Nutrition and acne - is there a connection?

Everyone is already aware that the quality of food is very important for the quality of life in many aspects. Many studies have been conducted, but none of them show whether there is a direct link between nutrition and acne. However, this does not give us any reason to be careless about our food if we want to have healthy skin and get rid of imperfections.

Although it has not been proven that consuming certain foods and drinks directly affects the appearance of acne, avoiding them will certainly have a beneficial effect on your overall physical condition, and consequently on your skin.

What is harmful?

Among the foods that definitely do not help problematic skin are:

• Packaged desserts (pastry cupcakes, chocolate wafers, cookies, etc.) are tempting, but the problem is not the sweetness itself, but most often the combination of dough + sugar + fat. It is not necessary to completely deprive ourselves of a little sweet treat, as long as it is really small and, most importantly, genuine (dark chocolate, honey).
• The substances in foods that cause blood sugar spikes further stimulate oil secretion and trigger an increase in the inflammatory process.
• Fatty foods (hamburgers, doner kebabs, fried foods, mayonnaise, semi-prepared products, etc.) sometimes attract us irresistibly, but the fats they contain, often further processed, exceed the body's needs and accumulate in it. It is best if the fats we consume come mainly from meat and plant products. They are completely sufficient for the body to function.
• Drinks with added sugar (sweet soft drinks and cocktails with liqueurs) do not even need to be discussed.
• Salt contains sodium, which causes the body to retain water, thus disrupting its water balance.

The body eliminates toxins that accumulate in it through the surface of the skin. If we provide the stomach with fewer toxins and artificial elements through food, this will certainly be beneficial and positively affect the overall cleansing process.

What is beneficial?

• Water, lots of water! Drink plenty of water, at least 1.5 liters a day (except in cases of medical contraindications). It helps remove toxins from the body more easily and quickly, and the skin is hydrated, which affects it very well and at least refreshes it.
• Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, fibers, and prebiotics. The skin needs a large amount of antioxidants to keep hormones balanced and reduce inflammatory processes. The easiest way to get them is through fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A, E, C, and D.
• Fish and fish products contain the extremely important omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon, trout, and even ordinary mackerel are healthy, tasty, and the substances in them support the process of cell renewal.

Whatever you like to eat, whatever diet you struggle with, follow Anatole France’s advice: “We must have moderation in everything…”.