The unsightly redness, puffiness and pustules that appear on your skin, most often in the teen years, are actually a disease; for some, it is a life-altering disease. Unfortunately, there is no miracle diet or cure for acne, although most people experience significant results with over-the-counter medicines or in severe cases, prescriptions. A healthy diet might also improve your skin condition. Talk to your doctor about the best ways to manage your acne.
Causes of Acne
Acne appears beneath the skin when excess sebum causes the hair follicles to become clogged. The overproduction of sebum generally results when hormones are rampant, as is the case in puberty and before a woman's menstrual cycle. Several types of acne exist, including whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and cysts. The most severe type of acne is cystic acne, which is often resistant to mild medications and requires potent drugs to prevent permanent scars and pocks. Never attempt to treat cystic acne with a healthy diet.
Acne Diet Myths
Among the many diet myths about acne is the theory that certain foods cause breakouts. Common culprits are french fries, chocolate bars and fast foods. The truth is, no matter how many potato chips or burgers you consume, you're not likely to experience excessive acne as a side effect. This doesn't mean a healthy diet is not crucial to skin health, however. A balanced diet can still have a positive effect on your skin.
Foods to Improve Skin
Although there is no proof that any specific diet effectively treats or prevents acne, some foods can help improve the look and feel of your skin and may even accelerate healing to reduce acne scars and residual marks. Beneficial foods for your skin include nutritionally dense foods such as leafy green vegetables, fresh fruits and whole grains. Additionally, foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna and nuts, are purported to reduce inflammation, which might decrease acne symptoms.
Considerations
If dietary changes and over-the-counter acne medications fail to improve your acne condition, talk to a dermatologist about other treatment options. Left untreated, acne can cause permanent scarring. In addition, prolonged acne can take a toll on your self-esteem and may even lead to depression.
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