Banish Acne with These Foods from your Kitchen

For many of us, acne follows us well past the awkward teenage years and well into adulthood. While many of you may have pinpointed certain foods that trigger breakouts—other foods, which can be easily found right in your kitchen, contain ingredients that fight inflammation, redness, oily skin, and acne naturally.

The following foods are rich in antioxidants and skin-soothing properties that banish acne for good:

 

1. Yogurt

Yogurt is a food that’s most often linked to gut health due to its many probiotic, or “good” bacterial benefits. Like it’s fermented counterparts (i.e., kefir, tempeh, sauerkraut, miso, kombucha, and kimchi) probiotic-rich foods naturally reduce skin sebum (which cause increased oils and clogged pores) and block inflammatory response, which causes skin inflammation and redness.

 

2. Nuts

If your breakouts are literally nuts, why not turn to the crunchy, satisfying, zinc-loaded cashew to help get acne under control? A 2014 research study conducted by BioMed Research International, noted that individuals with low zinc, or zinc deficiency, were prone to more frequent breakouts. Researchers claim that zinc (also found in foods like oysters) naturally boosts immune health and acts as an anti-inflammatory.

 

3. Salmon

Salmon and fatty cuts of fish (i.e., mackerel, tuna, sardines, and herring) are loaded with healthy omega 3 fatty acids, which makes these files essential building blocks for healthy cell growth, including the rejuvenation of fresh skin cells. Many dermatologists recommend taking a fish oil supplement or dining on fish 2 to 3 times per week to reduce inflammation, redness and significantly lower frequency of breakouts, while improving overall skin evenness and complexion.

 

4. Spirulina

While you may wonder how exactly to enjoy this blue-green algae, your skin will certainly reep the many anti-inflammatory benefits. Algae and several types of seaweed are loaded with gamma-linolenic acid (or GLA), an healthful fatty acid that reduces inflammatory response and banishes blemishes. And if you’re worried about how to incorporate spirulina into your diet, sneak a sprinkle into your morning yogurt parfait or smoothie and you won’t even notice it’s there.

 

5. Cucumbers

Cucumbers and melons are ripe for skin health due to the fact that their rich in moisture. Eating them is like a big, refreshing glass of water for your skin. Maintaining healthy hydration is vital for body detoxification, which means ridding your skin of inflammation, germs, and excessive oils.