Preventing Pimples With an Acne Diet
Preventing acne flare ups before they happen is a lot easier than treating them after the fact. There are a number of different things that can be done to help prevent all types of acne, including sports related acne.
An Acne Diet Will Reduce Sports Acne
When it comes to sports related acne, most of the main causes have to do with what you are putting on your skin prior to exercising. Specialized equipment and tight fitting clothing, as well as sweating, can all increase in acne brought on due to exercising. While these factors can be adjusted, it is also important to remember that what you are putting in your body can also play a role. Following an acne diet is an easy way to help reduce or eliminate your acne flare ups.
Tips for Following an Acne Diet
Follow a balanced diet – Nutrition plays a vital role in preventing acne. Certain types of foods have been shown to actually prevent acne flare ups. Fresh fruits and vegetables should make up a good portion of your diet. Foods that are high in essential nutrients that will help keep the skin looking smoother, clearer and healthier include:
- Watermelon, raspberries and blueberries
- Nuts, specifically brazil nuts and walnuts
- Whole grain foods, such as whole wheat bread
Avoid fatty foods – Foods that are high in saturated fats or trans fats have been found to contribute to oily skin. This can lead to blocked pores in the skin and a greater chance of a break out. Couple the increased oil with sweat and not only can pores become blocked, but they are more likely to become inflamed. Meat, dairy and poultry can be high in saturated fats. Instead of eating these types of food, try to eat lean cuts of meat or fish.
Increase protein – Having a diet that is higher in protein can help to control and even prevent acne. It is believed that when the diet is high in protein, an enzyme that is involved in oil production in the skin is not produced. As the enzyme is not produced, or produced in lower levels, this means that less oil will be produced by the skin cells and should reduce how oily the skin is.
Incorporate Fluids into an Acne Diet
Drink plenty of water – By not drinking enough water each day, you are at a greater risk of suffering from acne. Water is used to help eliminate toxins from the body, some of which can cause acne to occur. If you are not taking in enough water, you will not be flushing these toxins from the cells of your body. Also, water helps skin function better, so it is healthier and better able to combat inflammation. Finally, it is important to remember to replace the water you are losing when you play sports and are sweating.
Drink green tea – Green tea has been linked to a reduction in the production of the hormone androgen. Androgen is just one of the hormones associated with acne flare ups, but it has been found that by decreasing the levels in the body, acne is reduced.