Can Diet Cure Acne? Yes, You Can Get Rid Of Acne Inflammation... Learn How
Before we answer the question, can diet cure acne, it's important to know:
What Causes Acne?
When you have acne, an accumulation of oil, and bacteria lead to inflammation in your pores. We know that diet can control inflammation, so, can diet cure acne?
Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and we know that Chronic Inflammation is the cause of skin disorders. Fortunately there are many things you can do to prevent acne inflammation.
Acne is not life threatening, but it can be embarrassing, it can cause Depression and it is painful. And you definitely want to prevent acne scars.
You've heard it before. You are what you eat. So, can diet cure acne? Acne is a result of your diet, and toxic build up in your body.
Acne is inflammation and if you want to prevent zits you have to follow an anti inflammatory diet .
Acne is not caused by not washing your face. You must keep your face clean. However, don't scrub your face too often and too hard.
Scrubbing won't get rid of, or prevent an acne outbreak. It might actually make it worse by irritating your acne.
One exception is if you spend time in an oily or greasy environment such as a kitchen, you should take care to thoroughly clean your face as soon as possible to get rid of the excess pore clogging gunk that settled on your skin.
Acne is caused by the hair follicles and oil glands which become stimulated when sex hormones called androgens, (male sex hormones) become active in both boys and girls during puberty.
Some people will have outbreaks even into their 30s and some even into their 40s and even 50s. Why, it could be a poor diet. Wait, Can Diet Cure Acne?
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 80 percent of people between the ages of 11 and 30 have outbreaks of acne at some point.
Because hormones are involved, often pregnancy will cause an outbreak, as well as birth control pills, and girls and women will breakout before their menstrual period.
Genetics unfortunately, also comes into play. If a parent or somebody else in your family has, or had acne, you are more likely to get it too.
Research suggests that for people who have acne, stress can make it worse. We know stress has an effect on our entire system. So why wouldn't it affect acne?
If you want to prevent zits, be conscious of the skin care products you use. Be sure they won't cause more problems. Avoid alcohol based astringents, these will dry and irritate your acne and make it worse. Use an oil free moisturizer to hydrate your skin.
Many ordinary bar soaps contain oils which will clog your pores and cause acne. Look for soaps that say oil free on the label.
Don't touch your face or rest your head in your hands. Any pressure on the skin, even from sports helmets or equipment, backpacks, anything tight, could cause an acne flare up.
Try to keep your cell phone from touching your face. Your phone and your hands have germs that could cause or irritate your acne.
Try to keep your hair off your face. Hair can be oily, and could cause an acne flare up.
Try not to squeeze or pick at your pimples. I know that's easier said than done, but, it could make the problem worse by driving the inflammation, and infection deeper into your skin which could cause scarring.
Can Diet Cure Acne? First Know That There Are Different Types Of Acne Inflammation, And Several Levels Of Severity
- Comedones (whiteheads and blackheads)
are created when the openings of hair follicles become clogged and blocked with oil secretions, dead skin cells and sometimes bacteria. When comedones (kom-uh-DOE-neze) are open at the skin surface, they are called blackheads because of the dark appearance of the plugs in the hair follicles. When comedones are closed, they are called whiteheads, they are slightly raised, skin-colored bumps.
Contrary to some peoples beliefs, blackheads are not dirt and are not caused by having dirty skin.
- Papules
These are inflamed small pink bumps that can be tender to the touch.- Pustules
These are what most people refer to as pimples. They are red at the bottom pus filled bumps that are familiar to us all. - Nodules
These are large, hard, inflamed and painful and are down deep inside the skin.- Cysts
These are the painful, pus filled lesions that most often cause scarring. These are sometimes called boils. These most commonly occur in the areas of the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders.
Are There Any Natural Acne Remedies? Can Diet Cure Acne?A good anti inflammatory diet will help in acne prevention. Eat plenty of non starchy, colorful fresh fruits and vegetables.
Choose whole grain breads. Eat only brown rice and pasta. Use olive oil, coconut oil or butter. Eat fresh salmon, this is a natural anti inflammatory.
For a snack attack, a piece of dark chocolate and a few walnuts are a healthy choice.
Avoid soda, always be conscious of drinking plenty of water, 8-10 glasses every day. This will keep your skin hydrated and healthy, as well as help your whole system be more healthy.
Take supplements that have both anti-acne and mood regulating properties: Take a quality Omega 3 fish oil supplement , also Chromium, Zinc and Selenium.
Fish oil is a natural anti inflammatory and is good for your whole body and your mind also.
Zinc promotes wound healing and also reduces inflammation. Zinc is also sometimes added to lotions or creams, and may help reduce acne breakouts. Look for it as an ingredient in your lotions.
Be conscious of all of the skin care products you use. Avoid alcohol based astringents, these will dry and irritate your acne and make it worse. Use an oil free moisturizer to hydrate your skin, and prevent zits.
All cosmetics, and hair-care products should be oil free. Choose products labeled noncomedogenic. Certain mineral makeups are a good choice because they contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Men who shave and who have acne should test both electric and safety razors to see which is more comfortable. Shave gently and only when necessary to reduce the risk of nicking blemishes.
Many ordinary bar soaps contain oils which will clog your pores and cause acne. Look for soaps that say oil free on the label.
Wash your face after exercising because sweat could make acne worse.
If avoiding foods that cause acne, and taking supplements doesn't seem to be working for you, or if you feel you have to buy something, there are many over the counter preparations.
Some work for one person and not the other. Just don't expect an over night miracle. Give the product some time, and stick with your natural acne remedies. Can diet cure acne?
If you still don't get results, a dermatologist might be able to help.
Moderate to severe inflammatory acne will be treated with prescription topical, or oral medicines.
Is There Any Research Being Done That Answers The Question, Can Diet Cure Acne?
Since it is known that inflammation and foods that cause inflammation are one of the causes of the acne process. Can diet cure acne? This has become a major focus of experimental and clinical research.
One study in over 1000 teenagers from North Carolina found that each of the primary signs of acne – comedones, papules, pustules, acne cysts and oily skin – were significantly lower in people who consumed the largest amounts of fish and seafood.
Various studies over the last three decades have shown that zinc levels are lower in acne patients than controls, and that oral and topical combination zinc may be of therapeutic value.
Lower levels of vitamins A and E among 200 age-matched acne patients vs. controls was recently found to be associated with the severity of acne.
Low levels of blood selenium have been documented in acne patients, and one study examined the effect of selenium (400 mcg) and vitamin E (20 mg) daily for 12 weeks in acne. This combination did lead to improvements in patients acne.
Studies also show green tea to be helpful in preventing acne due to its well documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.
Can Diet Cure Acne? I believe the research shows that it can, if you avoid the inflammatory foods that cause acne. .
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