Acne Diet
Acne (pimples) has some relationship with nutrition, however there is little credible research providing links between certain food groups and acne. As an acne sufferer it is a process of trial and error. However there are some guidelines that may be useful.
Foods to Avoid
Foods with saturated fats and trans fats can contribute to oily skin. Saturated fats are found in most animal products – such as meats, dairy, and poultry. However the body does still require other essential fatty acids – such as from fish, flaxseed or hempseed oil.
Some believe that a high calorie intake (i.e. eating too much) can lead to increased hormone levels, and subsequently more ‘break-outs’ – but this is unproven.
What about chocolates and candy?
Many believe there is a direct relationship between eating chocolate and increased acne. However this is unproven – although chocolate does have a high proportion of saturated fats.
Foods to Try
A higher protein intake may assist in acne control. This may be to do with the decreased production of a certain enzyme that can cause more oil production, and increased clogging of pores. A diet with 60-70% carbohydrates may be too high in carbs.
Products and Treatment Video
Acne Treatments & Vitamins
Some people have found that Vitamin A and Zinc have helped with acne. In addition Green Tea could also be incorporated into the diet (as it leads to a decrease in androgen production).
High levels of iodine in the diet does impact some acne sufferers – by causing new outbreaks of acne lesions. Note that very salty (iodized salt) foods such as chips etc, contain high levels of iodine and should be avoided.
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My acne is under control after more than 10 years. I found the best routine is a foaming cleanser washed off with an exfoliating puff (gently) followed by a salicylic acid toner, twice a day. Occasional (DIY shop bought) glycolic peels work well too. Birth control and antibiotics worked a little, but not completely- everyone’s skin is different though, so don’t write them off. Medically, there is some evidence that avoiding dairy and high sugar products can help (as quoted by Dr Christian Jennssen on Channel 4′s ‘Embarrassing Illnesses’) and i must say, my skin has improved a lot since i have made a conscious effort to cut down on sugar- not easy for a sweet tooth like me, but worth it!
Try birth control – it really works! Also, excercising is a great way to de-tox your skin. Just wash your face afterwards. Also, some shampoos can trigger acne, and frizz-control products too. Being a girl, I’m always fooling around with my hair and the two things that really bring bacteria to the face are hands and hair (big surprise). I’m currently on BC as well as Differin and Clindamycin (or however you spell it). My skin seems to finally have cleared up. It’s amazing. Also, limit junk food – even though it might not cause acne, it’s still bad for your body and mind! (Also, eating more pumpkin seeds and using primrose oil is nice for your skin.)
everytime i wake up i dread making that slow walk to bathroom mirror. i see nothing but read blotchy spot of acne. They are way beneath the skin and they hurt. i don’t won’t to go places and i don’t even want my own family to see me.(i have a big family). i have read most of these comments…most of them say drink lots of water, eat right and exercise. so i guess that’s what i am going to do. i’ll get back to you about how this had worked out for me.
birth control pills worked for me. =)
I started to get acne in the fourth grade, it was torture. None of my classmates new what was on my face so I was considered a freak. I’m now in the eighth grade and my acne has only gotten worse.I’m often picked on and called pepperone face. Haveing acne is one of the worst things imaginable and i can’t help but envy thoes around me with perfect skin.I like so many people hace tried over the counter drugs along with proactive nothing seems to work. I just hope and pray for a mericle.
laser hair removal works…. alot of my friends that had bad acne and hair(obviously) got laser hair removal and because the hair is gone and the pore is closed you will get really clear skin. it worked for about 5 girls that i know, give it a shot! Good luck!
i was doing some research online and i saw this new treatment that includes creams and natural pills that clean from the inside out. the treatment is called clearpores and i was wondering if u guys knew about it or tried so u can tell me if it is worth buying or not. thanx
get OXY acne wash. not the scrub pads. Use it twice a day in the morning at night. dont use too much and dont leave it on too long. take a vitamin with vitamin A. dont eat alot of grease. its workin for me mostly.
i had mild acne and i got something prescribed from the doctor, it works [except for the occasional pimple breakout{chin, and corner of my forehead}]. so i would definetly reccomend something doctor prescribed and i want to help get rid of those little brekouts but i dont wanna do anything majorly drastic… wat options are there for me???
Give up the eggs. No food with egg, raw, baked,boiled or fried. Yes, no cookies or muffins.
i have bad acne in i am not even a teen yet. i eat no shugar at all and still have bad acne but i clean my face 3 times a day it works!!!
when i stopped drinking soda about 11 months ago my acne went away, especially those pimples that are on the cheeks and impossible to get rid of, before then i was on antibiotics and cream, the one antibiotic had a nasty side effect. i agree with dyana a balanced diet is needed to clear up acne and sleep.
i had acne, pimples, blackhead, etc since i was 12. it was hard for a teenager to face such condition. it was worse when i had chicken pox and started suffering from body acne. i tried many stuffs, claimed to help with the condition. none works until i went to see a dermatologist. and i started taking Diane-35, a hormone pill to help clear the acnes.
now, it has been a year since my acne started to clear up. the only thing left are the scars (can’t stop myself from picking at them) and occasional breakouts. healthy and balanced diet is a sure thing to help with acne. drinks lots of water, if possible, water that has been boiled instead of tap water. try to get yourself to exercise and to completely clean yourself afterwards. change your bedsheets and pillow cases frequently (if possible, weekly). and never forget to doze off at least 6-7 hours daily. it’s a sure thing that’ll help with acne.
try it.
acne sucks… but if u sleep drink lots of water clean ur face eat right and stay active ull be okay.. stay up
My acne is so bad right now that I just feel like scratching my face off at times please help
What worked 4 me
-drink at least 64 oz. of water daily ( when you sweat and go to the bathroom you are relasing toxins, water will help flush you out)
- mix cranberry juice with water and drink that on the side (cranberry juice is a great at removing toxins from your body)
-eat many berries, especially blue berries (especially in morning Ie: shakes, cereal…)
- diet: mostly fruits, veggies, soups (not fattening), lean meat, minimize salt, no refined anything, only complex carbs (unless you are an athlete and need it for a specific event), minimize chocolate (and chocolate milk, if you must have chocolate milk have chocolate almond milk, and eat carob instead of chocolate.) If you can do with out chocolate and carob then you will be better off. Not allot of Dairy: NO ICE CREAM!!! My alternative is Goat: yogurt, cheese, and butter. I sometimes have skim milk, but moslty I have Rice milk. Eat whole grain cereals, 9 grain and Sqaw breads. Corn, spelt, or grain tortillas. IF you can, it is hard and difficult to find, but I don’t eat gluten so my choices are gluten free breads, cereals, and pastas ( rice bread is the best).I hardly ever have breads though, if I’m going to cheat my favorite is cinnimon and rasin rice bread(Try not to eat allot of pastas or breads limit yourself to 2-3x’s a week). All this helps to clean you out and get rid of fattening, acne causing toxins. Also have nuts CAUTION: do not eat untill you drop! You must be in control of your self! For nuts try: almonds, cashews, walnuts, raisins(I know, it’s not a nut) and others. Limit your slef on the peanuts and peanut butter, they soak up the toxins from the soil. Try almond butter instead.
-Vitamins and minerals: (remember I am only telling you what I did, and it helped me, I am no prfessional) try taking vitamin supplements along with your veggies and fruits. I take Vit. C (helps everything), Food Caroteen (helps skin, and many other things), Vit E, D, B12, B6, etc…. consult a PROFESSIONAl before taking my advice on any of this!!!! (try to eat organic)
-skin deep: I also use proactive every now and then, but it won’t help if you pick, I also go to an estition, to her I owe my skin to the company name is CRYSTAL SKIN care. she has helped me so much(expensive and sometimes painful but very worth it)! Girls, if you wear make up, try using Young Blood Cosmetics, they are spcifically desinged for us, they can (depending on what you buy) help with oil, and they hide things vey well. I try to ice my face every night, it helps the swelling go down, for 2-3 minutes.
NO PICKING, NO TOUCHING, NO SCRATCHING, NO FEELING, NO STARING, NO THINKING, NO SQUEEZING!!! I say no staring b/c if you stare long enough or think about it long enough, you will end up trying to pop it and end up making problems worse in the long run. Stay at least 3 feet away from mirror @ all times and dont touch or fell your face. wash 2x’s daily, when drying, blot dont rub.
- Aloe will help w/ scars and break outs. it must be pure though. I put ADE cream on my face(vitamins A, D &E) either use organic shampoo or bedhead moisture maniac, it will help even if you have oily hair. Also try milk of magnasia.
-Work out hard 3-8x’s a week, but do somehting everyday. sweating helps release toxins( thats why its important to drink lots of water so you can release them) wear loose fitting clothes and rinse your body afterwards and UR face. I hope this helps. I know how hard it is, but know that you can do this, that you won’t pick, and in the end youll win ,not your ance.
REMEMBER I AM ONLY GIVING SUGGESTIONS TO BRING UP TO YOUR PARENTS OR TO PROFESSIONAL, PLS DONT TAKE BIRTH CONTROL PILLS OR ACUTANE. IT WORKED FOR ME THE HEALTHY WAY, ITS HARD AND IT NOT A QUICK FIX BUT LOVE YOU AND LOVE YOUR SKIN AND TAKE CARE OF IT!!! QUICK FIXES WILL USUALLY MESS U UP LATER. THIS WILL HELP YOU 4 LIFE. BUT CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL BEFORE DOING ANYTHING RASH, YOU MAY BE ALLGERGIC OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. BECAREFUL. DONT TAKE MEDICATION YOU WILL BECOME IMMUNE TO IT AND THEN U’LL NEED SOME THING STRONGER.
good luck, you can do it, if i can you can. Sorry for the poor spelling and mistakes. Got back from soccer tournament and its late. This might make you loose weight if you are overweight or are not healthy. so if you dont want weight loss eat many complex carbs, protein and fiber (protien and fiber regardless of your weight, fiber will cleanse you if u drink enough water) u will be happy with results ,b ut if you decide to stop this, after a while of doing it, go off slowly or it can get bad again. give your body time to adjust. DO NOT GIVE UP
wat foods help clear acne the best and which should i avoid? i need to clear acne in 2 weeks!!!
Water & more Water Folks! catch urself Eatn junk? stop right away cuz u will regret it! go 2 tha Docs get perscribd medicatn!
Wow it’s great to see that there are others having the same problems! I use Proactiv and my face has cleared up a lot, but I agree that it’s probably not a good thing for me to have to buy and use this product indefinitely. Acne runs in my family so I’ll probably have it for a while (it started in fourth or fifth grade – yuck!). I don’t think I could ever scrub my face with an onion, but I will definitely try the vitamin b5 thing since sometimes my acne is cystic. I’m sure the balanced diet thing helps too, and I’m trying for that anyway because I’ve gained a lot of weight this year. Thanks a lot for all the tips, everyone, and good luck too! Oh and I’ve learned not to let my acne control the way I feel about myself. It would be silly to spend the time from late elementary to during college curling up in a corner and hiding my face! Do what you can to clear your skin up, but don’t obsess over a few (or several) pimples. Chances are, in a few years you’ll forget you ever had them.
I’m 15 and iv had acne for about a year now over that time the most affective products,foods,drinks is water lots and lots of water also i used proactive for a while and it made my skin clear but made it extreamly dry and itchy so i stopped using it then it came back again. But i thought the best thing for acne is to get outside and drink lots of water, healthy foods and the least amount of sugar what so ever, and the surf that was the main thing that helped my skin the saltwater sun and strong currents and waves helped alot ,cleaning my skin really well,i still do have acne but it’s about 70 percent better than what it was so im happy enough for it be that good,it was shocking and i could’nt handle looking directly at people cos of this acne but its slowing but surly going away so lots of fruit and vegetables water and keep the skin clean and most of all keep persistent about it all good luck
I tried all of the products out there for as long as directed and nothing worked. I think that it is terrible for companies to entice people who suffer from acne with empty promises just to make money off of them. “more products than you think” are just a rip off. Also it is not normal to have to continue to apply artificial creams or take chemicals to cure your body when people with clear skin do not. This is not a normal healthy thing to have to do, and we should not have to do it- or spend our money on it.
The secret is in a healthy balanced diet, and knowing that your skin can clear up naturally by itself. It is amazing to see how your skin can heal from a cut or scrape if given the proper conditions and not irritated- it can do the same for your acne if you give it the proper conditions.
Do not pick at your skin or put artificial products (or even natural products) on your face. Let your skin heal itself by giving it what it needs to do its job. Start by drinking lots of water, and eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. When i began taking vitamin b5 my skin cleared up and it was unbelievable. I also found that eating less salt, sugar, and avoiding sugar-filled drinks such as soda really cleared up my skin. Also do not wash your face with harsh soaps. I have found that baby shampoo works great because it is ph balanced just like water. Also do not use a wash cloth or scrub your face hard. Massage it gently with warm water and baby shampoo- then gently pat dry with a towel- other than this avoid touching your face. You should get plenty of sleep- Sleeping helps your body rest and heal.
If i revert back to an unhealthy diet and forget to take the above advice, my acne will come back. But with a little self control and determination i can cure it again.
also at certain times of the month when hormone production is high, i must be more careful to pay attention to my diet. There is no magic cure for acne- it takes work. While some people are born with clear skin, we have to put an effort into making it happen for us.
BUT DON’T GIVE UP- YOU CAN DO IT!!! good luck everyone!
Aren’t dairy products and poultry meant to be good for you?
I’m using bio-oil for my scarring, dunno if it’s working yet cos I havent been using it long. I’m gonna keep trying it though.
whenever I binge on junk food, I also drink diet sodas. And then subsequently break out. it’s either the sugar, the aspartame or the food dyes/additives.
The only thing birth control is good for is preventing BIRTH! (Not even that sometimes, looking around now.) Do not take birth control just because you want to clear up your face, there are to many side effects that can come along with it. And people out there should not be advising people to do this either.
ATTENTION: THE CURE FOR ACNE EXISTS IN MORE PRODUCTS THAN YOU THINK:
you all should do some research. just because you use a product and don’t see instant results doesn’t mean it sucks, or that it doesn’t work… it takes 2-3 weeks for a blemish under the skin to become a pimple. so if you use a product and you don’t see results in the first week, or perhaps your acne becomes worse, it doesn’t mean your product sucks. when pimples appear, it means that white blood cells are doing their job by destroying the blemish under your skin, thus producing a visible pimple. sometimes a good product may seem like it’s making your face worse, when really it works better. just be patient, and be consistent!
Also make sure you drink a good amount of water. Water is such a good thing for us.
THE CURE TO ACNE: PATIENCE AND PERSISTENCE
Wash your face once in the morning and once at night, use a toner, and apply an acne cream, EVERY SINGLE MORNING AND NIGHT. Do not skip a morning or night! You will notice results in no more than 2 months (2 months at the most, just be patient, you want that acne to be gone don’t you?)
NEEEVEEER!! use toothpaste in your face!! it doesen’t help
onion helps for some.
usually it is hormones. Since i was 14 i could not do anything about my acne. But when i started drinking more water, not 8 glasses, but probably more like 1-1.5 litres per day, plus excersized it helped me. Plus, forget about junk, sweets, bread, cookies, butter, and so on. Fruits, veggies. Do not pick your face, you’ll spread the bacteria! Better treat spot your acne — it will help. For women – birth control helps. Also, go to dermatologyst!
Good Luck!
Hi im jennz i have tried absolutely everything,vitamin c,steaming my skin,excersing,natural remedies nothing seems to work ,i only get pimples on my nose and forehead,i do eat alot of chips and sweets though ,im a model and i need my face to be completely clear .PLEASE HELP ME
Actually high doses of vitamin B5 can help with cystic acne. The type of pimples that form deep under the skins surface. If you have deep acne you need to treat from the inside out. Meaning watch your diet and be sure to get lots of vitamins.
B5 helps to prevent oily skin, which in return helps fight the pores from being clogged.
Trust me… I’ve tried everything there is to treat my acne. I just started the B5 treatment… I figured if it’s deep under my skin the only thing that could help would be attacking it from the inside by taking vitamins.