Acne isn’t anyone’s idea of fun. It can cause you to shy away from social events. For teenagers, it can even lead to some serious self-confidence and self-esteem issues. And modern acne treatments can leave you feeling as though you’ll never get rid of it.

So, how can you work toward having more clear skin? What actually works? In this article, we’re going to examine what exactly acne is and what causes it, as well as what foods, supplements, and lifestyle choices can help alleviate it.

What is Acne?

Acne happens when the oil glands in the skin become clogged or infected. This can create cyst-like or pimple-y bumps across the skin, most often on the face, forehead, chest, or upper back.  

While it might be tempting to pop a pimple, this is the very last thing you should do. Acne is typically related to hormonal changes, such as increased androgens (estrogen or testosterone), diet, stress, or certain medications. Simply popping the pimple can lead to scarring and even further infection or breakouts.  

So, what can you do about it instead?

5 Foods to Help With Acne

With any health issue, starting with your diet is never a bad idea. Your diet sets the stage, giving your body the tools its needs to function properly (or improperly!).

So, what is the best diet for acne? Research tends to show that a low-glycemic diet is best. In fact, insulin resistance is closely linked with acne. As such, foods you may want to include in your diet are:

1. Spinach
2. Blueberries
3. Tomato
4. Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables
5. Quinoa

Many experts recommend even performing intermittent fasting to help reduce any insulin resistance that’s at play. Other experts further claim going keto can help. However, you always want to approach any restrictive diet with caution and discuss the options with your doctor before diving in headfirst.

Additionally, foods high in antioxidants may help reduce acne. For example, drinking green tea every day can increase your antioxidant intake.

It can also help to supplement to ensure you get the nutrients your body needs, such as with Life Nutrition’s Women’s Everyday Complete, Men’s Everyday Complete, and Liver Detox. Supporting your liver can help reduce acne by helping to eliminate excess hormones, estrogen, and testosterone, which are known to contribute to acne.

What Else Can You Do?

Inevitably, it’s not just about what you eat but about what you do as well. Here are a few lifestyle changes you can make to work toward clear skin:

• Exfoliate but avoid overcleaning your skin. Regular exfoliation is a good idea. Yet, you don’t want to completely strip your skin of its natural oils. Stick to exfoliating once or twice a week.
• Get some sun. While you always want to be cautious when it comes to sun exposure, research shows how about 15 minutes of sun exposure each day can help improve skin health and acne.
• Stay hydrated. Water is necessary for every function in your body, including your liver. Your liver is responsible for eliminating excess hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, which could contribute to acne development.
• Manage your stress. Stress is a huge hormonal disruptor, which can lead to increased breakouts. Finding ways to manage your stress, such as meditation, relaxation techniques, and other de-stressing activities, is of the utmost importance.
• Get a good sleep. A big contributor to sleep? A lack of sleep! Aim to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
• Regular exercise has so many benefits for the body and mind. When it comes to optimal health, balance is important and exercise is part of that balance!

Acne doesn’t have to rule your life. And it is possible to reduce and eliminate it! Make a few changes in your life and diet. Then, sometimes, it’s really about giving your body some time to heal. That way, you can put your best face forward with a clear complexion and a confident demeanor!