The Best Diet for Acne

When my skin was at its worst, Google became one of my best friends. I remember wanting to know exactly what to do to achieve my goal of having clear skin. So I’d always be searching the internet for the best supplements or the best diet for acne.

News flash: There is no one “ideal diet” for everyone.

The reality is that what one article says is right may not be suitable for you because everyone is different.

When you are creating your ideal diet, there are a number of things to consider like age, environment, how much you exercise, food sensitivities, stress, time of year, and so much more.

Over in The Clear Skin Solution, we understand that one size does not fit all and we create a specific plan for you. However, the base we work off of for all clients is the anti-inflammatory diet.

Why Reducing Inflammation is Key to Clear Skin

It’s important to understand the difference between good and bad inflammation, and how it affects your skin.

Minor inflammation can be a good thing. It’s a part of the body’s immune response that aims to get rid of foreign invaders and heal itself. Acutely, it causes heat, redness, swelling, and pain, which works to heal the body and prevent further damage.

Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is the bad guy. It’s caused by poor diet, food intolerances, stress, sugar, and a sedentary lifestyle. This systemic inflammation can result in heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and skin issues like acne.

When it comes to the skin, chronic inflammation activates a group of enzymes known as Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs). These enzymes can destroy healthy collagen and prevent the production of new collagen. You definitely don’t want this to happen because collagen helps keep your skin plump and firm, among many other functions in the body. Inflammation is also responsible for making those pesky pimples look even more red and swollen.

Moral of the story: inflammation is at the core of acne.

That’s why we focus on an anti-inflammatory diet throughout The Clear Skin Solution.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Include

Eating foods that reduce inflammation can also improve gut health, liver function, balance hormones, and flood your body with nutrients to restore any deficiencies–– all crucial steps for clear skin. Here are some examples of anti-inflammatory foods to include in your diet:

• Avocados
• Beets
• Berries
• Cacao
• Cold-Water Fatty Fish (wild salmon, mackerel, herring, and anchovies)
• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and kale)
• Fermented foods (sauerkraut, coconut yogurt, and kimchi)
• Ginger
• Green leafy vegetables (spinach, collard greens, chard, arugula, Swiss chard, and bok choy)
• Nuts (Almonds, cashews, and walnuts)
• Seeds (chia, flax, hemp hearts)
• Peppers
• Pineapple
• Turmeric

When you are choosing what anti-inflammatory foods to include in your diet, it’s also important to “eat the rainbow.” This means to eat a variety of different coloured food because each colour provides specific vitamins, minerals, and other vital nutrients for optimal health and clear skin.

Inflammatory Foods to Avoid

There are several foods that can promote inflammation, and in turn, worsen acne or contribute to breakouts. Here are the trigger foods to avoid:

• Alcohol
• Artificial flavours and colours
• Corn
• Dairy
• Gluten
• Junk food, fast food, and fried food
• MSG
• Preservatives
• Refined sugar
• Refined vegetable oils

Remember that when you remove something you love from your diet, it’s important to find a good substitution so you don’t feel deprived. Check out any recipe on my blog for healthier alternatives–– they’re all delicious, skin-loving recipes that help reduce inflammation!

While there isn’t a standalone “best diet for acne” using the anti-inflammatory principles will set you on the right path back to clear skin.