Think that food and skin health is unrelated? Think again. Recent studies have shown that high-glycemic foods such as refined grains and processed sugars may in fact, trigger breakouts.
What is considered “High-glycemic”? Examples include foods such as french fries, white pasta, white bread, and sodas. These foods spike your blood sugar levels too quickly causing the pancreas to respond by pumping extra insulin in order to bring those sugar levels down. End result? The insulin also signals the sebaceous glands to manufacture and secrete sebum, the oily substance that is carried to our pores. This increased production of insulin and sebum leads to breakouts and skin woes.
So if eating high-glycemic foods can lead to breakouts, the opposite can be said as well for low-glycemic foods. There are foods out there that are actually good for the skin! Want to rid yourself of breakouts, acne, blackhead and whiteheads? Give these five foods a try!
1) Whole grains
High fiber whole grains are great for acne prevention. Whole grains are chock full of antioxidants, and unlike processed grains, they actually stabilize blood sugar and prevent insulin spikes. So by stabilizing the insulin spikes, you’re stabilizing your sebum production. Voila! Controlling oil production controls your breakout disasters.
2) Green Tea
You’ve probably heard all about the multitude of benefits from drinking green tea by now. Well add clearer skin to that benefit list. Similar to the previously listed items, it acts as an anti-inflammatory and is a great detoxifier. This miracle worker helps you to flush out infections and bacteria, paving the way for clearer and brighter skin.
3) Water
Speaking of flushing bacteria out… turn to water! Our bodies are comprised of mostly water. Dehydration can lead skin to over correct, over production of oil, all leading to unwanted blemishes. Load up on water! Flush bacteria out, keep your skin balanced and hydrated.
4) Beets
If you can’t “beet” ‘em, eat ‘em! Beets are loaded with antioxidants which promote all around health. In addition, they also help to promote cell turnover. If you’re not into beets, give other purple foods a try. You can find similar benefits in pomegranates and acai berry as well.
There you have it, 4 great foods to help your real skin shine through. Remember, you are what you eat, so eat your way to the beautiful new you! Mangia!
Sam
Waaw, french fries, white pasta, and white bread are my favorite, I should cut it down 🙁
Wow! Had no idea that refined, high glycemic food can trigger breakouts. Wow. Surprising! Thanks for this list of great skin foods.
I’m not sure I agree with this theory but it doesn’t hurt to try to eat more healthy anyway. Personally, citrus foods, esp. oranges and tomatoes used to make me break out. So I think for some people, being sensitive to certain foods is a trigger.
I don’t know if something is wrong with my screen, but all I see is 4 foods; whole grains, green tea, water, beet… But that was helpful anyway !
Hey beauty bunny – you forgot your favorite food – carrots:-)
Carrots are rich in antioxidants that help fight the skin’s aging process, hydrate the skin and have antiseptic qualities – helpful in cases of acne and other skin inflammations.
LOL so true May! Where would a bunny be without carrots? 🙂
Hi
My skin gets so dry especially in the winter also my lips get so dry and chapped.. Can just by drinking a lot more water help my skin by making it less dry. Sounds to easy to be true.???????
Await reply lee
Healthy diet – green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts and lots of water daily is a big plus to make our skin healthy and of course we should avoid stress. If we are over worked or having a lot of problems in life, let’s learn how to relax our mind and body to maintain healthy skin and body.
Hmm…another reason to avoid my favorite foods. I have known for a long time that high GI foods can lead to weight gain and increase in body fat, but causing breakouts is something new to me. I really like fries, sweet beverages and deserts though. I guess its the perennial struggle between short term gratification and long term gains 🙁
Thanks for sharing this post! Green tea is absolutely one of my favorite at home remedies for treating cystic acne and getting my daily dose of antioxidants. I also enjoy skin care products containing green tea as I find it gives a cooling, soothing relief for skin that has aggravated by acne treatments.