Acne is an uncomfortable embarrassment most of us seek to avoid. From birth into our 50’s, we can all suffer acne breakouts that may lead to painful sores, cystic infections, and scaring. There are many factors that lead to acne breakouts, including but not limited to stress, certain foods, lackadaisical hygiene, contact with certain chemicals, hormone surges, pollution, illness, and more. [1]
Blemishes can be treated at home with natural remedies or with lab-made medications that can be found over the counter or by a doctor’s prescription. While there are many ways to fight acne, preventing new breakouts is the key to having healthy, beautiful skin.
Along with reducing stress, washing regularly, and moisturizing skin properly, the best way to prevent breakouts is to do so with a healthy diet and exercise. A healthy lifestyle will heal bodies from the inside out, leading to an unmistakable, irreplaceable healthy glow. Avoid the following blemish-inducing foods to help put a stop to new breakouts.
Foods that May Lead to Breakouts
Everyone has different chemical make-ups, so what causes blemishes in one person won’t cause breakouts in another. The following foods are suspected to cause breakouts in many people. To discover which acne trigger foods could be causing your skin problems, eliminate these foods from your diet one by one.
- Greasy foods like pizza, French fries, and chips
- Sugary foods like, candy and soda
- Dairy foods like cheese, milk, and ice cream
- Hot or overly spicy foods like hot peppers
- Foods containing nuts like cashews, peanut butter, or Nutella
By narrowing down which foods trigger your acne, you are taking big strides towards having healthier, more radiant skin. However, diet alone will not cure acne.
Proper hydration and regular exercise goes a long way towards your clear skin goals. When breakouts do occur, use the following natural remedies to get clearer skin fast.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
This odorous liquid is actually quite useful for killing fungus and bacteria. Mix two parts plain apple cider vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle. Mist the affected area and allow it to dry before rinsing. Do this up to three times daily to see quick results. [6]
2. Tea Tree Oil
This natural oil is potent, and medical professionals have used it for decades as a natural antibiotic and antiseptic. It is used for many purposes, including healing cuts, abrasions, dandruff, psoriasis, and acne. Put a few drops of water and an equal amount of tea tree oil on a cotton ball and apply to the skin. The immediate soothing, cooling effect is amazing! [2]
3. Papaya
This delicious tropic fruit is teaming with the enzyme papain, which keeps puss from forming and eases inflammation. When mashed and applied topically, papaya removes dead skin and supplies underlying layers of smooth skin with lipids, which helps skin cells retain moisture. Those who experience dryness after using a papaya mask should mix a little coconut oil in with the mashed fruit before it is applied to the skin. [11]
4. Garlic
This ancient spice not only makes food tasty, it is a natural antibiotic. Slice one clove of garlic into very thin strips and apply directly to acne. Allow the garlic to rest on the skin for up to 20 minutes. Rinse and enjoy the fast-acting relief from breakouts. [7]