If you often indulge in foods such as refined carbohydrates, dairy and meat --- foods popular in the Western diet --- you're likely to have high levels of inflammation in your body. Inflammation contributes to acne formation, so finding ways to minimize it, such as drinking cranberry juice --- can be beneficial for acne treatment, according to Nicholas Perricone, a dermatologist and author of "The Acne Prescription." However, more research is needed on the benefits of cranberry juice for acne, and cranberry juice may be harmful in some cases.
The Role of Inflammation in Acne
In acne, inflammation sets in when bacteria starts to feed on oil and dead skin cells in clogged follicles or pores and the follicular walls stretch and become inflamed. Although inflammation is worse in cystic acne, characterized by swollen acne lesions filled with pus, it is still present in lower-grade pimples such as whiteheads. Furthermore, the activity of bacteria on clogged pores also increases free radicals, which are unstable oxygen molecules, in your skin and further boost inflammation.
Antioxidant Benefits of Cranberry Juice for Acne
A cup of cranberry juice contains 23.5 mg of vitamin C, about 3 mg of vitamin E and 114 IU of vitamin A, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Nutrient Database. These nutrients are antioxidants that fight free radicals and help to lower inflammation in your body and skin. Another potent antioxidant found in cranberries is resveratrol, which research shows can be effective in minimizing acne pimples. However, your body metabolizes resveratrol quickly when you take it orally, making it less available to cells and tissues.
Evidence
In a study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Dermatology" in April 2011, researchers investigated the effects of a resveratrol-containing hydrogel on the right side of the face of 20 patients with acne. The researchers recorded the number and types of lesions for the patients to compare the Global Acne Grading System, or GAGS, score before and after treatment. The results showed a 53.75 percent mean reduction in GAGS on the right side of the face treated with resveratrol, compared to only a 6.1 percent decrease on the left side, which was treated with a plain hydrogel. The resveratrol gel yielded a clinically relevant and statistically significant reduction in lesions in the treated areas. However, the researchers add that larger studies are needed.
Precautions
Do not drink more than 8 to 12 oz. of cranberry juice daily, as this is the daily amount of juice that the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia recommends for adults. Cranberry juice is very acidic so drinking too much of it may damage your teeth or cause or worsen heartburn. If you have kidney stones or you're at risk for developing them, seek medical advice before drinking cranberry juice, which contains high levels of oxalate. Also, cranberry juice may be harmful if you are taking blood-thinning medications.
Considerations
To make more resveratrol available to your skin to relieve acne, try directly applying cranberry juice or a mask of mashed cranberries topically. Although altering your diet may improve acne, you'll see improvements more quickly if your treatment is under the supervision of a dermatologist.
References
- "The Acne Prescription"; Nicholas Perricone, M.D.; 2003
- USDA National Nutrient Database: Cranberry Juice, Unsweetened
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Resveratrol
- American Journal of Clinical Dermatology"; Resveratrol-containing Gel for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Single-Blind, Vehicle-Controlled, Pilot Study; G. Fabbrocini, et al.; April 2011
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: Limit 100% Fruit Juice
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cranberry
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