Acne is a common skin condition in which your skin follicles become inflamed or clogged, causing pimples, blackheads, redness, pain or swelling. Though severe acne symptoms are most common among men, women's symptoms tend to last longer, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In addition to proper skin hygiene habits and medications, when necessary, a healthy diet may help minimize your symptoms. For best results, seek specified guidance from your dermatologist or dietitian.
Yogurt and Kefir
Yogurt and kefir, a yogurt-like beverage, provide significant amounts of protein, nutrients like calcium, and probiotics -- healthy bacteria that promote digestive health and may help reduce the effects of harmful bacteria. According to "Health Benefits of Probiotics" by S. K. Dash and Beth M. Ley, probiotics may help prevent or reduce the severity of acne outbreaks in adolescents and even more so in adults by restoring bacterial balance throughout your body. For maximum probiotic benefits consume yogurt and/or kefir containing "live active cultures," such as Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium, routinely.
Lean Meats
Lean meats, such as chicken, turkey, pork and lean beef, provide rich amounts of zinc -- a mineral your body requires in trace amounts for proper wound healing, physical development and immune system function. Increasing your zinc intake may help reduce the effects of acne, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Since zinc supplements can cause side effects and toxicity when consumed in excess, zinc-rich foods provide a safer remedy. Lean meat varieties particularly rich in zinc include lean beef shanks and pork shoulder, pork tenderloin and skinless white-meat chicken and turkey.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish are additional sources of zinc that provide the added benefit of omega-3 fatty acids -- healthy fats associated with improved heart health and brain function. Omega-3 fat also help reduce inflammation. Since acne is an inflammatory skin condition, incorporating fatty fish into your meals consistently may help reduce your symptoms. Fish particularly high in omega-3 fats include salmon, albacore tuna, lake trout, flounder, herring, sardines, halibut and mackerel.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables supply significant amounts of antioxidants -- nutrients that help your body fend off infections and disease. The antioxidant vitamin A may affect your skin in ways similar to retinol drugs -- medications used to treat acne, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Valuable sources of vitamin A and additional antioxidants include carrots, carrot juices, mangos, papaya, apricots, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and squash.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Acne
- "Health Benefits of Probiotics"; S. K. Dash, Beth M. Ley; 2000
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