4 Foods That Will Build Up Your Skin’s Defenses Against Acne
Who doesn’t want a clear, spot-free complexion?
Whether you’re suffering from hormonal acne or cystic acne, there is no denying that it can be incredibly frustrating and demoralizing seeing those red spots gawking back at you when you stare at your reflection in the mirror. After all, we all know that acne affects more than our skin – it can be detrimental to our mental health and cause a serious knock to our confidence.
It is unsurprising that people are seeking any possible remedy to keep their acne under control, including making changes to their diet.
Ever heard of the anti-acne diet?
Essentially, this diet is all about avoiding foods that stimulate the production of hormones that cause excess oil to be secreted, or that cause inflammation – including “high-glycemic” carbohydrates, dairy, saturated fats and more!
In this article, we explore some foods that can possibly help to build up your skin’s defenses against acne.
1. Kale
Often referred to as the “golden child” of the cabbage family, kale is a superfood that is extremely nutrient-dense. This low-calorie vegetable is not only high in fiber, but also packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that will aid in reducing hyperpigmentation and encouraging collagen production.
For those who may not like eating kale on its own, consider adding it to your morning smoothies! Don’t let the intense green color throw you off though, you’ll likely be unable to taste it.
2. Berries
The more berries you eat, the better!
Berries like blueberries, cherries, blackberries and even goji berries are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are chemicals that help to neutralize the harmful toxins in the body. This will help to reduce inflammation, thereby reducing the appearance of acne.
Moreover, these fruits are bursting with vitamin C – which also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and redness.
3. Fish
When it comes to anti-acne foods, fish may be an odd one that most people would not think of.
Fish contains a form of fat called omega-3s. Because they increase the formation of leukotriene B5, prostaglandin E1 and E3, which reduce inflammation, and because they decrease levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, the primary hormone that causes acne, omega-3 fatty acids are essential for treating acne.
4. Legumes
White rice, bagels, white cereal, and chocolate are examples of foods having a high glycemic index that can increase blood sugar levels. In addition to causing type 2 diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes, evidence indicates that this may also impair your skin.
So, what do lentils, peanuts, kidney beans, and chickpeas all have in common? Due to their low glycemic index, these legumes are linked to more stable blood sugar levels and fewer outbreaks of acne!
Say goodbye to acne for good with The Clifford Clinic’s range of acne treatments
Increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and fish will never be a bad thing for your diet. These foods are packed with nutrients that naturally lower inflammation, promote collagen production, and help fight against acne. However, it is worth noting that while these foods may help in building up your skin’s defenses against acne, they may not be able to eliminate the issue entirely.
If you find that changes to your diet are not making much of a difference in your complexion, it is time to consider an acne treatment in Singapore.
The Clifford Clinic has the best acne dermatologists in Singapore who offer a range of treatments that can help resolve your acne issues for good.
Our AGNES acne treatment is one such treatment that can be an option for you. The majority of patients have a 50–70% reduction in acne outbreaks following the first treatment, making AGNES acne a permanent solution for recurrent acne! Our doctors will examine your face under a microscope to locate every clogged and damaged pore. The oil-producing gland is then shocked with a small electrical charge using a thin wire connected to the AGNES machine. Both the gland’s size and the quantity of oil it produces are lowered. Without oil, a blockage cannot form, preventing the appearance of pimples.
Those who experience recurrent breakouts and mild to cystic acne may benefit from our Gold Photothermal Therapy treatment (PTT). Focusing on the oil-producing sebaceous glands that contribute to acne formation, this non-invasive and comfortable therapy will help to effectively reduce the appearance of inflammatory acne lesions. You may expect an improvement in your acne six weeks after the last treatment. Patients showed an average recovery of 34% at three months, and at six months, there were 60% fewer inflammatory lesions.
For more information on our treatments, feel free to contact us today!