Acne is the most common skin disease in the United States, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, affecting up to 45 million people at any given time. Numerous factors may contribute to pimples, skin redness and other symptoms, including genetics, personal hygiene, hormonal shifts and perspiration. Although foods are not known to cause or cure acne, healthy foods, including fruits, may help manage your symptoms. For best results, seek guidance form your dermatologist or dietitian.
Benefits
Along with vegetables, fruits provide antioxidants, which support your body's ability to resist and heal from disease. Acne medications known as retinoids derive from vitamin A -- an antioxidant that supports healthy tissue and skin repair. Fresh fruits are also low-glycemic, meaning they have a mild impact on your blood sugar. Lowering the glycemic impact of your diet may also help minimize acne symptoms.
Best Choices
Fruits particularly rich in vitamin A include papaya, apricots, cantaloupe and mango. Fruits rich in vitamin C -- another antioxidant that may enhance skin health -- include citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries and tomatoes.
Research
In a study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 2007, 43 male acne patients, ages 15 to 25, followed a low-glycemic diet, emphasizing whole grains and fruits, or a diet without reference to glycemic impact, for 12 weeks. By the study's end, the participants who were on the low-glycemic diet had significantly fewer acne lesions compared to the participants who were not.
Suggestions
To lower your glycemic load, eat more fresh fruits and avoid high-glycemic foods, such as candy, soft drinks, sweetened canned fruit and fruit juice. Other foods rich in antioxidants and low in glycemic impact include whole grains, such as oats, brown rice and popcorn, nuts, nut butters and seeds. The healthy fats in nuts, seeds and cold-water fish, such as salmon, may help reduce inflammation and other effects of acne, according to a "Skin Therapy Letter" report published in 2010. Eat a variety of colorful fruits regularly for broadest nutritional benefits.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Acne
- "Skin Therapy Letter"; Does Diet Really Affect Acne?; H. R. Ferdowsian, S. Levin; 2010
- MayoClinic.com: Skin Care: 5 Tips for Healthy Skin
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; A Low-Glycemic-Load Diet Improves Symptoms in Acne Vulgaris Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial; Robyn N. Smith et al.; July 2007
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