If you’re having trouble keeping your acne under control, a few lifestyle and diet changes could be an important step for improving your skin.   

The Journal of the American Medical Association recognizes that, "Diet plays no role in acne treatment in most patients…even large amounts of certain foods have not clinically exacerbated acne." Still, dermatologists and experts at the American Academy of Dermatology affirm that a healthy diet and lifestyle play an important role in the look and behavior of your skin cells.

The skin needs essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals to stay healthy, and a lack of nutrition can negatively impact the way your skin functions on a day to day basis. Weak or damaged skin is more vulnerable to acne breakouts, blemishes, scarring and several other skin conditions. Eating a well-balanced diet full of nutrient-rich foods may help improve the skin - even as a positive side effect of a healthy lifestyle.  

Diet Essentials for Acne Sufferers  

Skin experts and dermatologists alike recommend eating a varied diet that is full of antioxidant-rich, unprocessed foods. Eating wholesome foods – preferably in their natural state – means the body can absorb more nutrients per serving, and easily process and assimilate the vitamins and minerals it needs. A healthy body and skin can be an outcome of eating foods that contain:  

Vitamin A: a fat-soluble vitamin that can improve the rate of skin cell production, protect skin from toxins, and even give your immune system a boost.  Foods such as spinach, apricots, tomatoes and yams contain high concentrations of Vitamin A.

Vitamin E: a common ingredient in today’s anti-aging beauty products, Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can reduce the risk of skin damage and protects your cells.  Foods including broccoli, peanuts, sunflower seeds and wheat germ are valuable sources of Vitamin E.

Zinc: another powerful antioxidant, zinc helps protect the immune system and can ward off allergies, colds and viruses. Improving your health overall can lead to clear skin and fewer breakouts; just add more nuts, whole grains and eggs to your diet for an ample supply of zinc.

Vitamin B-2: a valuable addition to your stress-reducing regiment, Vitamin B-2 can also help clear up existing acne breakouts and improve the texture and tone of your skin.  Add more leafy green vegetables, fish and milk to your diet for a healthy supply of this important B-vitamin.

Other essential nutrients for better skin include Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin B-3 and Calcium.  

Controlling Common Triggers of Acne Breakouts  

Understanding what types of foods and conditions might trigger an acne breakout can help you ward off skin problems more easily. Reducing the consumption of foods that cause a blood sugar spike is one simple way to improve skin health; Robyn N. Smith from Australia’s RMIT University published a study in 2007 that shows how a low-glycemic diet – one that is low in simple sugars and carbs such as white bread and white sugar – could help clear up the skin and reduce the risk of acne breakouts overall (Source:  American Journal of Clinical Nutrition). 

Other common triggers of acne breakouts may include:

Stress – high blood pressure can increase blood circulation and make it difficult for the body to repair and heal itself naturally.

Toxins in the environment – pollution in the air and allergies can also trigger acne breakouts, especially if the pores become clogged and chemicals are absorbed into the body through the skin.

Hormone dysfunction – hormone imbalances may be another acne trigger, but can be managed with medication and a healthy lifestyle.

Medication – some types of medications can cause skin flare-ups and hormonal imbalances. 

Check with your doctor to ensure you’re taking the right dose, and responding to the medication in the right way.

Learn more about acne treatments and skin rejuvenation options in our information guide, or consult with a dermatologist in your area to find out how a healthy diet and lifestyle can help improve your case of acne.