Facewash and cream treatments armed with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur or resorcinol may still be the best bet for fighting acne, but these powerful foods may give your battle a little extra boost.
Almonds – Rich in the antioxidant selenium, almonds – as well as brazil nuts, garlic and onion, garlic -- help protect skin’s elasticity and can also reduce inflammation.
Spinach – Skip the iceberg lettuce and opt for these nutrient-rich leaves in your salad. The wealth of Vitamin K, A and Iron help to banish breakouts – and protect against future spots.
Salmon – Fish are a well-known source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been known to reduce inflammation on the inside and out. Not a fish fan? Try flax seeds or walnuts for a quick omega fix.
Oatmeal – Start your day with a skin-protecting bowl of oatmeal. The magnesium contained in one bowl reportedly helps balance the hormones often associated with acne.
Carrots – Rich in both Vitamin A and beta-carotene, these bright-orange vegetables help the body absorb selenium (mentioned above) and reduce inflammation.
And here are a few foods to steer clear of to stay clear ...
French fries – Tasty though they may be, fries and other processed foods are packed with iodine salt, which can cause your skin to be prone to breakouts. A body bonus: avoiding these foods can also reduce bloating.
Soda – Sources of refined sugar, including soda and baked goods, can lead to breakouts. Though no direct link between sugar and acne exists, studies have found these foods cause blood sugar levels to spike on the glycemic index, which can alter the body’s hormone levels and lead to acne outbreaks.
By Aleesha Harris, The Vancouver Sun