'Diet Vs. Zits '- Will Changing What You Eat Help Clear Up Breakouts?

It used to be common wisdom that eating greasy foods and chocolate would result in a vicious breakout. But later, dermatologists and other skin professionals told us that there is no proven scientific connection between food and acne. But still'¦does what you eat really have a direct influence on the status of your face?

The straight answer is: no, bad food does not inherently cause bad skin. But, as most doctors will tell you, what you choose to put in your body will have a definite effect on your health, including your skin health. Sugary foods, excessive caffeine, and greasy, fatty snacks - have a negative effect on our bodies and overall health. If your skin is particularly susceptible to acne, maintaining a poor diet will definitely not help the situation.

Choosing foods that are high in fat, sugar content, refined carbohydrates can all prove damaging to your body and skin health. Research shows that eating too much sugar and refined carbohydrates can lead to a surge in insulin. This in turn may create a condition referred to as IGF-1, where an increase in insulin creates the production of excess male hormones. Excessive male hormones can create an excess of sebum, the greasy stuff that can clog pores, attract bacteria, and create monster zits. IGF-1 is also believed to cause keratinocytes to multiply, which can wreak havoc on skin.

Saturated fats: These are the bad guys of the food world. Doctors have consistently warned of the health dangers of consuming saturated fats and trans fats. What exactly is so bad about these types of fats? Saturated fats have an overall negative effect on the body, weakening the immune system, promoting inflammation, and for acne sufferers, perhaps raising the skin's oil production level. To have the best complexion possible, keep your body healthy and filled with good, health-promoting nutrients. You should strive to reduce saturated fats because they promote inflammation, and will not help you in your battle against acne.

The power of good oils: Even though certain oils are high in saturated and trans fats, that doesn't mean all oils are bad. In fact, certain oils are absolutely essential to your health. These essential fatty acids reduce inflammation, and help promote healthy skin, nails and hairs. What oils should you add to your regular diet? Flax oil, olive oil, and fish oil are all good oils that should become a part of your diet. Flax oil and fish oil in particular are recommended for the maintenance of a healthy body and glowing complexion.

Using vitamins and minerals to battle acne: You should also strive to make sure you consume vitamins and minerals on a regular basis to promote a healthy skin-enriching diet. Vitamin A is paramount for promoting healthy skin. Avocados and carrots are excellent sources of Vitamin A. Vitamin B-6, Vitamin C, and Zinc are other important nutrients for promoting a good complexion. In order to ensure you're getting all the vitamins and minerals you need to help fight acne, eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and essential fatty acids.

Food allergies and acne: Ok, so to promote a healthy zit-free complexion, you just need to eat lots of vegetables, fruits, and get your daily drizzle of good oils, right? Well, yes. But one of the lesser-considered aspects of the food and acne debate is the role that food allergies play in promoting acne. Sometimes, people experience severe cases of acne, even if they lead a very healthy diet and have never suffered from severe acne before. In these cases, a potential food allergy may be suspected.

If you suspect your acne is caused by a food allergy, begin by increasing your daily amount of water consumption. Then try to rule out the root cause of your potential acne. Common causes of food allergies include dairy products, excess sugar, and certain refined flours and grains. Also, avoid foods rich in iodine, which have been linked to acne in the past. Iodine-rich foods may include salt, liver, cheese, crabs, shellfish, clams, and kelp products. If you consume iodized salt, make the switch to sea salt. If you find dairy products exacerbate your acne, consider switching to soy or rice milk and cheese products.