Acne breakouts are annoying, especially if you cannot get rid of them with over-the-counter treatments. While most people endure pimples in their teenage years, they can reappear at any age, causing inflammation and redness on your face. You can use facial scrubs and masks to clear your skin, but acne can still reappear at any time. Persistent pimples are often caused by an unhealthy gut, which releases toxins into the bloodstream, causing inflammation. That means changing your diet can clean your bloodstream and clear your skin. Let us look at foods that can help you win the fight against acne.
1. Sweet Potatoes
It would help if you had retinol from vitamin A to ward off acne flare-ups and remove wrinkles. Instead of buying facial creams with retinol, eat sweet potatoes to increase your vitamin A levels. Sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene that is why they have a beautiful orange color. Your body absorbs the beta-carotene and converts it into retinol. The vitamin will remove free radicals that can cause inflammation. Regular intake of the vitamin will eradicate acne.
2. Berries
Berries are a delicious addition to any snack. Apart from their fantastic taste, they are effective in clearing pimples from your skin. Strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. The nutrients make them powerful weapons against acne flare-ups. Besides, if you already have pimples, berries will clear your skin and remove dark spots from your face. Therefore, you should add these juicy fruits to your diet to avoid acne.
3. Papaya
Papaya is a popular ingredient of skincare regimens due to the papain present in the fruit. Topical treatment using a papaya mask is effective in unclogging pores, exfoliating dead cells, and minimizing scarring caused by acne. Papain also hydrates your face and prevents future breakouts. Eating papaya increases the benefits further. The nutrient-packed fruits have sufficient vitamins that will eradicate free radicals from your bloodstream. They also even your skin tone making your face smooth and brighter.
4. Quinoa
Quinoa may have minimal vitamins and minerals compared to the foods listed above, but it minimizes pimple breakouts due to its high fiber content. Fiber reduces constipation by increasing the frequency of bowel movements. The process gets rid of toxins from your body and balances gut bacteria. With a healthy gut, your skin will be clear and free from toxins that cause pimple breakouts. Try incorporating quinoa into your meals by making it a side dish or a salad.
5. Lemon
Many people use lemon to remove blemishes and eradicate wrinkles on the face. However, applying lemon to your skin can have adverse effects on your face. The acidity will damage the skin’s barriers exposing your face to harmful rays of the sun. Eating lemon as part of a salad or adding it to water can clear acne. Lemon has high vitamin C content, which boosts the production of collagen. It will lighten acne scars and clear your skin. Antioxidants in lemon also have protective and anti-carcinogenic properties, which will reduce the reoccurrence of pimples.
6. Kale
Vegetables, particularly dark and leafy greens, are nutrient-dense, providing the necessary minerals and vitamins to fight off pimples. Kale outshines other cruciferous vegetables because it is packed with nutrients. Antioxidants in kale reduce inflammation and redness by clearing the free radicals that cause them. Besides, the phytochemicals and folates keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Other nutrients present in kale like iron, manganese, potassium, and calcium evens your skin tone and promotes immune system functions. With the vitamin C present in kale, you do not have to worry about acne scars. The collagen from the vitamin promotes faster repair of the skin tissues.
As a thumb rule, increase intake of fruits, fish, and vegetables if you want to avoid pimples. These foods contain nutrients that keep your gut healthy and balance your hormones. They are also excellent acne treatment since they reduce inflammation and acts as a barrier against environmental toxins.