Anti-acne Diet: What To Eat For Clearer And Healthier Skin

Acne is a complex condition influenced by multiple health and lifestyle factors, and diet is one of them. Therefore, following an anti-acne diet and controlling your food choices are crucial in managing the symptoms. Many health professionals suggest that adopting a low-glycemic diet can greatly decrease acne flare-ups. Foods with high glycemic index are known for raising insulin levels, resulting in increased oil production and breakouts. While healthy food choices may not make the inflammation and zits go away overnight, they will benefit your skin in the long run. Keep reading to understand how diet influences acne and what foods can help you keep the breakouts in check.

What Causes Acne?

If you are thinking that not taking proper care of your face gave you that ugly acne, dump that thought. Because your hormones influence the occurrence of acne. They make your skin produce excess oil. And when a layer of dead skin cells accumulates on the  pores, you get acne. Apart from this, other factors, like stress, may also cause this condition (also called stress acne).

For a few people, acne diminishes with age, and for some, it gets severe, and this is due to the function of your immune system and other genetic factors (1).

According to the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA), more than 80% of people with acne fall between 12 to 24 years of age. It is estimated that 99% of the cases are affected by face acne. Furthermore, 25% of all teenagers will still have acne at 25 years of age.

Diet And Acne: The Link

Research doesn’t deny the link between acne and your diet. What you eat shows up on your face, and a healthy diet helps you get rid of acne. A review of several studies found that specific diets like a low-carb diet, plant-based diet, Mediterranean diet, Paleo diet, and food items can aggravate or reduce acne (2). High glycemic index foods like sugar, white bread, and white rice cause rapid carbohydrate absorption, raising glucose and insulin levels (3). This increases sebum production and causes acne (4). Also, milk, sugary beverages, and fatty products are prominent foods that cause acne in adults (5). However, there are a few misconceptions regarding the link between oily food and acne. A survey conducted on 49 participants with acne found that 71% of them believed it was caused by greasy foods (6). It is important to note that there are currently no studies that support this claim and more research is warranted.

Brandon William, a YouTuber, spoke about his experience of eliminating sugar and gluten from his diet to combat acne. He saw amazing results after 60 days. He said,” My skin has almost completely cleared up with only faint red remnants of the previous acne healing. Alos, the red itchy eczema that I had in the inside of my arm at the beginning of the challenge is completely gone (i).”

Now, let’s see how you can control your acne breakouts with an anti-acne diet.

The Acne Diet: Diet For Acne-free Skin

1. Low Glycemic Index (GI) Diet
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
3. Foods Containing Vitamins A, D, And E
4. Antioxidant-rich Foods
5. Diet Enriched With Zinc-containing Foods
6. Controlled Dairy Intake
7. Chocolate And Acne
8. Other Best Supplements To Clear Up Acne

1. Low Glycemic Index (GI) Diet

What Does Research Say?

Several studies were conducted to find out the effectivity of a low glycemic index diet. Glycemic index (GI) is a measure where food items are ranked as per their effect on your blood sugar levels. In other words, foods that do not escalate your blood sugar levels have a low glycemic index. Clinical studies and controlled trials found that a low glycemic load diet reduced the free androgen index (i.e., controlled the release of a hormone called androgenⁱ  Group of male sex hormones that regulate the development and maintenance of male traits and the reproductive system. , which is one of the primary causes of acne), thus reducing the severity of acne (7), (8).

Food Items With Low GI

• Oat bran and rolled oats
• Whole wheat
• Brown rice
• Sweet potatoes
• Nuts and raisins
• Peanuts
• Lentils (red and green)
• Carrots (raw and boiled)
• Eggplant (aubergine or brinjal)
• Broccoli
• Tomatoes
• Mushroom
• Red peppers
• Coconut
• Kiwifruit
• Oranges

Did You Know?

High glycemic foods increase sebum production and cause acne breakouts (2). Some high glycemic foods you must avoid are sugary drinks and foods, white, breakfast cereals, chips, fast food, and sweetened dairy products.

2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

What Does Research Say?

These fatty acids are mostly found in protein sources, such as eggs, fish, and a few plant sources. A study published in Lipids in Health and Disease reveals that omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory, and those who included omega-3s in their diet experienced reduced levels of acne severity (9).

Food Items High In Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Fish such as mackerel, herring, sardine, and salmon
• Cod liver oil
• Oyster
• Caviar
• Flaxseeds
• Walnuts
• Chia seeds
• Soybeans
• Grass-fed dairy products and meat

3. Foods containing Vitamins A, D, And E

What Does Research Say? 

Vitamin A (retinol) fights acne when applied topically. A study conducted on both men and women showed that retinol was highly effective in treating acne inflammation (10).

A 2014 study published in Dermato Endocrinologyⁱ  The branch of medicine dealing with the endocrine system and related conditions and diseases. found that people who suffered from acne-prone skin had low levels of vitamin D (11). Another study found that the people suffering from acne experienced an improvement in their symptoms after they started taking oral vitamin D supplements (12).

Also, vitamin E, along with vitamin C, helps in preventing the formation of sebumⁱ  A waxy substance produced by sebaceous glands that keeps skin moist and prevents dryness. , and bacteria. ” ] and the growth of acne-causing bacteria (13).

Food Items High In Vitamins A, D, And E

• Sweet potato
• Carrots
• Egg yolk
• Raw whole milk
• Tuna
• Salmon
• Caviar
• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Avocado
• Olive oil
• Tomatoes

4. Antioxidant-rich Foods

What Does Research Say? 

Oxidative stress is one of the main reasons for acne. Your body has an antioxidant defense system, such as catalase (CAT) and the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) that regulates the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus maintaining the redox balance of the cells. High levels of ROS and low levels of antioxidants causes oxidative stress. So, consume foods that are rich in antioxidants to avoid acne (14).

Food Items High In Antioxidants

• Dark chocolate
• Berries (cranberry, mulberry, goji berry, blackberry, and wild blueberry)
• Pecan nuts
• Kidney beans
• Cilantro
• Artichokes (boiled ones)
• Raisins
• Green tea
• Broccoli
• Tomatoes

Quick Tip

Other fruits that are rich in antioxidants are cantaloupe, orange, papaya, mango, kiwi, grapefruit, pomegranate, acai berry, and pineapple.

5. Diet Enriched With Zinc-containing Foods

What Does Research Say?

According to studies, this micronutrient is crucial for the development of the skin and to maintain its proper function.

Also, zinc is effective against acne-causing bacteria. Several studies concluded that people who were suffering from acne (both men and women) had significantly low levels of zinc in their bodies (15), (16). When consumed orally, it reduces acne inflammation significantly. Therefore, it is wise to eat zinc-rich foods and use products infused with zinc for acne.

Food Items High In Zinc

• Spinach
• Chicken
• Mushrooms
• Yogurt or kefir
• Lamb
• Cashew
• Chickpeas
• Cocoa powder
• Sesame seeds
• Pumpkin seeds

6. Controlled Or No Dairy Intake

What Does Research Say? 

Researchers suggest that dairy products can aggravate your acne (17). Why? It’s because the dairy cows are often given hormone injections to increase their milk production. And when you consume the milk or dairy products made from it, it causes hormonal imbalance in your body, which triggers acne (2).

Moreover, cow milk is intended for the calves to help them grow, and it is loaded with hormones and other steroids that are certainly not suitable for acne.

Milk Alternatives To Try To Avoid Acne

• Rice milk
• Soy milk
• Almond milk
• Coconut milk
• Tiger nut milk
• Macadamia milk

7. Chocolate And Acne

What Does Research Say? 

A 2013 study found that chocolate could increase the severity of acne (18). Another study conducted in 2014 suggested that cocoa consumption could increase the acne symptoms (19). However, the evidence proving chocolate’s involvement in aggravating acne is very limited (20).

And it’s more likely that the sugar and other ingredients in the chocolate are to be blamed for your breakouts. If you are in a dilemma whether to eat chocolate or not, opt for dark chocolate and check the sugar and other carbohydrate content before consuming it.

8. Other Supplements To Clear Up Acne

• Selenium: A study published in Advances in Dermatology and Allergology states that people suffering from acne vulgaris have low levels of selenium in their body (21). So, to boost your selenium levels, you can take supplements.
• Vitamin C: This antioxidant is a savior for your skin. If you are wondering how to get clear skin, use Vitamin C-infused products and consume more and more citrus foods. It not only boosts cell regeneration but also clears acne and minimizes breakouts (22).
• Vitamin B3 Or Niacin: This essential vitamin is very efficient in treating acne (23).

These are the foods you can include in your diet to reduce the risk of getting acne breakouts. In addition to adding healthy foods to your diet, it is also crucial to cut out those that are causing your acne-probe skin harm. We have curated a list of foods you should keep away from to prevent acne. Keep reading.

Foods To Avoid To Prevent Acne

Here are the top foods that you should avoid indulging in if you wish to achieve clear skin, all free from embarrassing acne!

• Snacks with high sugar content like chips, cookies, etc.
• Drinks with high sugar content like sodas
• Foods that contain refined carbohydrates like white bread and pasta
• Dairy products, such as milk and cheese
• Fried foods
• Processed foods that contain additives and preservatives
• Chocolate with high sugar content

Infographic: A 7-Day Sample Anti-acne Diet Plan

Acne can be annoying and painful. Factors like poor skincare regimen, diet, and lifestyle can contribute to acne and  skin irritation. The good news is cutting out sugar and processed foods and eating a healthy and balanced diet are key to combating acne. We have provided a 7-day sample diet plan to help you manage acne. Check out the infographic below to know more!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What foods cause the most acne?

Refined grains, sugar intake, gluten, fast foods, dairy products, whey protein, chocolate, and processed foods are the common foods that can trigger acne.

How do you detox for acne?

Detoxification for acne works best when you include whole foods like lots of vegetables and fruits in the diet. Sip on detox tea, apply exfoliating masks, and clean your face twice or thrice a day.

Is coffee bad for acne?

Yes, coffee is bad for acne. Although it might not cause acne, it may aggravate acne.

Are bananas good for acne?

Yes, bananas are good for acne. They help reduce skin inflammation thanks to their vitamin A content.

Illustration: Anti-Acne Diet: What To Eat For Clearer And Healthier Skin

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn what to eat and avoid to keep your skin clear and acne-free! Discover the best anti-acne diet to help you get rid of breakouts and maintain healthy skin in the video below.

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Enrizza FactorMD

       

Dr. Enrizza Factor is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and Fellow of the Philippine Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Foundation Inc. She is also a member of the Philippine Academy of Cutaneous Surgery and an Associate of the Philippine Society of Venerology Inc.

Read full bio of Dr. Enrizza Factor

Ramona SinhaEditor

 

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

Read full bio of Eshna Das

Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor

Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.

Read full bio of Krati Darak