Easy Picky Way To Clear Pimples Fast with This Diet

We all know how tough it is to battle acne what with all the stress that we are experiencing nowadays. Add to this the environmental factors like dust, smoke, sun, and wind and you’ll feel like your skin is caked with thousands of particles that are irritating your skin. Truth be told, it takes so little for our skin to break out in acne especially when we are constantly working outdoors or are wearing makeup all the time. So if you are tired of having to deal with your acne all the time, you might want to check out this diet that can help clear your pimples up and fast.

Foods to Avoid

You might think that acne is caused by environmental factors only but this is not always so. Your diet can also cause your pores to get clogged depending on what food you are eating. If you want to minimize or prevent acne from getting triggered, you should consider eliminating these foods in your diet as much as possible.

Processed foods

Processed foods are high in saturated fats that are actually causing more oil to be produced by your skin. Unfortunately, this actually causes the pores to get blocked along with dirt, sweat, and makeup particles too causing inflammation on the skin.

Sugar

You should avoid sweets as much as possible because fluctuating blood sugar levels can also wreak havoc on your skin.

Fried and fast foods

If your diet consists mostly of fried and fast foods then you shouldn’t be surprised to find that your face is riddled with acne. The fats and grease that these foods contain can actually cause your skin to produce more oil which can lead to more acne breakouts. Stay away from these foods as much as possible. 

Foods to Have to Fight Acne 

Now that you have an idea on which foods to avoid, you also need to learn which ones will work in your favor in fighting off acne breakouts. The good news is that there are loads of food choices that will make your skin look healthier, smoother, and cleaner too with less acne breakouts to worry about. Sounds good? Here are the foods that will help clear up your skin fast.

Probiotic foods

If you want to fight acne, then you will need to make sure that your digestive system is working perfectly. One way to do this is to have more probiotic foods in your system which can regulate your gut flora. This way, your digestive system will be able to break down the foods you are eating so that the nutrients will be absorbed properly. Yogurt, kefir, and kimchi are just a few examples of foods that are high in probiotics.

Whole grains

You need carbohydrates too in your diet but make sure that you get a source that will not leave you gaining weight and acne prone. Whole grains are perfect sources for complex carbs that will settle in your stomach for hours.

Vegetables

There is no denying the power of eating vegetables when it comes to clearing your skin. For one reason it is packed with antioxidants that can fight off free radicals that are causing damage to your skin. Think dark, leafy greens as well as cruciferous vegetables for they are rich in fiber as well as liver-loving properties that your body needs to keep your skin smooth and free from damage.

Fish

Fish and other types of sea food should also be incorporated into your diet because of the omega-3 fatty acids that are present in them. These fatty acids not only protect your heart but can also prevent acne breakouts from occurring all the time.

The Easiest and Safest Way to Get Rid of Whiteheads

Few of us have Dr. Pimple Popper's prowess and thus, more often than not, our attempts to squeeze the living hell out of a zit backfires. You'd think we'd have learned by now, but hell hath no fury like a woman with an XL whitehead on the eve of an important event. And so we looked to dermatologist Dr. Mara Weinstein of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC to decode exactly what a whitehead is, as well as how to pop one *safely*—because sometimes there's no turning back now.

Why You *Shouldn't* Pop a Whitehead

A whitehead is a non-inflammatory acne lesion that develops when a follicle gets plugged with dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil. And here's why it's in your best interest not to mess with one.

"The cells lining the follicle are still in tact so there is usually not much redness or erythema surrounding the whitehead itself," explains Dr. Weinstein. "If you attempt to pop the whitehead too aggressively, the lining of the follicle gets disrupted and your immune system gets involved because now the bacteria, oil, and debris will leak into the surrounding area causing redness, tenderness, and sometimes even a cyst."

So make no mistake, dermatologists will strongly advise you to leave all acne, including whiteheads, alone. "Usually they will resolve on their own and quicker than expected," she explains, adding that if left alone, the risk of post-inflammatory erythema, the redness that develops and lingers after popping pimples, as well as cyst formation and/or an infection lessens significantly.

How to Pop a Whitehead the *Safe* Way Since We're Clearly Not Talking You Out of It

Okay, one more plea in the name of safety and not scarring your face. Before attempting to do it yourself, consider seeing a board certified dermatologist to help extract the whitehead if it's really bothering you. Okay, we're done.

If you must, Dr. Weinstein recommends using a warm compress to soften the follicle and allow the white part to gently slough off. Then, when you squeeze it "avoid squeezing from both sides as this can disrupt the follicle."

If you're having trouble getting the pimple to pop, leave it alone. If you were able to make it ooze with ease, congratulations. The final step? "Use a spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to help break up those dead skin cells and kill the bacteria more quickly," she advises.

What The Pimples All Over Your Body or Face Mean For Your Health

Your skin is basically a billboard for what's going on inside your body. And because breakouts actually don't just occur randomly, a pimple can send a pretty clear message about your health and hygiene, according to dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in the Dermatology Department at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City.

Keep this guide on hand to understand what your zits mean — and find out how to avoid them below:

Pimples on Your Chin, Jawline, or Neck

The culprit: Your period. Hormones like testosterone fluctuate throughout your cycle and make your glands produce more oil, which can ultimately clog your pores and result in pimples.

Prevent them: Rev up your treatment the week before your period: If you regularly use a cleanser with an acne-fighting ingredient such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, apply a leave-on treatment with that same active ingredient, and treat your chin, jawline, neck, and the rest of your face just to be safe. ("You can't predict exactly where the zit will erupt," Dr. Zeichner says.) If you get super-bad breakouts at the same time every month, you might want to see your dermatologist or primary doc for a prescription treatment like birth control pills or another kind of hormonal therapy, which can level out your hormones to prevent the surges that lead to breakouts.

Pimples on Your Nose and Forehead

The culprit: Stress. Dr. Zeichner says your fight-or-flight stress response is the most likely trigger for T-zone breakouts. When shit hits the fan, your body releases adrenaline that can increase oil production and increase the likelihood of breakouts.

Prevent them: When stress hits (or in advance when you're heading into a stressful week at work or school), apply a leave-on acne treatment to these areas or your entire face to be safe.

Pimples Along Your Hairline

The culprit: Hair product overload. Unless you're going for the greasy look, you probably know better than to apply heavy-duty products like pomades near your hairline. But when you apply hair products elsewhere, and then touch your hairline to tousle your roots or smooth a flyaway, you risk clogging your pores.

Prevent them: Avoid applying products near your forehead, and make sure you wash your hands after you apply hair products. When you wash your face, make sure you scrub up to the roots. (Just be gentle — overdo it, and you could cause irritation and inflammation, Dr. Zeichner says.) If your breakouts become a serious problem, use a daily toner around the hairline for extra help.

Pimples on Your Cheeks

The culprit: Your dirty phone or dirty hands. Anything that touches your face for a long period of time (i.e., about the time it takes to catch up with your mom) can transfer pore-clogging dirt or bacteria to your skin, Dr. Zeichner says.

Prevent them: Clean your phone with antibacterial wipes daily, and use a hands-free device when you can. And seriously: Keep. Your. Hands. Off. Your. Face!

Pimples Around Your Mouth

The culprit: Your diet. Residue from acidic foods (think lemon and vinegar-based dressings) can irritate your skin and cause inflammation, while the greasy remnants of fried foods (like chips, fries, and basically every other delicious food) can physically block your pores. Either way, the result is the same: gnarly-looking zits around your lips.

Prevent them: Use a facial cleansing wipe to remove invisible irritants around your mouth after you eat.

Pimples on Your Chest and Back

The culprit: The wrong sports bra or T-shirt. Cotton fabrics sop up sweat and keep it close to your skin. Because acne-causing bacteria thrives in moist places, wearing cotton clothes to the gym can turn your skin into a breeding ground for pimples, Dr. Zeichner says.

Prevent them: Wear moisture-wicking fabrics (like a polyester-spandex blend and microfiber) when you work out. Because they whisk sweat away from the skin, you'll be less likely to break out (especially if you lounge in your gym clothes all day.)

When You Already Have a Breakout

Dr. Zeichner says to spot-treat pimples with a triple-threat combo of over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide 2.5% cream (e.g., Neutrogena On The Spot), salicylic acid 2% gel (e.g., Clean and Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment), and hydrocortisone 1% cream to reduce inflammation. If you have especially sensitive skin, or all else fails, see your dermatologist for a prescription treatment.