Acne is a problem that affects most Americans at one point in their lives. For most, it comes during adolescence, but for some it is a continued problem into adulthood. Not only is this health condition unsightly, but it can also be very painful at times. These blemishes can have a major impact on the condition of the skin, leaving behind deep scars and cysts where the skin infection oncegrew. There are ways of fighting off this embarrassingly harsh skin disease through a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Many dermatologists will tell you that hormones are responsible for most of the cases of acne. This is true, but the foods you eat have a major impact on your overall health and the way the brain functions to send these hormones through the body.

The hormones involved are called androgens or male sex hormones. These hormones prompt the skins oil glands to enlarge and produce excess sebum (the oily substance that lubricates the skin). With this surge of androgens the body also stimulates hair growth, which in turn increases the shedding of keratin (a protein in hair), resulting in a clogged pore. This clogged pore then forms a whitehead or closed comedo. Sometimes the pores and glands become infected with bacteria that usually inhibits the skin, thus causing the most severe case of acne–cystic acne. Cystic acne can be hereditary and past down from generation to generation.

There are certain foods and lifestyle choices that can cause this skin disease. Salt is a major contributor to acne and should be avoided in large doses. These large doses can cause a flare up and provoke a more deleterious case of acne. Heavily cured meats should be avoided during bouts of breakouts. Another food that should be used in moderation is kelp supplements. Kelp is mainlyused as a salt substitute and can cause severe cystic acne.

High doses of B vitamins are also linked to acne. Red meats have lots of vitamin B6 and B12, portions should be cut back or used in moderation to the standards of the food pyramid plate. High doses of vitamin A can cause dry and flaking skin that can bring acne to the surface. Self-treating acne with supplementation can have a very adverse effect. Constant over-exposure to the sunlight can exacerbate conditions of acne as well. Sunbathing and the heavy use of tanning beds while covered in tanning oils can cause breakouts to occur. Steroid use is a lifestyle choice that features acne as a side effect. Using steroids of any kind for whatever reason without a doctors prescription is a bad choice all the way around, especially for your overall health.

There are also many ways to prevent and combat acne’s evil grip on your skin. One is having a diet consisting up to 50% fruits and vegetables. Eating fresh fruits and vegetable that have higher concentrations vitamins A and C tremendously improve skin health. Whole grains and cereals with B vitamins and zinc helps lower acne incidences. Lean cuts of meats like chicken, fish, pork is recommended in the fight against this skin disease. Portions of these lean cuts of meat should be 4oz or less if eating only three meals per day. When treating or preventing acne, try not to scrub abrasively or use harsh chemicals that dry out the skin.

Choosing to have a proper diet, regularly exercising, keeping stress low and getting an adequate amount of sleep will be your best defense against this troublesome skin problem. Good nutrition; clean skin.