Are you one of those whose acne flares up just before an important event? Are you facing confidence issues due to acne? 

Acne is one of the most common skin problems. It is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells causing whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples.

Factors That Can Promote Acne

Several factors may be involved in promoting acne, including:

  • Hormonal changes

  • High-stress levels

  • Family history

  • Greasy/Oily skin

  • Age

  • Pressure/Friction on the skin

There are a lot of products in the market for acne, but have you ever thought that certain foods can also help in reducing acne? 

Here's a list of 5 skin-friendly foods that can help in reducing your acne.

Skin-Friendly Foods to Reduce Your Acne

1. Brown Rice

Brown rice is a whole grain that is a rich source of dietary fibre and thiamine (vitamin B1). It contains high amounts of vitamin B, magnesium, protein, and several antioxidants.

Also, it is digested slowly by the body as it has a low glycaemic load. It also controls the increase of insulin levels. 

Brown rice acts as a fighter for your skin, helps in regulating hormone levels, and prevents the likelihood of breakouts.

2. Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes can be the most nutritious and least problematic carbohydrate source for you if you are acne-prone. It contains vitamin A and C, manganese, magnesium, etc. 

Vitamin A fights acne and other components in sweet potatoes help it act as a skin barrier and prevent discolouration, inflammation, and clogged pores. 

3. Broccoli

Broccoli is a rich source of vitamins A, B, C, E, and K. These vitamins are antioxidants that fight the damage to your skin and increase your skin glow. 

Hormonal fluctuations often lead to acne and broccoli helps in controlling excessive estrogen (the hormone responsible for sexual and reproductive well-being in women) levels. 

4. Green Tea

Green tea has significant antioxidant potential. It contains catechin (a compound with high antioxidant properties) called epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG). EGCG improves all causes of acne, including inflammation, insulin, and hormonal fluctuations. 

Also, green tea is known to be highly anti-inflammatory. In combination with diet and lifestyle changes, drinking green tea can make a huge difference to your skin.

5. Salmon

Salmon contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. It can lower inflammation in your body, and that may help keep your acne away. 

Including salmon in your diet may also help in decreasing the level of a protein called IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) in your body, which is linked to increased acne. 

If you feel like your acne is worsening, consult your doctor to know about the cause and begin treatment.


Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.