Acne Healing Foods

Hormonal changes during puberty often cause acne.

Foods that can help treat acne contain zinc, vitamin E, magnesium and selenium. These vitamins and minerals have had positive results in healing acne.

Zinc

Zinc boosts the immune system, making foods high in zinc or supplements useful in the treatment of acne. Enjoy nuts, whole grains, shellfish and legumes. It may take up to 12 weeks to see results.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an enzyme rich in antioxidants, which helps prevent acne scarring and supplements other acne-fighting vitamins. Treatment should include taking 200 to 400 IU of vitamin E each daily in the form of vitamins or foods such as nuts, seed, vegetable oils, fortified cereals and green leafy vegetables. Consult a physician before increasing your vitamin intake.

Magnesium

Magnesium works as a stress reliever; combating increases in hormone production that can lead to acne. Meats, seafood, leafy vegetables, nuts and bananas contain high levels of magnesium.

Selenium

Selenium works like vitamin E to prevent scarring and reduce breakouts. Mushrooms, asparagus and garlic as well as fish and grains are rich in selenium.

References

• Acne Resource Center: Nutrient Intake - Impact on Acne
• "The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods"; Michael T. Murray, 2005
• "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, 2006
• Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin E

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish