Though clinical studies relate that food and acne do not have a significant correlation, more and more dermatologists are beginning to recognize that the cleaner diet you have, the clearer your skin will be. Along with drinking plenty of water, diets high in fruits and vegetables provide your body with the vitamins that are crucial in the development of an acne-free face. On the other hand, foods high in fat and sugar can mess with your complexion. Cut the following items out of your diet to keep zits at bay.

1. Sugar
White sugar has inflammatory properties that can aggravate your skin. “In terms of food, things high in glycemic load [foods that raise blood sugar quickly] trigger acne more than anything else,” says Marina Peredo, M.D., a dermatologist in Long Island, NY.

2. Dairy
Hormones that are found in dairy products can stimulate the sebum glands in your face, making them produce more oil and clog your pores. Many people find that when they cut dairy from their diets their skin clears up dramatically.

3. Fast food
The “McDonald’s face” that occurs when people work at fast food restaurants doesn’t have to do with grease; it has to do with eating processed foods made from white flour and potatoes. The key to great skin is avoiding as many processed foods as possible.

4. Peanut butter
Peanut butter that contains hydrogenated oil and added sugar may cause inflammation and fuel breakouts.

5. Whey protein
“When a guy is breaking out, I always ask him what supplements he’s taking and if he’s trying to bulk up,” says Peredo. “Whey protein can cause acne.” If you’re breaking out from whey and need an alternative, try egg-white or hemp protein powder instead.

6. Spicy food
Spicy food triggers sweat glands, which can make your face oily and further aggravate the skin. The way to prevent a breakout when you eat spicy food could be to wash your face immediately after.

Nobody wants to deal with an acne breakout, especially when you have a big day coming up tomorrow. With the right products and techniques, though, you can start clearing up last-minute blemishes as quickly as possible. While it's not usually possible to completely eliminate a breakout in 24 hours, you can do a lot to significantly reduce the size and redness of your pimples.

1. Call your dermatologist for a quick-fix cortisone shot. When celebrities get breakouts before a big event, they head straight to their dermatologists for this fast treatment. A needle is used to inject cortisone directly into the offending pimple(s), and it can substantially reduce or even eliminate blemishes within a day.

2. That said, you probably don’t have your
dermatologist on speed-dial and likely don’t want to pay big bucks for last-minute appointments and regular injections.

If cortisone isn’t in the cards for you, move on to an at-home plan of attack on your acne.

Clean your face thoroughly with an acne wash. In order to clear up acne, you need to start by giving your face a nice wash. Acne consists of bacteria that have invaded your pores, and the first step is to fight back with a gentle but effective acne wash.
Some people use a washcloth, but your hands are just as effective.

Mix the directed amount of acne wash with warm water, and gently rub it into your face in a circular motion.

Rinse your face with warm water, then pat it dry gently.

3. Pop pimples with “heads” at your own risk. Some experts say never to pop a pimple, while others think it’s okay to properly “extract” whitehead pimples when necessary. If you try to pop a pimple without a whitehead, you’ll almost certainly make it more noticeable.

You can pop the whitehead with your fingers, a towel, or a pin, but make sure the tool, your hands, and your pimple have been sterilized with rubbing alcohol first.

You can also shop online for a dedicated pimple “extraction tool” that pierces and lifts away whiteheads, but these may or may not work any better than a regular pin. If you do use one, follow the instructions and make sure to sterilize it.

While no foods have been proven to cause pimples directly, there are foods that make you break out.

“Does chocolate give you pimples?” is a common question and recent studies suggest that it’s the sugar, not the cocoa, in chocolate that’s to blame for break outs.

Sugary and processed foods with a high glycaemic load set off a chain-reaction that might be responsible for an acne breakout. These foods include:

Fried chips, crackers, and cookies
White bread and pasta
Soft drinks and juices
Can some foods causes pimples
When you eat these foods, your blood sugar, and in turn your insulin levels, spike.

Insulin causes your sebaceous glands to produce more oil. This often contributes to clogged pores and pimples.

HOW TO AVOID FOODS THAT GIVE YOU PIMPLES
Your diet has a strong influence on the health of your skin.

Follow our six simple tips to help you avoid foods that make you break out:

1. CROWD YOUR PLATE WITH FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
These foods are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Fill up of these foods to make less room for foods that make you break out.

2. FLUSH OUT TOXINS
Reduce sugary cravings by drinking plenty of water or unsweetened tea.

Stir two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water and drink after a rich meal if you need balance your blood sugar levels.

3. MORE NATURAL VITAMIN A
Keep spinach, carrots, kale, papaya, cantaloupe and sweet potatoes on your menu.

Vitamin A reduces sebum and helps skin cells regenerate.

4. EAT DARK CHOCOLATE
That’s right – snacking on dark chocolate is a great antioxidant boost.

Cocoa contains antioxidants, which can help to fight free radicals in your skin.

5. LOAD UP ON NATURAL VITAMIN C
Citrus fruits, broccoli and bean sprouts are high in vitamin C and should be on your plate.

Vitamin C helps your skin produce collagen for a fresh complexion

6. FILL UP ON OMEGA-3 AND OMEGA-6
Think salmon, avocados, nuts and olive oil.

These unsaturated fatty acids help keep your skin supple.

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the world, affecting an estimated 85% of people at some point in their lives. Conventional acne treatments can be expensive and often have undesirable side effects like dryness, redness and irritation.

This has prompted many people to look into how to cure acne naturally at home. The internet is filled with suggestions, but do natural treatments actually work?

This article explores 13 home remedies for acne that are backed by science.

What Causes Acne?
Acne starts when the pores in your skin get clogged with oil and dead skin cells.

Each pore is connected to a sebaceous gland, which produces an oily substance called sebum. Extra sebum can plug up pores, causing the growth of a bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes.

Your white blood cells attack P. acnes, leading to skin inflammation and acne. Some cases of acne are more severe than others, but common symptoms include whiteheads, blackheads and pimples.

Many factors contribute to the development of acne, including genetics, diet, stress, hormone changes and infections.

Below are 13 home remedies for acne that you might want to try.

1. Apply Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apple cider, or the unfiltered juice from pressed apples.

Like other vinegars, it is known for its ability to fight many types of bacteria and viruses.

Apple cider vinegar contains several organic acids that have been shown to kill P.

In particular, succinic acid has been shown to suppress inflammation caused by P. acnes, which may prevent scarring .

Also, lactic acid has been shown to improve the appearance of acne scars . What's more, apple cider vinegar may help dry up the excess oil that causes acne in the first place.

How to Use It

Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar and 3 parts water (use more water for sensitive skin).
After cleansing, gently apply the mixture to the skin using a cotton ball.
Let sit for 5–20 seconds, rinse with water and pat dry.

Repeat this process 1–2 times per day, as needed.
It is important to note that applying apple cider vinegar to your skin can cause burns and irritation, so it should always be used in small amounts and diluted with water.

2. Take a Zinc Supplement
Zinc is an essential nutrient that's important for cell growth, hormone production, metabolism and immune function.

It is also one of the most studied natural treatments for acne. Research shows that people with acne tend to have lower levels of zinc in their blood than those with clear skin .

Several studies have shown that taking zinc orally helps reduce acne.

In one study, 48 acne patients were given oral zinc supplements three times per day. After eight weeks, 38 patients experienced an 80–100% reduction in acne .

The optimal dosage of zinc for acne has not been established, but several studies have shown a significant reduction of acne using 30–45 mg of elemental zinc per day.

Elemental zinc refers to the amount of zinc that's present in the compound. Zinc is available in many forms, and each one contains a different amount of elemental zinc.

Zinc oxide contains the highest amount of elemental zinc at 80%.

The recommended safe upper limit of zinc is 40 mg per day, so it is probably best to not exceed that amount unless under the supervision of a medical doctor. Taking too much zinc may cause adverse effects, including stomach pain and gut irritation.

It is also important to note that applying zinc to the skin has not been shown to be effective. This may be because zinc is not effectively absorbed through the skin.

3. Make a Honey and Cinnamon Mask
Both honey and cinnamon are excellent sources of antioxidants.

Studies have found applying antioxidants to the skin is more effective at reducing acne than benzoyl peroxide and retinoids .

These are two common acne medications for the skin that have antibacterial properties.

The antioxidants studied were vitamin B3, linoleic (omega-6) fatty acid and sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP), which is a vitamin C derivative.

These specific antioxidants are not found in honey or cinnamon, but there is a possibility that other antioxidants may have a similar effect.

Honey and cinnamon also have the ability to fight bacteria and reduce inflammation, which are two factors that trigger acne.

While the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of honey and cinnamon may benefit acne-prone skin, no studies exist on their ability to treat acne.

-How to Make a Honey and Cinnamon Mask
Mix 2 tablespoons honey and 1 teaspoon cinnamon together to form a paste.
After cleansing, apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 10–15 minutes.
Rinse the mask off completely and pat your face dry.

4. Spot Treat With Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to Australia.

It is well known for its ability to fight bacteria and reduce skin inflammation .

What's more, several studies show that applying 5% tea tree oil to the skin effectively reduces acne .

When compared to 5% benzoyl peroxide, 5% tea tree oil did not act as quickly, but it did significantly improve acne after three months of use (29).

It also resulted in fewer adverse effects like dryness, irritation and burning, compared to benzoyl peroxide.

Tea tree oil is very potent, so always dilute it before applying it to your skin.

-How to Use It
Mix 1 part tea tree oil with 9 parts water.
Dip a cotton swab into the mixture and apply it to affected areas.
Apply moisturizer if desired.
Repeat this process 1–2 times per day, as needed.

5. Apply Green Tea to Your Skin
Green tea is very high in antioxidants, and drinking it can promote good health.

There aren't any studies exploring the benefits of drinking green tea when it comes to acne, but applying it directly to the skin has been shown to help.

This is likely because the flavonoids and tannins in green tea are known to help fight bacteria and reduce inflammation, which are two main causes of acne .

The major antioxidant in green tea — epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) — has been shown to reduce sebum production, fight inflammation and inhibit the growth of P. acnes in individuals with acne-prone skin .

Multiple studies have shown that applying a 2–3% green tea extract to the skin significantly reduces sebum production and pimples in those with acne .

You can buy creams and lotions that contain green tea, but it is just as easy to make your own mixture at home.

-How to Use It
Steep green tea in boiling water for 3–4 minutes.
Allow tea to cool.

Using a cotton ball, apply tea to skin or pour into a spray bottle to spritz on.

Allow to dry, then rinse with water and pat dry.

You can also add the remaining tea leaves to honey and make a mask.

Even though there isn't any evidence that drinking green tea can fight acne, some research suggests it may still be beneficial.

For example, drinking green tea has been shown to lower blood sugar and insulin levels, which are factors that can contribute to the development of acne.

1. Keep your face clean. Whether or not you have acne, it's important to wash your face twice daily to remove impurities, dead skin cells, and extra oil from your skin's surface. Washing more often than twice daily is not necessarily better; it may do more harm than good. Use warm, not hot, water and a mild facial cleanser. Using a harsh soap (like deodorant body soap) can hurt already inflamed skin and cause more irritation.

Avoid scrubbing your skin harshly with a washcloth, an exfoliating glove, or loofah (a coarse-textured sponge). Gently wash it with a very soft cloth or your hands. Always rinse well, and then dry your face with a clean towel. (Toss the towel in the laundry hamper, as dirty towels spread bacteria.) Also, use the washcloth only once.

2. Moisturize. Many acne products contain ingredients that dry the skin, so always use a moisturizer that minimizes dryness and skin peeling. Look for "noncomedogenic" on the label, which means it should not cause acne. There are moisturizers made for oily, dry, or combination skin.

3. Try an over-the-counter acne product. These acne products don't need a prescription. Most of them have ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid, which curb bacteria and dry your skin. They may cause drying or peeling so start with a small amount at first. Then you can adjust how much you use and how often. Another option is a new OTC topical retinoid gel (Differin 0.1% gel). It works to actually keep the acne from forming. Use these products with caution if you have sensitive skin.

4. Use makeup sparingly. During a breakout, avoid wearing foundation, powder, or blush. If you do wear makeup, wash it off at the end of the day. If possible, choose oil-free cosmetics without added dyes and chemicals. Choose makeup that is labeled as "noncomedogenic," meaning it should not cause acne. Read the ingredients list on the product label before buying.


5. Watch what you put on your hair. Avoid using fragrances, oils, pomades, or gels on your hair. If they get on your face, they can block your skin's pores and irritate your skin. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Oily hair can add to the oil on your face, so wash your hair often, especially if you're breaking out. Got long hair? Keep it pulled away from your face.

6. Keep your hands off your face. Avoid touching your face or propping your cheek or chin on your hands. Not only can you spread bacteria, you can also irritate the already inflamed facial skin. Never pick or pop pimples with your fingers, as it can lead to infection and scarring.

7. Stay out of the sun. The sun's ultraviolet rays can increase inflammation and redness, and can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark discoloration). Some acne medications may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Limit your time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a broad-brimmed hat. Whether you have pimples or not, always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with 6% zinc oxide or higher and SPF 30 or higher at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. Look for "noncomedogenic" on the sunscreen label to make new pimples less likely. Read the ingredients on the product label to know what you're putting on your skin.

8. Feed your skin. Most experts agree that certain foods, like chocolate, don't cause pimples. Still, it makes sense to avoid greasy food and junk food and add more fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your diet. Dairy products and foods high in processed sugar may trigger acne. Avoid these.

9. Exercise daily. Regular exercise is good for your whole body, including your skin. When you exercise, avoid wearing clothing or using exercise equipment that rubs your skin and may cause irritation. Shower or bathe right after exercise.

10. Chill! Some studies link stress with the severity of pimples or acne. Ask yourself what's making you feel stressed. Then look for solutions.

When in doubt, check with a dermatologist to see if you need more treatment to prevent or stop acne.