The A to Z of Acne Cures: Food and Elements that Can Work for You

Acne cures can be as simple as the elements in your daily diet. If you are still on the prevention or mild acne state, following a healthy diet could be enough to rid yourself of the irritable pimple. To give you a better idea on what to eat and what to avoid, here are a few guidelines.

Acne cures start with A - vitamin A. This nutrient comes in various forms, with retinol being one of them. If the word retinol sounds familiar, it is because it is found in topical and oral retinoids, albeit in a different form, which are prescribed for treating acne. Vitamin A can be found in butter, carrots, eggs and broccoli among others. It is also present in foods of plant origin.

Vitamin E is another important nutrient for keeping skin healthy. This vitamin is an antioxidant that can be found in peanuts, soybeans, coconut, oats and various oils such as olive oil and peanut oil. Topical forms of vitamin E have also been found to prevent scarring, hence its inclusion in most topical formulas recommended for eliminating scars.

Zinc is another important element that our body needs to keep our skin healthy. Zinc deficiency can result in skin lesions and other skin problems. This element can be found in oysters, nuts, whole grains, cereals and legumes among others. Zinc is also known to contribute to the strengthening of the immune system and in repairing damaged skin.

When it comes to food that we should avoid, there really is no definite study that proves that certain foods can cause acne. Chocolates have been implicated more than once, but its connection with acne is yet to be proven. But like everything in life, moderation is the key. Chocolates and other foods might not be proven causes of acne, but too much of anything always produces negative effects; and when it comes to our diet, too much chocolate, sweets and other indulgence can be just as bad.

To be on the safe side, loading your diet with more natural foods like fresh vegetables and fruits is your best bet. Drinking lots of water is also recommended since our skin needs constant rehydration, particularly if we engage in physical activities that cause us to sweat more than usual. It also wouldn't hurt to get at least eight hours of sleep everyday. Rest and relaxation give us more energy and minimize stress that can cause skin breakouts.

Acne cures do not need to be all medications and visits to the doctor. For mild cases of pimples and other skin problems, just making adjustments on your diet and daily routine will go a long way towards keeping your skin healthy and glowing.