Top 20 Skin Clearing Foods
Over 25% of women and some men suffer with ‘Adult Acne’ into their late 20’s and 30’s, this can be due to stress in their daily lives and hormonal changes as the body gets older. However, do not be disheartened, there are many topical lotions which can be prescribed by your health care professional as well as antibiotics and even steroids which can help with the inflammation of your skin. Some women and men get quite concerned and nervous about taking pills and medication, so they will be extremely pleased to know that there are many foods which contain skin healing properties, which can help your skin significantly when consumed on a regular basis.
If you combine these top 20 foods with a healthy diet, exercise and fresh air, you will be well on your way to having healthy and happy skin. Here are the top 20 skin clearing foods;
Artichoke
Having these delicious fibrous vegetables have been related to healthy skin. The oils within the artichoke have been proven to give your skin luminosity and a healthy glow. Artichoke extract is quite often found in skin care products and cosmetic products due to their high anti-oxidant content. There are a number of benefits to eating artichoke as it can not only help the skin, it can also help with digestion due to its high fibre content as well as lowering congestion and helping boost the immune system. Buy your raw artichokes from a local food shop, clean them up and boil them for roughly 20 to 40 minutes to release all of the beneficial factors.
Peppermint
Drinking a cup of peppermint tea can be extremely beneficial, not only for the skin but also for digestion as well as the calming and stress relieving properties. Stress is the main cause of adult acne, so reducing your stress levels is essential for preventing and reducing your skin issues. Enjoying a cup of peppermint tea instead of a regular cup of tea daily, can significantly make a difference, so try it today.
Nettles
The idea of consuming nettles may not seem like an exciting prospect to many of us and as they have such a bad reputation, there would be no surprise there. However, nettles can be taken as a capsule, made into a soup or even made into a tea. Astonishingly, studies have shown that nettles have extremely high anti-inflammatory properties. With this amazing quality, nettles can help to settle the skin and help reduce your acne.
Using nettles on a regular basis can really make a difference to not only our skin, but also to the rest of your body. Nettle contain high levels of antioxidants which protect the body from free radicals, chemicals which damage proteins, carbohydrates and even the DNA within our bodies. Nettles can be found in any health food store and are a good ‘all-rounder’ so stock up now and see if it makes a difference to your skin and general well-being.
Water
Over half our body is made up of water, so replenishing that water content that is lost throughout the day is essential in keeping our bodies and skin in tip top condition. Water is by far the most effective and cheapest way to help your skin and flush out all of the toxins which have built up in your body over time. Not only will water flush out your toxins, it will replenish your cells, making them full and healthy as well as keep your brain fully functional, allowing you to cope better with daily stress which in turn, causes acne. Ensure that you drink 8 glasses of water a day, minimum and drink more especially after regular exercise.
Fennel
Fennel is an unbelievable vegetable which tastes very similar to liquorice. Eating it raw, in salads or drinking it in tea is a great way to get the healing properties of fennel into your body. Fennel has very high levels of anti-inflammatory chemicals as well as having the ability to flush out the toxins within the body. Fennel aids in digestion and is incredible for healthy skin, nails and hair.
Oat Milk
I know it sounds strange that one of the top foods to help acne is actually a dairy product as studies have shown that lactose and dairy products can hinder the reduction of acne. However, oat milk is lactose free and extremely high in fibre as well as vitamin E and folic acid. Oat milk is the perfect alternative to milk and all of its properties can aid healthy and happy skin.
Dark Berries
Dark berries are packed full of antioxidants as well as fibre, which is perfect for preventing hunger and regulating sugar levels. Preventing you from snacking sugary treats throughout the day and harming your skin.
Watercress
These delicious fiery greens are full of antioxidants as well as vitamins and minerals, such as manganese, potassium and carotene. These strong cleansing elements help to get rid of all of the toxins which build up, over time in the body. The perfect addition to a salad or an egg sandwich.
Nuts
Nuts are rich in minerals such as selenium and zinc. Many people who suffer with adult acne have been known to have low levels of these minerals. Pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts as well as almonds are great as a snack between meals.
Studies have shown that selenium increases the amount of white blood cells within the blood stream and the zinc helps to keep the skin healthy and glowing.
Tofu
There is a misconception around tofu and some people believe it is not to be touched unless you are a vegan, however it is delicious and should be enjoyed by everyone. Tofu is made from soya beans and is a good source of protein, calcium, healthy unsaturated fats and roughage. Tofu is additionally full of antioxidants as well as various minerals which include; copper, iron and manganese. All of the elements which create tofu are beneficial not only to the whole body, but especially towards the skin. You can whip up some tofu in a stir fry or grill it, either way it is a deliciously healthy alternative to regular protein.
Broccoli
Broccoli is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which work in combination to help keep the skin luminous and healthy as well as replenish damaged tissues. You can either eat broccoli raw or lightly steamed in order to contain all of the goodness within the vegetable.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are high in vitamin c which has been known to help acne sufferers. Vitamin c helps with the collagen production in the skin, ensuring that it remains tight and firm. Tomatoes are bright red in colour which is caused by lycopene. This pigment helps to stimulate the circulation in the skin. By increasing the circulation in the skin, you are ensuring that the skin gets the nutrients it requires from the blood stream.
Brown Rice
High in protein, selenium, magnesium as well as antioxidants, brown rice or wholegrain rice is the perfect healthy addition to your diet. It keeps you fuller for longer and keeps your blood sugar levels at a steady level, ensuring that you do not get those sugar cravings throughout the day. Not snacking on sugary products throughout the day can help your skin immensely, so why not try swapping out your processed, refined, white carbohydrates for these natural wholemeal products?
Red Grapes
Red grapes are packed full of skin healing ingredients, not only in the flesh of the grapes but also in the skin and seeds. Red grapes contain anti-inflammatory properties which have been known to reduce the inflammation within the skin as well as keeping your skin healthy. I bet you didn’t know that grapes are a natural antihistamine? Well, they are and can help control allergic reactions. Try having a handful a day, but remember that they are full of sugar – natural sugar, but sugar none the less.
Avocado
This delicious, creamy fruit has an extremely high content of vitamin E, which helps to keep the skin healthy and full of vitality. Avocado is also full of vitamin C which is great to keep the skins inflammation low as well as stimulate collagen production, which keeps your skin supple, tight and firm. Avocado oil can also be found in numerous makeup products, moisturisers and facial products for its natural ability to moisturise the skin. Having half an avocado a day can help boost your skin and keep it healthy and happy.
Beetroot
Beetroot is a tough vegetable to prepare but it is well worth it. Packed full of magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, vitamin A and E, it is perfect for healing the skin as well as keeping your skin healthy and ready for a day full of stress and daily weather attack. Beetroot is not only great for the skin, it can also help the body to flush out its toxins as well as keep your cholesterol low, a perfect all round body treat.
Garlic
Garlic happens to be one of the best vegetables for you and your body. Garlic is full of the strongest natural antibiotic. Eating it raw and crushed helps to release this natural antibiotic, which can destroy harmful bacteria and even viruses that may be within your body. Eating one crushed, raw garlic clove a day will make a difference to your skin in a matter of days. You may feel a little unwell after your first few days as the powerful properties of the garlic will cleanse your body of all its bacteria, toxins and viruses. However, after a few days you will never have felt better. It’s a tough process but you will feel so much better than ever before and your skin will glow and reduce the signs of acne.
Legumes
When healing your skin and body, you need as much protein as you can get, not only for the healing process, but also to provide enough energy for the healing process to happen. You cannot only get protein from meat, fish and eggs. Beans, peas and lentils are packed with the protein that you need. Detoxing your skin is the best way to reduce the effect of acne and even prevent it happening in the first place. Legumes contain a high level of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, all of which detox the body and skin. They are also high in dietary fibre which aids with digestion.
Alfalfa Sprouts
Alfalfa sprouts are small but definitely pack a punch. The taste is similar to a mixture of watercress and rocket and they are absolutely delicious and perfect sprinkled on a salad or as part of a sandwich. Alfalfa sprouts have the most amazing skin clearing properties. With multivitamins, minerals and antioxidants, they contain the perfect combination of all the things which can help your skin be the best it can be.
Kale
Having kale in a stir fry or instead of cabbage, can be a great way to get its full range of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants into your body. There is another plus side – it tastes delicious, so why not try it today to see the difference it will make to your skin.
These top 20 foods, are perfect for helping your skin when you have a flare up of acne, and also preventing it from happening in the first place. The most important way to have clear and healthy skin is to ensure that you minimise your stress levels, avoid sugary and salty foods and exercise regularly.
If however you are still suffering with adult acne and you have tried everything, then not to worry there are many acne treatments available at the Nuriss Clinic. For people suffering with active acne, the ‘Acne Clear Laser Treatment’ can be an option for you.