Acne - Fun Fact Friday (on a Saturday)

Not the best start to my pledge to write consistent blogs but its still Friday somewhere in the world so that's the main thing. As a teenager I suffered from quite bad acne when puberty and the hormones started to kick in. Acne and pimples is a burden in many people's life's and can affect their self confidence. So I thought I would share with you some causes that you may not have known and some handy nutrition tips in relation to acne and breakouts.

Acne is caused by oils of the skin coming into contact with dead skin cells which clogs the pores and leads to breakouts and blemishes. It comes down to genetics whether or not your likely to suffer from acne but can be aggravated by stress and hormones.

Triggers that can cause breakouts:

• Makeup products: products that contain mineral oil can clog the pores and lead to breakouts, makeup brushes can collect bacteria so need to be washed regularly, and remember to wash any make up off before going to bed every night.
• Mobile phones: breeding ground for bacteria and dirt, and if you're anything like me and keep your phone close by at all times make sure you regularly wipe it with alcohol- clean wipes such as pine cleen wipes etc.
• Yoga Mats and other shared sports equipment like helmots: If going to a gym class and using one they provide you don't how many other faces, feet and bodies have been in contact with them so this can defiantly trigger your breakouts
• Sunscreen: I found this one to be true over summer! Because the face is more sensitive than the rest of the body try getting a sunscreen that is oil-free  and avoid ones with perfumes/dyes or the spray-on formulas!
• Hair styling products: The oil can seep into the skin, and especially if you have a fridge ( where the hair product is in direct contact with the forehead) bacteria can be trapped in your pores.

Foods that can make you Acne WORSE:

• Trans Fat in Processed Foods- can cause inflammation in the body which can trigger a breakout.
• Refined Sugar- Decrease sugar intake if you suffer from acne. Refined sugars can increase insulin and testosterone levels in the body which can result in inflammation and breakouts of acne on the skin.
• Dairy and Meat- can cause inflammation when intake is too high due to hormones and antibiotics added to milk presumably, still unknown in general why dairy influences acne.
• Excessive Iodine- has been found to cause acne breakouts when eaten in high/ excessive amounts or from medications and supplements containing Iodine.

Foods to eat that will help your skin:

• Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon and walnuts- known to help reduce inflammation
• Antioxidant rich foods such as berries, green tea and spinach- help to fight the free radicals that cause skin damage and breakouts.
• Vitamin C rich foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes and melons boost your immune system and strengthen cell walls
• Vitamin E foods- such as nuts, leafy greens and eggs-protect skin from scarring
• Foods high in Selenium- such as onion, garlic, brazil nuts and whole grains, helps to maintains skins elasticity and reduce inflammation
• Remember to drink lots of water and choose high water content foods as well, as water helps to maintain skin, keep you hydrated and rid toxins out of your body!

In general have a healthy diet and lifestyle to improve your breakouts and keep yourself healthy :)

xxx