Can Acne Be Cleared by Diet and Lifestyle Modifications?
Do you remember those Proactive commercials where they’d show teenagers using “acne hacks” to clear their skin? There was one where a girl covered her face in toothpaste, which (spoiler alert) did nothing.
Because the internet is so accessible, it can be difficult to find information regarding links between acne, diet, and lifestyle choices.
As licensed medical professionals, we want you to have the most up-to-date, factual information. So, we’re answering your most asked questions about acne below.
Clearing Acne with Diet and Lifestyle Modifications
Can Diet Cause or Cure Acne?
There’s no straightforward answer to this in the research. Some research has found a link between diet and acne, while others have found no statistically significant relationship between the two. However, there are associations between skin health and specific vitamins and minerals. Any diet high in vitamins and minerals will help maintain your skin health. They may not make your acne better, but they’ll set your body up to create healthier skin cells, which may improve the look of your skin over time.
It’s much better to get your vitamins and minerals from natural sources, but taking supplements can help fill gaps in your diet. If you’re taking a supplement to improve your skin, make sure it has Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Folic acid.
Lifestyle Factors
While improving your diet will improve your overall health (not just your skin), some lifestyle factors are tied to your skin ailments. If you don’t do any of these things, talk to your dermatologist about what lifestyle improvements and acne treatments they think may help your skin.
Not enough hydration: All cells in the body need water to function properly. When dehydrated, your body struggles to go through its autonomic processes, like creating new skin cells. Use this formula (your weight in pounds divided by two) to get the number of ounces of water you should drink every day.
Dirty cellphones: The modern cellphone is 10x dirtier than the average toilet seat. When you answer calls, you’re putting all those germs and oils up against your skin. That contact can cause acne and blackheads, so clean your phone often and use speakerphone (or AirPods).
Dirty pillowcases: When you sleep, your hair oils, hair products, and dead skin cells come off onto your pillowcase. Those impurities sink into the fabric, which comes in contact with your skin. Change your pillowcase every week and flip it halfway through to reduce this type of environmental exposure.
How to Get Rid of Acne Fast: Work With a Professional
Even if you had a perfect diet and no negative lifestyle factors, you could still have acne. Some acne is genetic, while others are linked to environmental factors you can’t control.
The only true way how to get rid of acne is to work with a dermatologist who can make a custom plan for your skin. It’s more affordable and convenient than you’d think. Make an appointment, here.