Foods That Cure Acne: Herbs, Fruits And Vitamins To Treat Acne

At some point in their life, more than 70 percent of people in their teens may have suffered from acne, the unsightly spots. Acne begins when the sebaceous glands produce excess of oil and pass through skin pores. The sebum or the oil carries with it dead cells and debris with it. As a result of excess secretion, the pores get blocked. Bacteria normally present on the surface of skin finds healthy atmosphere to grow and multiply. It leads to inflammation and pus filled bumps called acne.

Causes Of Acne In Teenagers

In some people there is genetic predisposition for acne formation, but most common causes are emotional stress and increased secretion of androgens, the sex hormones.

This hormone stimulates the sebaceous gland to secrete more oil, especially on face, shoulder, upper back and chest area. In teenage the hormone is more active.

It is also suggested that high sugar and fat content in diet plays an important role in development of acne. Diet consisting of fast food, sweets and snacks are deficient in many vitamins and minerals. Sufficient level of vitamins and minerals especially zinc available from foods prevents acne development. At the same time eating healthy nutritive foods helps to cure acne.

What Are The Foods That Cure Acne?

Here are some time tested foods for acne cure:

  • Fish: Fish is good source of omega 3 and omega 6.
    Both the fatty acids help to reduce inflammation in our body and thus reduce the risk of acne. Fish such as salmon, mackerel, act effectively in fighting zits.
  • Liver and eggs: Both are good source of vitamin A. It helps to maintain a healthy skin. Diet of acne sufferers should contain healthy portion of these food preparations.
  • Almonds and other nuts: Nuts have abundant mineral Zinc and selenium in them. Zinc and selenium is essential for maintaining healthy skin texture. Besides, nuts contain vitamin E, an essential ingredient to cure acne.
  • Broccoli: Broccoli is a perfect food for eliminating acne. Broccoli is a storehouse of many B vitamins and fat soluble vitamins such as vitamin E, K and A. Their antioxidant properties are of immense value to fight free radicals which is known to cause several skin problems including acne formation.
  • Avocado: The fat rich delicious and pulpy fruit is rich source of vitamin E. Vitamin E increases the skin elasticity and keeps to well toned. Avocado also contains vitamin C, an essential element for skin health. Vitamin C helps the body to fight infection and boosts immune system. It also helps to reduce inflammation which is common in acne. Avocado is known to keep the skin exceptionally moist and supple. Eat the avocado as part of a meal or apply directly to the skin after mashing. Avocados help to open pores and let out excess oils or sebum that contribute to acne problems.
  • Carrots: Carrots are rich in beta carotene. Beta carotene ultimately forms vitamin A in the body. Drink carrot juice once in a day to counteract acne trouble. The pulp of carrot can be applied on acne to reduce its inflammation.
  • Strawberry and tomatoes: Add lots of red food and fruits in your diet to cure acne.  There is surplus of vitamin C and antioxidants in them. This helps to strengthen and keep the blood vessels healthy. Soon you will be on your way to a clear and beautiful complexion. Interestingly, red colored foods and fruits are known to promote and speed up circulation. Therefore they keep the walls of the vessels clear. Apples and tomatoes are prime choices.

The diet for acne sufferers should consist of polyunsaturated fats, which has been known to counteract acne trouble. Eating a well balanced diet consisting vegetables and fruits, brown rice, garlic etc is beneficial in controlling and curing acne and blackheads.  At the same time, person suffering from acne should avoid eating foods containing refined carbohydrates found in sugary foods, fatty and fried foods such as burgers, chips, and confectioneries.

Herbal Treatment For Acne

  • Garlic: Rub raw garlic on acne once in a day. You can use garlic juice instead of garlic. Applying garlic regularly helps to reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Aloe Vera: It is a potent herb among all herbs to cure acne problem without causing any irritation over the skin surface. Apply aloe vera gel on acne two to three times in a day. Aloe has inbuilt anti inflammatory and antibacterial properties that are valuable in treating acne problems.
  • Cucumber: The juice of cucumber is known to cure acne. You can apply face mask prepared from cucumber. Also drink one glass of cucumber juice together with beet root juice for quick acne cure.