products cause acne, as well.

If you want to switch to a better diet, here’s what to add to your meal plan.

Lentils and Beans

Legumes contain zinc, a mineral that people have relied on for centuries to fight certain diseases. When used to decrease inflammatory dermatoses issues like acne, it’s incredibly effective for both moderate and severe cases. You can find topical products with zinc, but it’s also possible to take it orally through certain foods.

Try to eat more lentils and beans to boost your zinc consumption. You can also combine them with other acne-friendly foods, like dark leafy greens, for a well-rounded diet.

Kombucha and Pickles

Sometimes, acne occurs as a result of inflammation within the gut. If you don’t balance your body’s bacteria level, you can experience related symptoms. That’s why it’s necessary to consume more probiotic-heavy foods. Then, your body can regulate properly and reduce inflammation.

For example, kombucha and pickles often contain high levels of probiotics. If you suspect that inflammation causes your acne, do your best to incorporate probiotics into your diet. You can also try supplements if you don’t like the taste of these options.

Seeds and Nuts

Many seeds and nuts have vitamin E, which helps the skin stay hydrated and plump. It also reduces the appearance of scars – and those with acne aren’t strangers to these marks. While you can apply vitamin E oil onto the face directly, it’s not a bad idea to consume it through your diet.

You can add seeds and nuts to salads and yogurt. You can also eat them as a snack or use them to coat different meats. In any case, these foods provide many other health-related benefits aside from acne relief.

Dark Leafy Greens

If you don’t already love greens, it’s time to start. Options like kale and spinach have high antioxidant levels – a potential solution for acne-prone skin. You may have heard about free radicals, otherwise known as molecules that air pollution unleashes into the environment. These agents cause many skin problems, like acne.

Fortunately, antioxidants fight free radicals. Make sure to increase your leafy green intake so that you can lessen those levels. That said, free radicals can help your immune system, so it’s important to maintain a balance.

These Are the Best Foods to Eat to Avoid Acne

If you struggle with acne, a small diet change may be what you need to enjoy clearer skin. Try these foods alongside your skin care routine for effective results. As always, speak with your dermatologist before you make any drastic decisions.