A quick look at a common nail condition you've never heard of
If you've ever had a hangnail, you know how irritating they are. Hangnails can be painful and getting rid of them is an exercise in trying to avoid an infection.
Are you wondering how you can make your anti-acne routine work just that much better? Typical acne treatments focus on working from the outside, but there are also steps you can take to improve skin health and fight acne from the inside.
If you want to tailor your diet to your acne-fighting efforts, you'll want to focus on a low-sugar diet that contains a lot of fruits and veggies. You want to reduce inflammation and balance hormones as the end goal. Here are a few tips to help you start eating an acne-friendly diet.
Breaking the habit of drinking can be challenging, but it's worth a shot. Did you know that alcohol doesn't do your acne any favors? It usually contains lots of sugar, which is enough of a reason to cut back. Keep in mind that the dehydrating effect from consuming too much alcohol can wreak havoc in other parts of our bodies, including hormones. If you do choose to drink, then make sure to stay hydrated and choose lower-sugar drinks!
A diet high in antioxidants can help you clear up your acne breakouts. But how do we know which foods contain antioxidants? Every single vegetable contains antioxidants, so eat a lot of them!
Zinc is a particular antioxidant that's been determined to have a positive effect in decreasing acne inflammation. It is found in lamb, grass-fed beef, pumpkin seeds, lentils, spinach, and mushrooms. Zinc is also found in some dark chocolate, perfect for an acne-friendly dessert because it's low-sugar and contains minimum dairy and acne-fighting zinc.
Dairy products can sometimes make acne worse. Try restricting your dairy consumption if you can. Switch over to dairy alternative milks, like almond, oat, or soy, and limit cheese and sour cream.
The good news is, you don't have to give up dairy. Just cutting back on your consumption can make a big difference! If you've got a dairy craving, try some protein-rich, sugar-free greek yogurt, which is a great source of calcium and probiotics.
If acne is a continuous fight for you, adhering to an acne-friendly diet will help your other acne therapies be that much more powerful. Talk to your doctor in one of our New York dermatologist's offices, and we can help you develop a personalized strategy to combat acne.
