We have all been in this situation: waking up with a crater-like zit that just won’t go away. Sometimes all the lotions, gels, creams and masks claiming to provide you with flawless, beautiful skin can just lead to further breakouts, leaving your skin more irritated and dry. Instead of treating breakouts topically, consider preventing the problem before it even starts. The best cure to acne is becoming more knowledgeable and aware of what you are putting in your body. No, you do not have to eat stalks of lettuce to see results. In fact, dark chocolate (yes, you heard chocolate) is one of the best things you can consume (in moderation, of course) for your skin’s ultimate health.
1. Tomatoes
This fruit contains great amounts of vitamin C that aid in brightening the skin and reducing inflammation from cystic zits. They also contain an antioxidant, lycopene, that helps to even out the skin's texture from old acne breakouts, leaving behind acne scars.
2. Berries
All of your favorites: strawberries, blueberries and raspberries! These are such a sweet, yet healthy treat. All of these berries contain antioxidants and beta-Carotene that boosts skin collagen production, which can lead to an overall more even skin tone and texture. If you prefer cherries over berries, they have the same skin-loving benefits!
3. Avocados
All avocado toast lovers, this one's for you. Your skin will be left glowing from the vitamin E (repairs skin cell damage) and vitamin C (brightens and reduces inflammation). Add an egg on top of your guac toast for some extra protein.
4. Water
It gets to be extremely repetitive to hear this stressed over and over again, but it is so true! Whenever you become dehydrated, your skin loses radiance and begins to look dull. When you get the 8-9 glasses of water you need in a day, your skin instantly looks plumper and more youthful. An added benefit, it flushes out all the toxins from your body. If you get bored with the tastelessness of water, add a couple slices of lemon or any type of fruit to create a fruit-infused water.
5. Salmon
Salmon is known for its omega-3 fatty acids, which can help with reducing clogged pores and redness. If you are not a seafood lover, opt for a daily fish oil supplement instead. It contains the same omega-3 fatty acids your skin loves.
6. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great substitution for regular starchy potato dishes for a reason. They are a good source of vitamin C and beta-carotene, all of which heals zits, produces collagen, and protects against skin damage.
7. Watermelon
Watermelon is loaded with water, which does an amazing job of hydrating and moisturizing your skin. If you skip out on that last glass of water one day, eat a couple slices of watermelon for a substitution. Beyond that, it also helps to reduce excess oil, one of the main sources that cause skin breakouts.
8. Dark Chocolate
You’re so welcome — I just gave you another excuse to eat chocolate. The trick to this skin superfood is to make sure you are consuming dark chocolate. Having a small amount per day helps to protect your skin from UV rays, it nourishes the skin and helps heal the skin from breakouts.
