Increase anti-oxidants to reduce acne inflammation

New diets purporting to improve your skin seem to crop up on an almost weekly basis, and here at SkinGenesis we have always believed the effect diet had on your acne was a myth. However, we were interested to read new research proving that, although the lifestyle we lead might not prevent acne altogether, it can certainly help reduce the scarring and therefore the effects it can have in later life.

Not all types of acne cause scarring, and if the inflammation is reduced quickly then scarring is unlikely to occur. Recent research carried put by Naweko San-Joyz, the founder of a US based self-service image makeover company, uncovered some ways to reduce the inflammation and therefore the long term effects of acne. Not only are the suggestions easy to follow, but they can also have very positive effects on your general health.

Increasing the anti-oxidants in your diet, with foods containing vitamins A, C and E, will help decrease inflammation and free radical damage, therefore drastically reducing the risk of acne scarring. And not only will this change in your diet help inflammation of the skin, it will also improve your overall diet. Anti-oxidants slow the chemical process of oxidation which causes cholesterol deposits and narrowing of the arteries and can lead to various heart-related problems. Recent research has also shown that increasing the anti-oxidant foods in your diet may reduce your risk of cancer. Anti-oxidants mop up free radicals which are created when the iron in your blood oxidizes, and if these free radicals aren’t removed they can cause cancer. Free radicals also cause aging so making sure your diet is full of anti-oxidants will ensure your skin remains fresh and young looking.

Foods that are rich in these anti-oxidants include sweet potatoes, spinach, apricots, peppers, broccoli, sunflower seeds, nuts and oil.

However, with all the benefits that a diet high in anti-oxidants will bring, a change of diet alone is not guaranteed to reduce acne scarring. Try not to touch the lesion as this can cause it to burst, spreading the infection to other pores. And touching your skin will also bring it into contact with bacteria, which will increase inflammation of the skin even more. If possible, also remove oil from the skin with a clay mask to reduce the presence of fatty acids on the skin.

Acne can be extremely traumatic and can greatly affect your confidence. If you’re suffering from the effects of acne, the team at SkinGenesis can help with an acne treatment to deal with varying degrees of severity of the condition.