Diets helping in acne

We all know, that clear, glowing skin reflects overall good health. This requires regular exercise, adequate sleep, quitting smoking, and avoiding excessive exposure to the sun, as well as a diet rich in some important nutrients. Let’s have a look at those foods:

1. Eat vitamin A and C rich foods:They help build and maintain healthy skin. There is some evidence that beta carotene, which is converted by body into vitamin A, may reduce sebum production. The best dietary sources of beta carotene are brightly colored fruits and dark green vegetables. Citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, melons, peppers, broccoli, cabbage, and potatoes are especially rich in vitamin C.

2. Include vitamin B6: It’s found in the meat, fish, poultry, whole grains, beans, lentils, avocados, nuts, potatoes, bananas, and leafy greens. It may reduce acne by helping to regulate hormones implicated in the development of acne lesions.

3. Do not forget Zinc: Some studies link this mineral to skin health and claim it may help to improve acne. Zinc promotes healthy hormone levels and advances healing. Seafood-especially- oysters-red meat, poultry, yogurt, milk, and whole grains are rich in zinc.

Do not attempt to self-treat acne with high dose vitamin and mineral supplements; this may worsen the condition. Some studies even show that high doses of vitamin B6 and B12 can aggravate acne symptoms, and high doses of vitamin A can cause dry, flaking skin and hair loss. Excessive intake of vitamin A has also been linked with the risk of osteoporosis.

So, all said, good nutrition is the first line of defense. Most persistent mild to moderate acne can be controlled with proper skin care, good nutrition, and nonprescription drugs, such as 2.5-10% strength benzoyl peroxide gel, lotion or ointment.

A dermatologist may prescribe tretinoin, a topical medication derived from vitamin A; an antibiotic may also be tried. Isotretinoin (Accutane), a potent oral drug, is reserved for severe cystic acne. Since Accutane can cause severe birth defects, women taking this medication should be counseled to use multiple methods of birth control.