Pimples form as a result of many factors including hormonal changes and skin types. Diet, however, plays a huge role in pimple production as well.
Here are some foods you should be consuming to prevent pimples from forming:
1 – Oily fish
Oily fish contains omega-3 and omega-6 acids, which unclogs skin pores and lowers inflammation.
2 – Beta-carotene foods
Carrots, sweet potatoes, and other orangey/yellowy fruits that are rich in beta-carotene change “in the body to vitamin A, another [nutrient] that helps to enhance selenium’s benefits to skin,” according to besthealthmag.ca.
3 – Avocados
Due to its high vitamin E and C content, Avocados not only reduce inflammation, but they also nourish the skin, keeping your skin less prone to pimples.
4 – Broccoli
Broccoli is rich in vitamin C, K, E, and other vital nutrients that can prevent pimple formation. On top of that, according to womenshealthmag.com, “Research shows that vitamin C-rich foods not only mop up the free radicals that cause wrinkles and sagging, but can help remove the DNA damage they form.”
5 – Red grapes
Antioxidants in these grapes can treat inflammation, treating several skin issues, including acne.
6 – Nuts
According to Huffingtonpost.ca, “Most nuts contain selenium, vitamin E, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium and iron, which are all essential for healthy skin,” and can therefore reduce pimple production.
8 – Brown rice
Brown rice is rich in vitamin B. According to Huffingtonpost.ca, “For acne, vitamin B acts as our skin’s stress fighter, which will help regulate hormones levels and prevent the likelihood of breakouts.”
9 – Garlic
Garlic’s antibacterial properties reduce inflammation and treat pimples and acne.
Foods to avoid:
1 – Sugar
Consuming sugary products can quickly spike your blood sugar levels. As a result of that, insulin is released to lower the sugar levels. Some research suggests that these spikes and insulin release can have a direct correlation with pimple production. Therefore, it’s better to avoid sugary foods and beverages, and instead consume foods with naturally occurring sugars like fruits.
2 – Iodized salt
Although many researchers don’t know why that is the case, iodized salt and sodium is linked to pimple production and acne. It is therefore better to substitute iodized salt with sea salt, which contains less iodine.
3 – Carb-rich foods
Similarly to sugars, carb-rich foods can spike blood sugar levels and cause the same effects as with sugars. Therefore, substitute those with higher-fiber and lower-carb alternatives.
4 – Fried foods and fast food
Greasy foods are known to increase pimple production, especially fast foods. Therefore, it is best to eliminate those from your diet completely.
Try these tips out for yourself and see if a week is all it takes to notice the difference!
By: Luma Kudsiova