It’s 2015 and there are tons of beauty products on the market that promote clearer skin with regular use. But aside from using products, you should also be mindful of what you eat. There are certain foods that will help fight bacteria infections, hydrate your skin from within and even reduce redness, but it’s important to know what you’re looking for first. Thankfully, we’ve got a list of best foods that will steer you in the direction of acne-free skin the next time you’re grocery shopping.
Vitamin A
Warning: If your body doesn’t have ample amounts of vitamin A, it will start to produce excess lipids, which clog pores and can lead to pimples. To keep this from happening, keep things like carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe and squash in your diet. Another good rule of thumb is to look for foods containing beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A when digested.
Fiber
Fiber-rich foods are a must to include in your diet in general. But in case you were unaware, they can also help clear skin by removing toxins from the body and fight infections. To add fiber into your daily intake, look for good-for-you options, such as whole grains and legumes. There are also a bevy of fruits like raspberries and blackberries that are great sources.
Vitamin C
Snack on foods that contain high levels of vitamin C to help clear up your skin and eliminate unwanted toxins. Kale, broccoli, strawberries and raspberries are all delicious options to add to your next shopping list.
Omega-3
If your skin has a serious case of dryness, try eating more foods that contain omega-3. Not only will they help hydrate skin from within and retain moisture, but they’ll also keep your skin youthful-looking. In case you’re not a huge fan of salmon, opt for flaxseeds, chia seeds and walnuts. They serve as great toppings for salads and yogurt.
Selenium
Eating foods high in selenium levels will help preserve skin’s elasticity (think gorgeous, bouncy skin!) and also help reduce inflammatory damage. Look for options like superfood quinoa, brown rice, Brazil nuts and wheat bread. And if you’re a huge seafood fan, oysters, mussels and tuna are great contenders, too.
Zinc
Zinc is a natural anti-inflammatory and has been known to fight bacteria that causes acne and also heal damaged skin. And since too much zinc can be toxic, it’s best to get the good stuff via foods. Lean red meat, oysters, kidney beans and lentils are all great things to add to your diet if you’re currently not getting enough zinc.
Magnesium
Yummy foods like spinach, artichokes, almonds and halibut are all chock-full of magnesium, which will help get your acne under control with regular consumption. It works by lessening inflammation, which will help to combat existing acne issues.
Silica
Often overlooked, silica is an awesome mineral that helps to boost skin’s elasticity and moisture, making it an important one to keep your eyes peeled for. Luckily, it’s found in a variety of food and beverages like mineral water, bananas, high bran cereals, raisins and even beer (in moderation, of course!).
Water
And last but not least, don’t forget to drink those eight glasses of water per day. It may sound so basic, but water can actually help prevent future acne outbreaks. Not only will it get your body flushed of toxins, but it will also normalize the pH of your skin. Aside from drinking it, you can also amp your intake with watermelon, cucumbers and parsley.
Presented by Vichy Laboratories
