Acne or "acne vulgaris" is the most common skin condition in the United States, with over 50 million Americans being affected. While mostly teens experience acne, anybody can suffer from it. Fortunately, there are many foods rich in certain vitamins and minerals that are beneficial, as they help to reduce acne formation and appearance.
Foods Rich in Zinc
Zinc can be found in foods such as red meats, sunflower seeds, pinto beans, pumpkin and mushrooms. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that zinc may be able to improve acne. Taking zinc in conjunction with topical antibiotic erythromycin might be efficient in reducing acne. Zinc helps to treat acne scarring by healing damaged tissues and prevents the formation of acne by controlling the activity of your oil glands; excess release of oils onto your face can contribute to acne development.
Foods Rich in Vitamin C
Foods that contain high amounts of vitamin C include cooked leafy green vegetables, blueberries, kiwi, peppers, mangoes, tomatoes and oranges. According to Vitamin & Nutrition Center, vitamin C enhances immunity and has an antibacterial effect essential for preventing the formation of acne and pimples. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant vitamin, flushing out toxins and pollutants from the body.
Foods Rich in Vitamin A
Vitamin A comes from foods such as milk, liver, halibut, cheese, cod, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, spinach, apricots and carrots, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Vitamin A helps to keep your skin strong and ensures that the protective tissue of your skin remains firm and healthy. Also, vitamin A helps to prevent acne development by reducing sebum production. Low intake of vitamin A can lead to acne.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are a good source for B vitamins. The Vitamin & Nutrition Center says that numerous B vitamins can help to fight acne. Thiamine or vitamin B1 is particularly important, as it acts as an antioxidant vitamin, flushing out bacteria from the skin; excess bacteria can cause acne formation. Pantothenic acid or vitamin B5 is beneficial in that it reduces stress, which is known to cause acne. Low levels of certain B vitamins such as B2, B3 & B6 can cause acne to form.
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