Can a Plant-Based Diet Affect Acne?

Can a Plant-Based Diet Affect Acne?

It’s a commonly held belief that what you eat can affect your skin, especially the idea that greasy food leads to oily skin and acne. Like many other parts of the body, your skin can be very sensitive to changes in your nutritional intake. As more research has been done on this connection, people realize that a plant-based diet can help relieve many frustrating skin problems.  

Skin Care and Plant-Based Diets

Acne strikes more than just young adults going through puberty; it can be a problem for people of any age and lifestyle. A parent or other adult likely told you to watch your diet as a teenager if you wanted to avoid acne, and they may have been on to something! While medical researchers have gone back and forth on how connected diet and acne are, there are a few definite connections. The most important aspect is the role of vitamin A in your skin’s health. Deficiency of vitamin A can manifest as dry skin, dry hair, and easily broken fingernails. The highest concentration of vitamin A is found in foods like liver and butter, but plant-based sources like sweet potatoes, carrots, and broccoli can satisfy the daily recommended amount with just one serving!   The average diet of people in industrialized countries is usually high in refined sugars and grains, dairy products, and omega-6 fatty acids commonly found in corn and soy oils. These have all been linked to higher inflammation and insulin levels, which can both aggravate acne and the hormones responsible for it. Thankfully for those who live a plant-based lifestyle, some of the best acne-fighting foods are free from any animal products!  

How Plant-Based Diets Can Help Your Skin

A plant-based diet can do wonders for skin sensitivity and acne. At PlantX, we’re huge fans of foods like avocados, walnuts, and other powerful nuts and seeds because they’re great sources of essential fats like omega-3 fatty acids. Beta carotene is another powerful anti-acne nutrient found in plant sources. Vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots are packed with beta carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Even a treat like RAD Extra Dark Chocolate can help fight acne, thanks to cocoa antioxidants. Hydration is important too, so be sure to drink plenty of water or other hydrating beverages like Hint Water Infused With Pomegranate.   While the consensus isn’t universal, it’s pretty clear to us that a plant-based diet is one of the best ways to help prevent or reduce acne. Add it to the list of the many benefits of living a plant-based life! Looking for something to add to your skincare routine to prevent acne? Check out the Odacite BL+C Pimples Serum.