For clear skin, you must eat a varied and healthy diet --- what you put in reflects what comes out. The best thing you can do for acne-prone skin is to follow a low-sugar, low-fat, high-fiber and nutrient-dense diet. Consult your doctor before beginning any new diet.
Eating
Five daily servings of different-colored fruit and vegetables is the most important dietary habit to improve the appearance of your skin. Also eat plenty of fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, root vegetables, lentils and beans. Take a tablespoon of cold-pressed seed oils daily, and eat oily fish three times a week to pump your body with omega-3 fats, which help your skin appear fresh and plumped.
Drinking
Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. This will cleanse your system and better lubricate your skin, meaning it will appear clearer and healthier. Skin cells are made mainly of water; if you're dehydrated, your skin will look and feel parched, too --- so keep a bottle by your side and sip from it throughout the day.
Digestion
A slow digestive system can result in food being stuck in your body, and as it decomposes and corrodes, it releases poisons. These poisons are released through your pores --- which leads to build-up and spots on your face. A healthy diet --- particularly one rich in fiber --- will help to avoid this; you should also cleanse your face regularly and avoid exposure to unnecessary bacteria.
What to Avoid
Sugar and fried foods are the worse things to eat if your skin isn't clear. Diets high in refined sugar cause your body's sugar levels to soar, then crash; these spikes trigger an immediate inflammatory reaction in your skin cells and lead to increased sebum levels, which cause acne. You should also avoid, or cut down on, alcohol. Have no more than two cups of coffee and tea a day --- try exchanging them for green or white tea.
Considerations
Keep in mind that what works for one person's skin might not have the same effect on yours. Listen to your body, and notice how your skin reacts to what you're doing or how you're eating. Make small modifications so you can note what helps to banish your blemishes; these steps will add up to a big lifestyle change and, ideally, clearer skin.
