Traditionally there are a number of different treatment options that people seek out when they have problems with acne. These usually start with creams and potions (like the ones on the television where the fat is almost 'magically' sucked from the skin pore!), And there is a bewildering array of Over the counter acne treatment products which typically include acne or spot treatment creams, cleansers and washes, moisturizers, lotions, pads and wipes, masks and strips, shaving creams, and toners and astringents. And at the other end of the scale are acne laser surgery and other invasive procedures. However, one very simple (but effective) treatment option that is less commonly talked about is changing your diet in order to affect your acne. Because diet and foods to help fight acne are all around us. We just need to both be made aware of them, and more importantly actually start to USE THEM.

The role that diet can play in skincare and acne was recently demonstrated on a television health program. Two identical female twins in their mid teens were each given two types of diet to test what affect it would have on their skin. One a low fat, high fibre diet. The other a high fat, low fibre diet. The results could be seen for themselves. In only two weeks the face of the high fat diet girl was considerably oilier, and had collected several spots on her chin. Whilst the low fat girl had clean, clear skin with no spots. And this was in only two weeks. Imagine if they had kept this up for a few months or years! So the link between acne and food does most definitely exist.

Some food advice for people who want to have a maximum impact on their acne would include:

1/ Reduce sugar and Fat in the Diet
2/ Increase Fibre
3/ Reduce Dairy Intake and consider Soy Milk as an alternative.
4/ Increase your intake of water - It is a fact that people simply do not drink enough water. You should be having at least several glasses every day. A good rule of thumb is that if you feel thirsty then you have not been drinking enough beforehand. As the body only tells you it needs more water (thirst) long after your are actually de-hydrated. So drink little and often, and your skin will be glad you did!
5/ Fish Oils can help the skin, so assess whether you are eating enough fish (or at least get a supplement containg Omega 3 and 6 oils - These can also come from vegetable sources - so you should definitely consider getting a food supplement of these to help out your acne, if you are a vegetarian)