Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide, but the good news is that there are steps you can take to improve your skin health and minimise breakouts.
Stay Hydrated helps with clearing up acne
Proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy skin and clearing up spots and acne. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and flush out toxins. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day, and consider incorporating hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges into your diet.
Limit Sugary and Processed Foods
High-glycaemic foods like sugary snacks, white bread, and processed foods can contribute to inflammation, and therefore acne breakouts. Limit your intake of these foods and go for healthier alternatives like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables instead.
Eat Skin-Friendly Nutrients that help with clearing up acne
Certain nutrients play a crucial role in promoting clear, healthy skin. Incorporate foods rich in vitamin A (carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach), vitamin C (citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries), vitamin E (nuts, seeds, avocados), zinc (shellfish, legumes, seeds), and omega-3 fatty acids (fatty fish, flaxseeds, walnuts) into your diet to support skin health.
In addition to a healthy diet, certain supplements may help support clear skin. Consider supplements like probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin D.
Avoid Trigger Foods
Pay attention to how your diet affects your skin and avoid foods that seem to trigger acne breakouts. Common trigger foods include dairy, gluten, and high-glycaemic foods. Experiment with eliminating these foods from your diet to see if it improves your skin condition.
Avoid touching your face
Acne develops on sensitive skin that is already inflamed and vulnerable to bacteria. We all gather bacteria on our hands as we go about a normal day, and touching your face will deposit them there. To keep your face as clean as possible, keep your hands off it as much as possible and remember to wash your hands before you do touch your face.
Washing and skincare that helps with clearing up acne
You think people with clear, blemish-free skin have no bacteria on it? Wrong! Healthy skin needs probiotic bacteria to keep it that way. They’re an essential part of our immune defences inside our guts and on the outside, too. This is why too much washing with antibacterial soaps and disinfectants can actually make acne worse, stripping away all the friendly bacteria you need for better skin.
Remember that everyone’s skin is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find the right approach for you. Be patient and consistent with your skincare and dietary habits, and you’ll be on your way to achieving the clear, radiant skin you’ve always wanted.
