Your skin provides a layer of protection for your body and plays an important role in your immune system. Medical conditions that may affect your skin include dermatitis, which causes flaky, itchy skin patches, and acne --- an inflammatory condition that causes pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. In addition to treating underlying causes that contribute to your skin condition, such as allergies, poor hygiene and stress, a healthy, balanced diet may help to prevent or reduce your symptoms.
Meat and Seafood
Meat and seafood provide valuable amounts of protein and nutrients, such as zinc. Consuming zinc-rich foods may help to alleviate acne---the most common skin condition, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Since fatty meats are rich in saturated fat, opt for lean varieties most often. Meat and seafood particularly high in zinc include oysters, beef shanks, crab, pork shoulder, chicken legs and lobster. Fatty fish, such as salmon, albacore tuna, mackerel, herring and sardines, provide omega-3 fatty acids --- healthy fats that may help to reduce inflammation associated with skin disorders.
Whole Grains
Whole grains provide valuable amounts of fiber and nutrients, including B vitamins. B vitamins, such as niacin, riboflavin and vitamin B-6, help to prevent a variety of skin disorders, particularly those that affect your face or other skin areas frequently exposed to the sun, according to the American Skin Association. Whole grains are also low-glycemic, meaning they have a mild impact on your blood sugar. Blood sugar balance may also enhance your skin health. For maximum benefits, incorporate a variety of whole grains, such as whole wheat, bulgur, spelt, millet, brown rice, wild rice, popcorn and oats into your diet regularly. When purchasing breads, cereals and pasta, check food packaging to ensure that a whole grain is listed as a main ingredient.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables provide an assortment of valuable nutrients, many of which provide antioxidant, or disease-fighting, benefits. Mayo Clinic dermatologist Lawrence E. Gibson recommends antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, apples, blueberries, tomatoes and peas, as valuable skin-protecting food options. Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin A may provide benefits similar to retinoid drugs --- medications used to treat acne. To reap benefits of this nutrient, incorporate orange and green fruits and vegetables, such as squash, nectarines, carrots, mangos, papaya, cantaloupe, pumpkin, peaches, leafy greens and broccoli into your diet regularly. Juices, such as carrot and orange juice, are also rich sources of antioxidants.
