5 acne-fighting foods for clearer skin

Comparison portrait of a woman with problematic skin without and with makeup

Get Clearer Skin with These Acne Fighting Foods

Acne break-outs can occur at any age, but tend to be triggered by stress and hormone fluctuations, particularly during puberty and around the menopause. If you want blemish-free skin, here are eight foods to include in your diet.

See also: Common vitamin found in foods causes acne, says study

1. Avocadoes
Avocadoes are packed with vitamins E and C – both great for skin health. Vitamin E is known to naturally moisturise the skin and improve elasticity, while vitamin C reduces skin inflammation.

2. Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the best complexion-clearing foods you can eat. Loaded with vitamins A, B complex, C, E, and K, these powerful antioxidants fight free radical damage and help promote skin luminosity.

3. Brown rice
Brown rice is a good source of vitamin B and magnesium, which helps to regulate hormone levels and prevent the likelihood of a breakout. Not so keen on brown rice? Get your daily magnesium by having a bowl of porridge oats for breakfast.

4. Salmon
Salmon, and other oily fish like sardines and mackerel, contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which help to keep skin clear and healthy. Instead of making your complexion greasy, these natural fatty acids help to reduce inflammation that can trigger cells to clog pores and potentially cause acne. Vegetarians can get their omega-3s by eating flaxseed and walnuts.

5. Oysters
Oysters are loaded with zinc, a mineral that may help reduce the effects of acne by helping to control the release of male hormones. Don't like oysters? Other foods rich in zinc include beef and lamb, toasted wheat germ, spinach, roasted pumpkin and squash seeds, cashew nuts and dark chocolate.

Three products that may help to improve your skin: