It’s common knowledge that eating a healthy, balanced diet can boost your immune system and improve your quality of life. But did you know that diet has a significant impact on your skin health, too? 

If you have acne-prone skin, try stocking up on some of these foods and top acne products the next time you’re at the store.

How Does Diet Affect Your Skin?

Some food will raise your blood sugar faster than others. A blood sugar spike encourages an insulin-like growth hormone called IGF-1. Too much IGF-1 hormone in your bloodstream signals your oil glands to make more sebum, which can clog your pores and lead to outbreaks.

Any “high-glycemic” food can cause this reaction. Pasta, white bread, white rice, and refined sugars are some of the main culprits, but avoiding simple sugars altogether is good practice if you’re combating acne.

The Top Acne-Fighting Foods

Complex carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains could all help lower your chances of developing acne. Any food high in zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants is notable for its skin-protecting benefits. Many foods with these vitamins and minerals are common and delicious, so it’s easy to incorporate them into your diet!

Some of the best acne-fighting foods include:

• Blueberries
• Brown rice
• Beans
• Carrots
• Sweet potatoes
• Fatty fish (like salmon)
• Nuts
• Tomatoes

All bodies are different, so your results may vary as you add new foods and remove others. Always keep any sensitivities or allergies in mind and talk to your doctor before making significant changes to your diet.

The Top Acne Products

You’ll follow a similar formula for topical care as you do with foods — anything high in antioxidants or vitamin E is nourishing for the skin and can help reduce redness. 

Stick with products that are formulated specifically for treating acne breakouts. Products containing benzoyl peroxide will help fight existing acne and prevent new blemishes. 

Avoid products with fragrances to prevent excess skin irritation that can exacerbate the problem. Many people with acne-prone skin also have sensitive skin, so it’s vital to use something that is gentle or natural. 

Moisturizing is also essential for anyone with acne. Moisturizers with built-in SPF can help to protect your skin from sun damage while also diminishing redness and irritation.

If you suffer from acne, a few tweaks to your diet could make a bigger difference than you’d think. Combined with dermatologist-approved skin care products formulated to fight acne, you’ll be well on your way to healthier, clearer skin.