Who doesn’t love snacking on pizza or ice-cream while vegging out to Netflix shows every now and then? Especially after a long day, these foods are not only satisfying, they’re an instant mood lifter.
Yet as enjoyable as they are in the moment, it’s not as fun when you wake up to a huge pimple or two the next morning. Sugary, processed, and greasy foods can unfortunately, have adverse effects on your skin including clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads and acne breakouts.
The truth is, balance is everything: the healthier the foods you eat, the better your skin will reciprocate, but that’s not to say you have to eliminate your favourite foods from your diet completely. Here are the top 5 foods to include in your diet that are packed with antioxidants and vitamins to help detox your skin and tackle acne breakouts.
Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are packed with a type of vitamin called beta-carotene – this is what gives them their rich orange colour! When you eat sweet potatoes your body converts beta-carotene into Vitamin A, which is great at fighting acne and curbing the onset of wrinkles. Additionally, it acts as a skin barrier against discolouration, inflammation and clogged pores.
Opt for sweet potatoes instead of carbs like regular potatoes, pasta or bread. They’re just as hearty and filling, and delicious when baked as crispy fries, or blended into creamy soups!
Fish
Fish is loaded with omega 3-fatty acids, which does wonders for your skin. Acne is an inflammatory skin condition, and fish goes a long way in countering the production of inflammatory chemicals.
Additionally, consuming lots of fish can help cleanse your body and regulate your hormonal levels. This way, you can tackle the root cause of the problem, and prevent acne before it even has a chance to become a problem. Note that fatty fish, like Mackerel and Salmon, are especially great for acne-prone skin.
Almonds
Almonds are the ultimate superfood for glowing skin. These nuts have the power to promote clear skin and even boost your memory! They’re filled with essential fatty acids, fibre and proteins. In addition, they are packed with Vitamin E—an antioxidant that reduces inflammation, as well as repairs and renews skin cells.
To maximise from the benefits of almonds, soak them in room temperature water overnight––almonds that are soaked and peeled are much easier to digest, so you get all their nutrients instantly. Add them to your cereal in the morning or have them as a crunchy afternoon snack.
Citrus Fruits
Fruits rich in Vitamin C are not just really refreshing, they’re also a goldmine if you struggle with acne. Oranges, lemons, grapefruit, pomelo and other similar citrus fruits work by flushing out grime and excess oil from the body. Plus, the citric acid found in these fruits works to fight bacteria and help your skin glow from within.
Keep breakouts at bay by starting your day with a glass of orange juice, add a wedge of lime or lemon to your water every time you hydrate, or simply snack on your favourite citrus fruits throughout the day.
Lentils
Lentils are quite under-appreciated when it comes to their acne-fighting abilities. They’re full of proteins and fibres that do a great job at regulating blood sugar levels––imbalanced or fluctuating blood sugar levels paves the way for pimples and other common skin conditions.
Proteins also play a crucial role in producing collagen and elastin. This promotes even, plump, and youthful-looking skin. There are tons of ways you can incorporate lentils into your diet including hearty lentil soups, Indian-inspired dhals or even using them as filling as a fibrous base for salads!
Just remember, eating these foods won’t cure your acne like magic overnight. Incorporating these foods into your diet regularly will however help you tackle your acne concerns, especially if you couple it with an efficient skincare routine.
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to skincare, take our quick skin assessment below, and we’ll do all the hard work for you. We take into account your skin type, lifestyle and environment to curate a unique regimen for all your skin needs, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin!
