An acne diet sounds like a wonderful idea. We’ve all heard that chocolate gives you pimples. We almost all have. If you think about it its not so far-fetched that by watching your diet you could prevent acne.
Nevertheless, a good acne diet is not easy to develop. Being based on your body’s responses to certain foods makes it very personal. There are guidelines, but your progress will largely be trial and error. Watch your skin carefully. Make note of any changes. You might even want to take pictures using a digital camera once or twice a week. If and when your skin clears, stick to the diet that you were using at that time.
The following are some easy guidelines to help get you started on an acne diet:
1. Eat more protein. Some dermatologists believe that protein is associated with clearer skin. This is because protein contains an enzyme that limits the production of oil. Oily skin has always been susceptible to breakouts.
2. Carbohydrates are not good. You don’t have to completely cut carbs out. But you should try to limit your intake so that they are about 40 percent of your diet. Carbohydrates contain compounds that stimulate oil production. This is why common knowledge says that junk food leads to acne. In reality, junk food is high in carbs.
3. Try to drink green tea. If you can, drink real green tea. The best type of green tea is the kind you brew at home. You really may not like the real green tea so the natural green tea drinks will work Green tea limits androgen production. Androgen is a hormone that will cause your skin to breakout.
4. Try to limit the amount of salt you intake. Salt usually contains iodine. This is the reason we usually call table salt “iodized salt.” Iodine is a major inflammatory agent in those with acne.
It is very important to watch what you eat and put on your face. If you have acne you are already aware of what ingredients are in your facial products. Look for oil-free moisturizers and natural or organic skin care lines. Products containing natural ingredients will least likely irritate your skin. If you wear makeup you may want to consider switching over to mineral makeup. If you want to enhance your acne diet and reduce breakouts, you may want to try mineral makeup.