Natural acne remedies
HAVE acne trouble? A balanced diet along with a healthy lifestyle can help you curb it, say experts.
Preeti Seth, a cosmetologist at the Pachouli Wellness Clinic in Delhi, and Prabhu Mishra, a senior cosmetologist at the SCI International Hospital, also in Delhi, provide advice on what one should eat to keep acne at bay.
■ Brown rice: Brown rice is a rich source of vitamin B, protein, magnesium and several antioxidants. For acne, vitamin B acts as our skin’s stress fighter, which will help regulate hormones levels and reduce the likelihood of breakouts.
■ Garlic: Garlic is another super food that helps fight inflammation. Garlic is full of a naturally occurring chemical called allicin, which kills off many harmful bacteria and viruses your body might be fighting.
■ Broccoli: It is the perfect skin clearing food. It contains health-building properties like vitamins A, B complex, C, E and K. These antioxidants fight radical damage, which will assist with the luminosity of your skin.
■ Fish: Known to be a very good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, fish is excellent for an acne-prone skin. These acids reduce inflammation in the skin.
■ Nuts: Deficiencies in minerals such as zinc and selenium have been linked to acne. Most nuts contain selenium, vitamin E, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium and iron, which are all essential for healthy skin.
■ Fennel: This licorice-tasting root vegetable can improve digestion, reduce swelling and help flush out excess fluids and toxins from your skin.
■ Green tea: Drink more green tea throughout the day, and try applying cooled tea bags or a cloth dipped in cooled green tea to acne-prone areas of the face for 10-15 minutes.
■ Red grapes: The fruit and seed contain powerful natural chemicals and antioxidants that have been shown to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. On top of this, grapes can also help to control the side effects of allergic reactions on skin.
■ Alfalfa sprouts: It looks like grass, but these sprouts are packed with valuable, skin-clearing nutrients. Alfalfa sprouts contain live enzymes which help fight inflammation.
■ Foods rich in vitamin A and carotenoids: Carotenoids are used in anti-inflammatory drugs for treatment for acne. Rich sources of carotenoids include carrot juice, carrots, spinach, kale, cantaloupe, vegetable soup, mangoes, papaya, instant fortified oatmeal, frozen peas and tomato juice. Fresh and canned peaches and red bell peppers provide modest amounts of carotenoids. – IANS