Fighting acne with food

Acne is something everyone has had to deal with at some point in their lives -- some people worse than others. Here are a few foods that can help deter acne:

• Acne occurs when an excess amount of sebum (an oily substance produced by glands that lubricates and moistens the skin) blocks the skin's pores at the base of hair follicles, causing small pus-filled eruptions to appear on the face, chest, shoulders and back.
• Pimples, blackheads and whiteheads are the characteristics of this condition, which can be managed by simple self-care measures, over-the-counter topical medications or under the supervision of a dermatologist.
• Though most forms of acne are mild, in its severe form (cystic acne), permanent pits and scars can occur, especially if skin lesions are picked at and squeezed.
• One of the most common of all skin problems, acne generally afflicts adolescents, teenagers and young adults, though some older people also suffer from acne.
• Although it is not a dangerous condition, acne can nonetheless cause distress and discomfort for young people in particular, who may, as a result, suffer from poor self-image, social isolation, depression and anxiety.

• Acne is often triggered by hormonal activity, which can increase the production of sebum.
• Though the hormonal shifts of adolescence make teenagers the primary victims of acne, women who are pregnant, menstruating or in meno­pause are also susceptible.
• Certain medications (such as steroids or oral con­traceptives) that affect hormones, as well as stress, can all contribute to the overproduction of sebum and, therefore, to acne.
• For some people there may be a genetic component that contributes to the onset of the condition.

• One of the prevailing beliefs about acne is that certain foods — such as chocolate or pizza — can cause it or make it worse; but this is just a myth.
• There are, however, certain foods that can help to promote optimal skin health.
• Many skin conditions seem to respond to Vitamin A, which appears to have a beneficial effect on cell growth and maturation.
• The best dietary sources of Vitamin A are found in foods rich in beta-carotene, which is converted by the body into Vitamin A.
• Some studies indicate that beta-carotene protects the skin from free-radical stress and, though research is conflicting, there is also some evidence that it reduces sebum production.
• Since inflammation is one of the characteristics of acne, essential fatty acids may help alleviate the condition by hindering the body's production of certain inflammatory compounds.
• Vitamin E is also helpful in maintaining healthy skin by teaming up with selenium to promote an enzyme called glutathione peroxidase, which may help to reduce inflammation.
• The immunity-building mineral zinc may help to improve acne, perhaps through its involvement in hormone metabolism as well as the role it plays in healing.
• Some evidence shows that Vitamin B6 may help to stabilize hormonal fluctuations that can cause acne.

• Misconceptions about diet and acne are still common.
• A recent Canadian survey investigating beliefs concerning acne found that 32 percent of patients identify diet as the cause of acne.
• This is a longstanding myth that just doesn't seem to go away.

• Apricots
• Asparagus
• Sweet potatoes
• Winter squash
• Avocados
• Bananas
• Potatoes
• Salmon
• Crab
• Oysters
• Tofu
• Turkey

Although acne is a tough condition to deal with, these foods may help deter acne. Should your acne be too much to handle with at-home remedies, consult a doctor for more information.