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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- MayoClinic: Acne
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin A and Carotenoids Fact Sheet
- MayoClinic: What are the best foods for healthy skin
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Vegetable & Fruit for Acne Skin
Acne plagues people all over the world. It can range from a mild, easily treatable annoyance to a severe blight causing emotional distress and permanent scarring. Breakouts form when hair follicles become plugged by an overproduction of oil or dead skin cells. This leads to an inflamed surface of whiteheads or blackheads, which can cause acne scars and red spots. Fruits and vegetables can play a key role in preventing and naturally treating your acne.
Orange Fruits and Vegetables
Vitamin A has similar effects on skin as retinol medications, which are commonly used to treat acne, with fewer side effects. Vitamin A helps clear breakouts by drying excess oil and reducing inflammation. Vegetables and fruits that are rich sources of vitamin A include:
- pumpkins
- carrots
- sweet potatoes
- papayas
- cantaloupes
- apricots
- peaches
- nectarines
- mangoes
Antioxidants
Vitamins for Cracked Feet and Heels
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The powerful antioxidants in vegetables and fruits can prevent acne by helping to rid blemish-causing bacteria from your body. According to Mayo Clinic, a buildup of bacteria can cause pores to clog and erupt into breakouts. Antioxidants help kill bacteria and fight free radicals, which are one of the main proponents to aging. Therefore, antioxidants can help your skin stay youthful as well by preventing wrinkles caused by oxidation from the sun and air pollutants. Jonny Bowden, author of "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth," lists blueberries as one of his top superfoods because they are have exceptionally strong antioxidants. Other fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants include leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale, other berries including raspberries and blackberries, and apples, avocados and asparagus.
- The powerful antioxidants in vegetables and fruits can prevent acne by helping to rid blemish-causing bacteria from your body.
Fruits and Vegetables With Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps restore and build the collagen in your skin. This helps strengthen and rejuvenate your skin from the inside out. Vitamin C also aids in the production of new collagen, which helps prevent and heal acne scarring. Collagen also supports the capillaries that feed and nourish your skin helping to prevent acne. Citrus fruits, such as:
- broccoli
- sweet potatoes
- bell peppers
- Vitamin C helps restore and build the collagen in your skin.
Other Fruits and Vegetables
The Best Vitamin for Sagging Facial Skin
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Papayas are among the best fruits for exfoliation 3. They contain vitamin A and enzymes, which help cleanse your skin from within. Avocados help reduce dry skin that can clog pores and cause acne because they are rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. Spinach and yellow and red peppers are rich sources of beta-carotene, which also helps alleviate dry skin and prevent and heal acne blemishes.
- Papayas are among the best fruits for exfoliation 3.
- Spinach and yellow and red peppers are rich sources of beta-carotene, which also helps alleviate dry skin and prevent and heal acne blemishes.
Related Articles
References
- MayoClinic: Acne
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin A and Carotenoids Fact Sheet
- MayoClinic: What are the best foods for healthy skin
- BBC Good Food: Make your skin glow
- American Academy of Dermatology. I have acne! Is it okay to wear makeup?
- Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(5):945-73.e33. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037
- Gieler U, Gieler T, Kupfer JP. Acne and quality of life - impact and management. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 2015;29 Suppl 4:12-4. doi:10.1111/jdv.13191
- American Academy of Dermatology. I have acne! Is it okay to wear makeup?
- American Academy of Dermatology. Moisturizer: Why you may need it if you have acne.
- Anderson KL, Dothard EH, Huang KE, Feldman SR. Frequency of primary nonadherence to acne treatment. JAMA Dermatol. 2015;151(6):623-6. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2014.5254
- Merck Manuals. Acne. Updated December 2018.
Writer Bio
ShaeLee Chatterton began writing professionally in 2007. She has written articles for "Women's Health" magazine online and edited for LA Splash Magazine. She is a fitness nutrition coach through the National Exercise and Sports Trainer Association and is certified as a personal trainer by the American Council on Exercise. Chatterton earned a Bachelor of Arts in exercise science and communications at Boise State University.