Acne Vulgaris Diet
Overview
Over-the-counter medications, such as benzoyl peroxide, and antibiotics, such as tetracycline, are common treatments for acne vulgaris. However, changing your diet may also help suppress breakouts and improve the appearance of your skin. If you have another medical condition that's diet dependent, such as diabetes, consult your doctor before making dietary changes to treat acne.
Limit Milk and Dairy Foods
Milk and dairy products such as cheese and butter may contain hormones since dairy cattle are usually pregnant, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Switch to milk alternatives such as rice beverage for drinking or baking. Also, you can get calcium from sources such as green leafy vegetables and fish with small bones such as sardines and salmon. Alternative protein sources include fish, beans and whole grains.
Curb Your Sweet Tooth
Refined carbohydrates such as sugar cause blood glucose and insulin levels to spike, and high insulin levels disrupt other hormonal activity. Some women with acne have high insulin levels and hormone imbalances, notes the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Try substituting sugar alternatives such as stevia in your beverages and baking instead. Also, limit your intake of other refined carbohydrates such as cakes and pastries made from white flour.
Increase Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Not only does acne take a toll on your skin, it also affects your mood and mental outlook. However, boosting your intake of omega-3 fatty acids may help improve mental, emotional and social well-being, according to a short paper by Canadian researchers that was published in the journal "Lipids in Health and Disease" in 2008. Also, omega-3 fats were associated with a reduction in inflammatory acne lesions, which are pimples that usually contain pus. Eat more foods such as salmon, halibut, herring, flaxseed, walnuts to boost your omega-3 fatty acid intake.
Fill up on Fruits and Vegetables
Low concentrations of vitamins A and C is linked to acne and acne severity, according to a study published in the journal "Clinical and Experimental Dermatology" in May 2006. Fruits and vegetables such as apricots, citrus fruits, carrots, kale, kiwi, papaya, red pepper and spinach are loaded with these skin-healing vitamins. Alternatively, you can boost your intake of these vitamins by taking a dietary supplement.
Related Articles

Overview When oil builds up in your skin, it can clog your pores and cause acne. Doctors at the Amer...

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a condition affecting the large intestine, or colon. Symptoms ...

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Its exact cause is a mystery but there ...

Overview Acne occurs when hair follicles, plugged with oil and dead skin cells become inflamed. This...

Overview It isn't uncommon to suffer from periodic acne on your nose. As your body sheds dead skin a...

Acne is a skin condition characterized by the development of red bumps or lesions on the skin. Acne ...