We're not saying to make every meal a boring blur, but we are suggesting that too much spice -- think cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, chili and more -- may exacerbate acne. Luckily, there are loads of other spices and toppers that add flavor without causing a flare-up, like toying with herbs (thyme, rosemary, mint) and low-sugar condiments. Also, when you're dining on typically spicy cuisines, like Mexican or Indian, ask the waiter to keep it mild or put the spice on the side. This way, you are in control of how much heat you put on your plate.
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Choose veggies wisely
Veggies with high-water content (cucumbers, for example) are said to help acne, and it makes pure sense: Water, we know, is key to flushing-out those clog-poring toxins, plus cucumbers have the added bonus of being "cooling" -- thus, effective in calming down the inflammation associated with pimples. And, reach for orange delights (carrots, sweet potatoes) that are loaded with vitamin A -- good for overall detox (skin and body alike). Of course, you can dip carrots and cukes into olive-and-bean-boasting hummus or low-fat, Greek yogurt. Or, start juicing -- and add herbs into the mix for added health benefit. Sweet potatoes are divine when steamed, mashed or sliced into baked fries -- drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with cinnamon.
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Shuck an oyster
Known for boosting sex appeal and drive, oysters are also amped with acne-fighting zinc; in fact, one serving provides you with double the recommended daily intake of this vitamin. And zinc is crucial to curing acne because it has the uncanny ability to control the release of male hormones, which can cause acne. Zinc also helps your body absorb vitamin A (see carrots and sweet potatoes in the previous slide). The best way to dine on this delicacy? Choose fresh -- and go raw.
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Say yes to yogurt
We know, you think dairy is bad for blemishes. And, certain types (overly-processed varieties, for example) can be. But yogurt that packs probiotics (Greek, Kefir) actually helps to prevent bad bacteria -- which can lead to acne -- from forming in your body. So, you may want to include one or two servings a day. Try a morning smoothie with antioxidant-rich blueberries and yogurt, plus a potassium-packed banana. Or try a strawberry granola parfait with a drizzle of honey for a post-dinner treat, yum.
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Dip into the dark
Gummy bears. Licorice. Tootsie Rolls: A sweet tooth's dream, indeed. But an acne sufferer's worst nightmare, too, we admit. So rather than indulge in the high-sugar, chewy, gummy candy that lines convenience store shelves, choose dark chocolate, which boasts antioxidants. The relationship between antioxidants and your skin? Simply put, antioxidants work to shield your skin from free radical damage, which jeopardizes the integrity (and health) of your complexion. Find dark-chocolate coated raisins almost anywhere -- peanuts too. Or, you can even make a fondue and dip other goodies into it, like sliced fruit or whole grain pretzels.
You live to eat; you eat to live. But eating a healthy skin diet to reduce acne? Indeed. It's not quite the adage of, "you are what you eat," but it is true that what you eat affects the way you look -- and feel.
If you eat too much of any one thing, chances are high it will show -- literally -- in your skin. According to dermatologist Elliott Weiss, M.D., of the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, new research suggests that diet may play a role in exacerbating acne. "One interesting observation is that acne is predominantly an issue in societies that follow a western diet (high refined sugar, high refined grain products), whereas societies that follow a hunter-and-gatherer type of diet (meat, vegetables, whole grains, no refined or packaged food) don't have a problem with pimples." Which makes sense, considering that a major contributor to acne is follicular hyperkeratosis (proliferation), which leads to plugging of the follicle and inflammation; diet, in fact, can contribute to these processes.
So, what's an acne-prone girl to do? First, says Dr. Weiss: Avoid filling up on yummy, sugary foods, excessive amounts of dairy and processed grains. This will help your complexion -- and your waistline, to boot. And second, eat a balanced, healthy for your skin diet full of vitamins and minerals that work to keep you strong, healthy and gorgeous from the inside out.
But remember, changing your healthy skin diet alone won't cure your acne or keep you completely blemish free, but it is a great place to start on your path to a perfect complexion. Here, with help from nutritionist Lara Field, MS, RD, CPS, LSN, we share the seven rules you should live by -- starting now -- to help keep acne issues at bay.
