Perhaps everybody has known the humiliating sensation derived from suffering from a bout of acne. Often acne attacks seem to affect the most vulnerable portion of the population, those that suffer from inferior complexes and identity crisis, in other words, our teenagers. Indeed acne and adolescence seem to go hand and hand, but often acne may still persist throughout the years paying a visit at the most inconvenient times. Trying to hide all the pimples therefore, can be a challenging event,  with often even the best make-up and foundation not doing the trick.

So what can be done to eliminate or at least, reduce this annoying condition? Taking good care of your skin may be a good way to start, but an even better approach is to simply attempt to cure yourself from the inside out. This translates into avoiding certain foods while giving priority to others.

On the contrary of what is thought, chocolate, french fries, potato chips and all other high fat goodies do not directly generate a case of acne. Acne is mostly caused by hormones, indeed this is why the according to Readers' Digest  book ''Foods that harm and food thatheal'' the raging hormones of adolescence cause almost 85% of teenagers to suffer from acne.

Other causes may be medications, hereditary factors and stress. In reality, the only case where food may cause acne is if an individual has a particular sensitivity to it. To this however, there are two possible exceptions:  kelp and iodized salt. Both of these are capable of causing acne or making it worse.

Great foods for the acne sufferer should be foods rich in Vitamins A and C. These are skin friendly vitamins. Look for them in bright colored fruits such as oranges, kiwi, melon and berries. In the vegetable aisles look for  broccoli, peppers, potatoes and cabbage. Vitamin B6 may be helpful too because they may further help regulate hormones. Look for it in beans, fish, meat,  leafy greens,nuts, potatoes, bananas and poultry.

From a mineral point of view, zinc may help overall improve the skin of an acne sufferer. Look for zinc in oysters, yogurt, red meat, poultry and whole grains. While supplementing with vitamins and mineral supplements may sound like a great short cut, this path may actually lead to further problems due to over supplementation.

A dermatologist should be consulted if the sufferer is considering using medications in conjunction with dietary management. There are several topical medications such as Tretinoin and in severe cases Isotretinoin, Accutane (only if you are not considering getting pregnant any time soon). From an over the counter, non- prescription drug, point of view, benzoyl peroxide gel may be helpful in conjunction with dietary management.

Generally, leading a healthier lifestyle by eating healthy foods, following a good exercise regimen, getting sufficient sleep and quitting smoking, may be a good way to finally enjoy radiant, glowing skin.

Disclaimer: the above article is for educational purposes only. Please refer to your physician or dermatologist for expert advice.

References:

Readers' Digest  ''Foods that harm and food that heal''