For those of us without the clear skin genetics, trying to get rid of acne can be a headache. If you've bought and tested out all these social-media-approved cleansers and serums and tools and- the list just goes on- and you haven't seen any major changes, it's time to look within.
The things you eat and drink can very well impact your health, and while that is known information, we often forget that our largest organ is in fact our skin! When you glow from the inside, you start to glow on the outside.
Here's some popular skin disrupters that you might be consuming.
Dairy.
This is a tough one for a lot of people to come to terms with. While dairy is generally good for you, it also leads our bodies to produce more oil- which then in in turn leads to blockages in our pores. Blackheads, under the skin acne, and even stubborn textured skin can be rooted to dairy over-consumption! Try cut down on the milky goodness for a while!
Cut: Ice cream, Milk.
Replace with: Yogurt, Probiotic Cheeses.
Caffeine.
Iced latte girls, we know this hits home. Caffeine is a dehydrator, and can negatively impact skin of all types- oily, dry, and combo. That being said, caffeine is also known to disrupt hormones when taken on an empty stomach, and that has an adverse effect on our bodies too- reducing the amount of caffeine you ingest can drastically help mood stability, skin health, and gut health. Basically, it's a good idea to stop starting your day with a coffee.
Cut: Coffee, Red Bull
Replace with: Matcha, Black tea
Soda.
Carbonated sweet beverages are terrible for you thanks to their unnatural sugars, but they're equally bad for your skin. One of the things that can rapidly age you is unnatural sugar, and a can of coke is practically just that- in addition to the common acne, you're more likely to wrinkle faster if you ingest more soda than others.
Cut: Fizzy drinks, Artificial Sugars
Replace with: Water, Smoothies
Alcohol.
Surprise surprise, alcoholic beverages are notoriously bad for your overall health. While the occasional night out won't hurt, consistent consumption of alcohol can dehydrate you, make you lose color, and even make you wrinkle prematurely. Alcohol also dilates your pores. This means you're basically inviting cystic acne to move onto your skin rent free.
Cut: Alcoholic beverages
Replace with: Mocktails!
Oil.
Fried food is one of life's many indulgences- who doesn't love a good fry up? Unfortunately, oily food invokes terror on our insides. It's tragic, really. Grease, oil, and trans fats have a less than desired influence on our bodies- the oil in your food could very well show up on your skin!
Cut: Fried Food, Oils
Replace with: Olive Oil, Avocado Oil.
Whey Powder.
Sorry gym rats and wellness gals, whey powder might be doing you more harm than good. There's a lot of chatter about whether you actually need a whey powder to up your protein intake, but while that discourse plays out, its important to note that regardless, it might still increase your sebum production. There's a way out though, opt for a plant based or natural whey powder to still tackle the gym and keep yourself healthy!
Cut: Whey Powder
Replace with: Natural Sources of Protein, Plant-Based Whey Powder
Gluten.
Last but not least, gluten (LA's number one most hated thing in existence, second to traffic) is not that great for your skin health, either. As an inflammatory agent, it can lead to poor gut health, which in turn can spill into a rise in insulin. Higher insulin levels can make acne worse, and is definitely cause for a breakout! Glutinous foods are difficult to avoid if you're a carb-lover, and we feel you on that one. Pasta, bagels, bread- these are staples in most people's diets. Don't worry though- gluten shouldn't be cut out for this reason! If you've tried everything else and haven't seen any changes, it might be time to check if you've got any sort of celiacs or hypersensitivity to gluten. If you do, this might be the cause of that stubborn acne.
Cut: Nothing!
Replace with: Gluten Free Alternatives.
To make things better after that soul crushing list, here's some fun things that can boost your glow!
Citrus! Get in with that vitamin C, cutie.
Leafy Greens + Veggies! Kale, spinach, leeks- great for your health, great for your skin, too!
Berries. All of the berries!
Fish! Fatty fish like Salmon is fantastic for repairing your skin barrier and regulating healthy oil production.
Fruits. Papaya, strawberries, bananas, mango, all that good stuff.
Remember, clear skin is not an aesthetic, but a reflection of your health. Putting your health on a pedestal will benefit you in all areas, not just what people can see on the surface! By cutting out some of the things that ruin your skin, you're also getting rid of hormone disrupters and generally unhealthy foods. You'll see a stability in mood, a rise in energy, and a clear mind!
That being said, remember, life is not about diets. Restrictive eating is so not the vibe. Eat mindfully, and don't forget to live and enjoy life! For more on balancing hormones and actually making the most of your routine, check out our Guide to Cycle Syncing!
Be well!
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