You can’t deny it. Your skin is like a window into your gut and unless you happen to be a genetically blessed individual who doesn't get a nice red zit after the bottomless mimosas at brunch or the extra slice of chocolate cake you had over the weekend --this article is for you. 

Let's take a deeper dive into skincare and look past the shelf full of products, that are more often just masking the problem than curing it, and start focusing on the root of it all by taking a look inside of our bodies.

The two major causes of acne are hormonal imbalance and inflammation in the body. These can be caused by an increase in blood sugar which causes the body to go through a series of chemical reactions that results in increased sebum production and, ultimately, acne.

And as all acne is some sort of inflammation or reaction to hormonal imbalance, we want to stay away from the foods that can cause these reactions and replace them with healthy, nutrient-rich ones instead!

Foods to avoid:

• Sugar
• Dairy *especially if you’re lactose-intolerant
• Tip: Replace cow’s milk, which could be injected with growth hormones, with plant-based milks!
• High-glycemic foods aka “bad carbs” that break down quickly and shoot up our blood sugar levels
• Ex.) White bread, white rice, chips, sweets, soda, coffee, etc.
• Any other foods you have sensitivities too!
• Understanding your body is key.

What to look for:

• Foods high in Vitamin A, like, carrots, broccoli and sweet potatoes!
• Foods high in vitamin A are anti-inflammatory, help regulate sebum production, increase collagen production and normalize the skin’s cellular turnover rate.
• People who suffer from acne have been found to have low levels of Vitamin A in their blood!
• Healthy fats like omega 3-6-9 found in flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, salmon, etc.
• These fatty acids make your skin more flexible and plump!
• Antioxidant-rich foods, such as, berries, darky leafy greens and green tea.
• These powerhouse foods make our skin fit to fight against free radicals that damage our skin
• Fermented foods which are rich in probiotics, like, sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, and miso soup.
• Probiotics and fermented foods are great for gut health and help absorb the vitamins we ingest every day.

This is not for you to stress out over every single thing you eat, but simply to help make more conscious and intentional decisions on the fuel you are giving to your body. Getting that healthier gut and clearer skin are simply added benefits to a healthier and happier you :) 

Want to read about how eating healthy and understanding her body helped out our founder, Liah Yoo? Read more here.