The Skin Care Fact Center

An acne diet is certainly an appealing idea. Most importantly, who hasn’t heard that eating chocolate gives you zits? Just about everyone has. As a result, it does not seem so far-fetched that what you eat could prevent acne instead of cause it.

However, an acne diet can be hard to create for a large number of people. This is very personal and its based on your body’s unique response to certain foods. There are rules to follow, but progress is usually by trial and error. Watch your skin carefully. Write down all changes. You could even take pictures a few times a week. When your skin clears, continue on the diet you were on at the time.

Here are some guidelines to get you started on an acne diet:

* 1. Increase your protein intake - Many dermatologists are under the belief that protein is connected with clearer skin. An enzyme in contained in protein limits the creation of oil Oily skin seems to be extremely prone to breakouts.

* Don’t eat carbs - You don’t have to completely cut carbs out. But you should keep them limited to about 40 percent of your diet. This is because carbohydrates can stimulate oil production. For this reason common knowledge indicates that junk food causes acne. Actually it is just that junk food is high in carbs.

* Green tea is a must - If at all possible try to drink the real stuff. The best type of green tea is the kind you brew at home. But, if you really don’t like it, the natural green tea drinks will work. Green tea holds back androgen production. Breakouts have been known to be caused by a hormone called androgen.

* You must restrict the amount of salt you take in - Salt most always contains iodine. Which is why table salt is sometimes called “iodized salt.” For some people with acne, iodine can be a major inflammatory agent.

You must always be careful of what you eat and put on your face. If you have acne you are probably already more aware than most people of the ingredients in your beauty products. Look for oil-free moisturizers and natural or organic skin care lines. These are the least likely to irritate your skin. You might want to start buying mineral makeup, that is if you wear makeup. Many dermatologists today believe that mineral makeup can really reduce breakouts and increase the results of your acne diet.