To some degree, most people will struggle with the inflammatory skin disease for which no cure exists: acne. In fact, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Blackheads, whiteheads and pustules appear when sebaceous glands produce excess oil, which mixes with skin cells in the hair follicles and creates a blockage. A common theory is that nutrition can cause this chain of events, however, no link exists between acne and diet.
Acne Conditions
Although each person's skin is different, acne generally exists in severity from mild to severe. Severe acne is called cystic acne -- acne that forms when inflammation reaches deep into the skin's layers, which causes painful bumps. These cysts can lead to permanent scars or pocks if left untreated. If this type of acne affects you, seek medical attention rather than focusing on nutritional interventions to treat your condition. You will likely need potent prescription medications, such as isotretinoin or low-dose antibiotics to clear your skin.
Acne and Diet
Rumors have long circulated about foods that cause acne, with chocolate and greasy foods being major offenders. These theories, however, are unproved. The truth is, no one really knows why some people -- despite their best hygienic efforts -- struggle with acne. Teenage acne is generally the result of increased hormones levels, which cause excess sebum production to clog pores. A lack of nutrition may negatively effect your health and appearance, but it is not likely the cause of your acne.
Skin-Soothing Foods
Although nutritional deficiencies might not cause acne, a healthy diet can improve your skin by nourishing your body with essential nutrients and increasing your ability to recover from breakouts. Consume foods from every major food group, focusing on whole foods rather than processed selections. Vitamin A and zinc are sometimes helpful for improving acne-affected skin, and foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, healthy oils and nuts, are shown to reduce inflammation in the body. Additionally, when applied to the skin, green tea bags help reduce swelling, which may help sooth an irritated blemish. Chock full of antioxidants, green tea also makes a smart skin beverage.
Additional Options
If you are striving to eat well everyday by consuming healthy foods from every major foods group for optimal skin health and your acne is still problematic, it might be time to consider additional options. Over-the-counter products that contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are among the most widely used acne medications, which help kill acne-causing bacteria and increase cell turnover to reduce clogged pores. While eating a proper diet, experiment with various creams and washes to find out which ones are most effective for you. Keep in mind, however, it may take several weeks before you see results.
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