We are always looking for new products to reduce acne and facial redness, but those can often be expensive and require a lot of trial and error. Why waste your money and your time on a long line of products that don’t necessarily produce results? The simple answer is that you don’t have to. Rather, you should reevaluate your diet and consider its implications on your skin’s health. Here is a list of six of the most common foods that you should replace to reduce acne and facial blemishes.
1. Foods with White Flour
High glycemic foods are some of the most common things found in our diets. They are also one of the leading causes of diet-induced acne. Some examples include white breads, white pastas, white flour, and corn syrup. Instead of these, you should try to integrate whole grain pastas, whole grain breads, or even brown rice into your diet.
2. Non-Dark Chocolate
Sadly, chocolate is also a reason behind breakouts and other facial blemishes. However, there is a bright side: not all chocolates are bad for your skin. Instead of eating chocolates from companies like Hershey’s that produce their products with milk or butter, you should try to find chocolates that have high percentages of cacao.
These purer chocolates can actually be a superfood for your skin and help clear up acne. If you can’t find chocolates with high levels of cacao, you should always choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate.
3. Junk and Fast Foods
This one shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. Junk food is not good for you, so of course it’s not good for your skin. So put down the Big Mac and start incorporating smarter, healthier foods into your diet. For example, if you’re a Chipotle regular, the veggie burrito bowl with no dairy is a great, skin-conscious choice. Whole Foods also has many great options if you’re on the go. The salad bar offers all kinds of options for a healthy meal, just avoid adding dairy (see number six on this list). Check out their pre-made foods like wraps and on-the-go sushi too
4. Sugars and Processed Foods
This is probably one of the harder categories to adjust, but foods and drinks that contain high levels of sugar are a major catalyst of acne. Protein bars are one of the worst things you could do your skin, as the sugar spikes insulin levels, which can cause acne, rashes, and even wrinkles. If you need a quick snack, your go-to should be almonds or fruit.
5. Alcohol
Sodas and alcohol should also be avoided, or enjoyed in moderation. For example, margaritas and beer can wreck your skin. Shots of hard liquor are the way to go if you’re going to go out. Since there are no additives in vodka, tequila, or whiskey, they have little effect on the health of your skin. That being said, too much is never good for your skin.
6. Dairy Products
Milk and other dairy products are one of the worst things for your skin. Dairy-based products can cause breakouts almost overnight, so you should try your hardest to replace them with healthier products. Almond milk and other milk alternatives are a must for clear skin. Additionally, nut-based cheeses and nutritional yeasts should replace traditional snacks and cooking materials. Finally, if you’re out at a restaurant, simply choose the dairy-free option on the menu.
While topical skincare products may help, it is important to remember that your outward appearance begins with your insides, especially when it comes to your skin’s health. Acne and facial blemishes are very closely related to the foods you eat, so you should always keep in mind what you should and shouldn’t eat.
Replacing these six foods won’t improve your skin overnight, but they will with time. If you want to take it a step further, add in a daily probiotic with these dietary changes to help your skin that much more.