You’ve probably heard that old rumor about bad eating giving you zits. You probably thought that it was an old wives’ tale, but there could be more truth to this warning than you think!

Research has recently shown that the foods you eat don’t directly cause acne, but there is a lot more going on below the surface than researchers first though.

What’s the Story?

Even though food doesn’t directly cause acne, it still can contribute to it. On the other hand, it can actually do a lot to clear it up.

When food is eaten, there are a lot of chemicals that are released when it is digested. Most of the time, these chemicals affect your body in ways that you don’t realize. Sometimes, they can even trigger outbreaks.

Fortunately, we have some of the top five ways to make sure that the food you eat helps your skin instead of hurts your skin.

1. Allergies

Do you have an allergy to food, even if it’s mild? Researchers think that up to 90% of the acne outbreaks in the United States are caused not by hormones, but by allergic reactions, while the remaining 10% are the result of hormone surges and imbalances.

In a study conducted in 2009, it was realized that those who suffered from acne when they were teenagers consistently ate diets that were high in dairy.

Interestingly, dairy products are one of the most common allergies in the United States, along with wheat, eggs, soy, nuts, fish, and seafood.

If you find yourself breaking out frequently, pay attention to your diet. Do you breakout after eating a certain type of food? If so, you may have a food allergy. To make sure, contact your doctor to find out.

2. Complex Carbohydrates

If you love pasta, bread, rice, and potatoes but have acne, it may be time to change the carbohydrates that you eat.

Carbohydrates are an essential macronutrient that our bodies require. In fact, it is recommended that we eat between 50-70% of our calories from carbohydrates. Clearly, cutting carbs out completely is not the answer.

Instead, choose carbs that are more complex, meaning that they are made of whole grains. Try to buy whole-wheat versions of your favorite food, add oatmeal, brown rice, wild rice, and quinoa to your diet.

Carbs that are simpler are called high-glycemic, which means that they cause a spike in blood sugar levels and hormone levels, which can lead to outbreaks.

3. Eat Your Veggies

There are many vegetables that are great sources of Vitamin A. Some of these include carrots, spinach, kale, cantaloupes, apricots, nectarines, mangoes, peas, tomatoes, and peaches. Notice that quite a few of these are orange. This is because they contain Vitamin A, a retinoid.

Vitamin A is important to your skin’s health because it behaves like a retinoid, which is commonly prescribed by doctors to treat acne.

While Vitamin A is important, it is also crucial to eat fruits of different colors because they contain different vitamins that are essential to health.

4. Drink More Water

Does drinking more water seem like the magical cure-all for pretty much any problem with the body? Do you want to lose weight? Drink more water. Clearer skin? Drink more water. More energy in your workout? Drink more water.

This is because water improves pretty much every area of health in our bodies. Increasing the amount that you drink each day helps to keep your skin moisturized, which decreases sebaceous gland activity (sweat and oil production), which will keep your skin cleaner.

5. Cut Down on the Sugar

Like carbs that are high on the glycemic index, sugars also produce intense spikes in blood sugar levels, which trigger hormone production.

To make sure that you aren’t increasing hormone levels that result in acne, cut down on the amount of sugar that you eat.

Ah, blackheads, your worst nemesis. If you thought you thought you would have to deal with them forever, think again. Studies show that there are a few things you can do that will have your blackheads running for cover.

What Causes Blackheads?

It’s important to understand what blackheads are, because prevention is the most important step you can take to getting rid of blackheads for good.

First of all, blackheads are a combination of oil and another element like dead skin cells that get trapped in a pore, causing a blockage. When this blockage is exposed to oxygen, it oxidizes, making it turn a dark color.

Over time, blackheads get so hard that they just sit in your pore, blocking air and sunlight. You know the drill from here, because the only way to get rid of a formed blackhead is to remove it.

1. Moisturize

Since half of the blackhead formula is oil, it is important to try to slow oil production.

It is a little-known secret that oily skin requires the use of a moisturizer to improve. Seems counterintuitive, right? As it turns out, a lot of the time dry skin is the cause of oily skin.

This is because skin senses that it is too dry, which prompts the sebaceous glands to produce oil to moisturize itself.

When you see that your skin is getting oily, you might be tempted to back off on the moisturizer, not wanting to make your skin even shinier. The lack of moisture only prompts more oil production.

It really is a vicious cycle.

In order to cut down on your body’s oil production, make sure to moisturize!

2. Exfoliate

The other half of the blackhead formula is dead matter that gets stuck in pores.

The most common source of dead matter is your skin itself, which dies and then mixes with oil in the pore.
To make sure that there is not as much dead skin to be used to make blackheads, make sure to exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells.

To exfoliate, use an exfoliating crème along with a loofa, exfoliating gloves, which will gently remove dead surface cells.

3. Think Clean

Skin, like people, appreciates a routine. While cleaning your face once a week is better than not cleaning your face at all, you are actually doing your blackheads a favor by not washing your face regularly.

Start getting in the habit of washing your face first thing in the morning to clean off all of the junk and bacteria that have accumulated during the night.

And more importantly, get in the habit of washing your face before you go to bed to clean off all of the toxins that have accumulated during the day.

Using a product like NanoCleanse can really work wonders for your skin’s health.

4. Make Your Body a Priority

Your skin is part of your body, obviously. You might not realize, however, that how you treat your body affects your skin.

When you exercise, drink more water, get enough sleep at night, and eat foods that are nutritious, it will benefit your overall physical health, of which your skin is a part.

Make sure to treat your body right so that it receives everything it needs to be healthy and happy.

5. Avoid Bacteria and Dirt

This seems obvious, but a lot of the dirt that ends up on your face lands there because of carelessness.

Think about all of the things you have touched today. How many other people have touched these same surfaces? Since waking up, how many times have you touched your face?

Because we touch our faces so frequently, a lot of dirt and bacteria is transferred onto our face, adding fuel to the blackhead fire.

Get in the habit of washing your hands regularly or using sanitizing gel. If this isn’t possible, make a conscious effort to avoid touching your face as much as you are used to.

If you want your skin to be clean, you have to help it stay that way.

Bonus Tip!

To see the best results, implement all of these tips into your skincare regimen and start living a blackhead-free life!

Eating chocolate can actually do your body some harm. This may or may not be shocking, but chocolate can also cause you problems with your face.

The caffeine and sugars found in chocolate can cause inflammation and therefore acne. In order to get your sugar high back on, try finding the best acne treatment for your sensitive skin.

Finding the right acne product for you can be a challenge. Often, you buy a product and it either makes your acne worse or gives you a rash.

Often times, you are forced to try product after product before you find the right one for your face. In order to make the process easier, we have come up with a few tips to promote the quickest route to a clear face.

What to Avoid

Like we mentioned in the beginning of this article, both chocolate and sugar are not healthy for your face. But a couple of things we did not mention is carbonated beverages (such as soda and Monster drinks) wheat, and salt.

If you find that you absolutely cannot give up the coffee you have every morning, try it sugar free. Or maybe try gluten free foods.

Where Should You Turn?

Sunscreen is one of the best things you can put on your face, arms and neck when you go outdoors. The sun can be very harmful for your skin because it can inflame your acne.

Because of this, it is wise to cover it up with either very strong sun block or layers of clothes. But be sure to wear dark colors as lighter toned material can still give you sun burns.

Wearing clothes that are skin tight may be in style, but your skin does not agree with that dress. If you do not give your skin room to breathe, it will become more irritated and inflamed.

Your Mama was right- eating your vegetables is good for you! Vitamin A found in leafy green veggies is also good for your skin.

Another ingredient you should get plenty of is zinc. Zinc can help prevent acne, get rid of blotches on your face and lessen irritation. You can find zinc in pumpkin seeds, green peas, spinach, yogurt, and shrimp.

If you are not drinking enough water each and every day that could be a major contributor to your problem. By drinking at least 10 glasses of water, you are more likely to have a clear face. If you were to add a little lemon to the water, it also helps rid your body of toxins.

Conclusion

Never give up on your skin. Even if you have to see a dermatologist, or try 10 different acne products, keep fighting acne. There is a way to diminish or lessen those acne scars on your face. Take baby steps towards a clearer skin by changing your diet, drinking more water, and staying out of the sun.

If you’ve ever gone from clear skin to blemishes in what seems like no time, you’ve probably wondered what kinds of factors contribute to acne.

Do you think hormones are to blame? If you are a teenager, a woman, or even an adult, you could be right to blame hormones for your oily, unpredictable skin.

Women and Acne

Women are especially susceptible to hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menstruation, the starting and stopping of birth control pills, or those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, it is not a universal condition. Some women find that their acne clear and their skin is brighter during pregnancy. Others don’t see a difference whatsoever.

The reason that women are more likely to be affected by acne in terms of hormones is because low levels of estrogen, coupled with high levels of androgen hormones, can cause the sebaceous glands to overproduce sebum.

Teenagers and Acne

Teen acne generally begins between the ages of ten and thirteen. The most common progression starts on the nose, and then spreads to the forehead, chin, and cheeks. In more severe cases, acne may affect the neck, shoulders, chest, back and upper arms.

Hormones released at the onset of puberty are responsible for the appearance of acne during the teen years. These hormones stimulate the skin’s sebaceous, or oil glands, creating an oily skin that is more prone to pore blockages and breakouts.

Treatment

While pregnant and nursing women should always consult a physician before undergoing any kind of serious treatment, up to 40% of the teenagers who have acne are eligible for prescription-strength treatment.

Most acne is curable, but it is better to get to the source of the acne and control the hormones rather than just treat the skin with harsh chemicals. There are pills and treatments that deal with hormones, but you should always be aware of side-effects.

Conclusion

If you are a teenager or a women going through any of those conditions and you have acne, you might consider trying a hormone-based acne pill. Most topical treatments are designed to dry out your skin and reduce the oil. In fact, many people do more harm than good when they use too much of a concentrated product or switch products often.

A safer alternative might involve talking to a dermatologist or doing some research to find an alternative that lets you control oil production and have clearer, smoother skin.

Acne can be an intimidating disease, embarrassing sufferers, and creating facial and emotional scars.

Hundreds of creams and facial cleansers exist out there, but some of the best remedies are things you can do on your own, at home, with products you probably have on hand already.

Here is a list of several things you can do to reduce, if not get rid of, your acne—prescription free.

1. Be and Eat Healthy. Eating right has too many positive benefits to list, but a major bonus to overall good health is the disappearance of annoying acne blemishes.

Avoid foods high in sugar or fat (especially both) and all dairy products. Eating a diet rich in vitamins helps the body to naturally get rid of acne.

Grapefruit, berries, and apples are among the best fruits to choose when thinking specifically of your skin. When choosing vegetables the more raw the better. Salads with spinach, carrots, and tomatoes are the best options with broccoli and cauliflower coming next.


2. Drink lots of water. Water helps transport nutrients throughout the body and proper hydration levels are essential to healthy skin. Whether acne is accompanied by dry skin or oily skin, water helps flush toxins out of the body and gets rid of the bacteria causing acne.


3. Sleep. That’s right. Get your right amount of sleep. Staying rested helps your body achieve its best by reducing stress levels. Higher stress levels usually mean higher occurrences of acne breakouts.


4. Wash your hands, and your face. Most people think of washing their faces as a way to help reduce acne. But make sure you wash your hands throughout the day, often. Most people don’t notice how often they touch their faces, spreading germs and bacteria to and from their face. Make sure your hands are clean to lessen these occurrences.


5. Use tea tree oil. Tea tree oil, originating from Australia, helps reduce redness and inflammation and helps keep severe acne breakouts from happening. Wash your face first and apply a small, diluted amount.

After it dries apply an oil-free moisturizer. Because of its strength, it can cause allergic reactions, so it might be a good idea to test it on a small portion of your skin before applying to your entire face.


6. Use aloe vera. Most people think of sunburns when they think of using aloe vera. However, its moisturizing effects and healing properties help with acne by lessening scars and decreasing inflammation. Try finding a facial cleanser including aloe vera.


7. Honey. Honey is an antioxidant rich material which helps reduce the appearance of scars caused by acne and helps your skin maintain moisture. Try not to use processed honeys, but the pure, natural honey. Apply honey to your face for about 20 minutes, then wash it away, a few times.


8. Apple cider vinegar. Even though the smell is awful, apple cider vinegar is very good for the body, especially the skin. It helps lower the fat deposits which cause acne. If you can stand to drink it, either straight or mixed with lemon juice, about one tablespoon a day is all you need. Otherwise, take a tablespoon and mix it with about a half cup of water and apply it directly to your face.


9. Garlic. Garlic is a great way to reduce the bacteria and inflammation associated with acne. It’s packed with nutrients beneficial to the body to help it get rid of the causes of acne. The best use of garlic is to eat it raw while it’s full of nutrients.


Every person is different, as is every case of acne. Play around with the many natural remedies and find what works for you, without the worry of side effects or costly prescriptions.

When acne is bad enough, some of us end up with large, unsightly pores. Anti-acne treatments don’t seem to work on the pores themselves.In fact nothing seems to work: exfoliators, anti-aging creams or even complete facials. Those blackheads and that shiny nose seem like a permanent part of our faces.

And we begin to wonder: is it possible to shrink pores?

The Role of Genetics

The short answer is no, you can’t shrink pores, at least in the way that you’d want. Pore size is both genetic and age dependent. It has little to do with the chemicals on your face.

The primary factor of pore size is genetics. It is an inherited trait, and can be prevalent in any race or skin type. If you have oily skin, your pores need to be larger to allow the oils to moisturize your skin.

Age and Time

The other player in pore size is time. First of all, as you get older, collagen production in your skin depletes, and your skin becomes less firm, allowing your pores to “sag”.

As well, your pores will be forced to expand over time. As pores become clogged, they are pressed outwards like a balloon, but because they’re clogged, they only swell under the skin.

Over time this can drastically increase your pore size. And because this process is irreversible, treatments can only slow or stop this process.

What Works?

The best thing to do is to keep your pores clean throughout your life. Regular daily face washing will do more to keep your pores from being clogged than anything you can do once they are clogged.

Make up will also clog your pores, so try to limit its use to special occasions. Even make-ups that claim they won’t clog pores will still hinder your face’s natural ability to secrete its oils.

How to Clean out the Pores

If you have oily skin, dirt may stick to your face even though you’re a faithful face-washer. An exfoliator will help clean pores once they’ve become dirty.

Products that remove the outer layers of skin, like Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s) and Benzoyl Peroxide, can help those with either dry or oily skin too keep the dead skin away from the pores.

Mud masks (or even a home remedy of honey) can pull blackheads out and nourish inflamed pores. This can reduce pore size a little bit, helping your pores to relax.

Prevention vs Appearance

Many products or remedies can shrink pores temporarily, but fade quickly. Expanding the pores with a sauna-like effect is good for cleaning out your pores, but trying to close the pores with cold will do nothing once your face warms up again.

In the end, prevention really is the only cure for large pores. If appearances are important, there are moisturizing concealers that will reduce the appearance of larger pores without causing them to expand in the future.