Have you tried a number of skin care products for your acne but not achieved satisfying results? Maybe it is time to address your acne issues internally.
Acne is a very common skin issue but sometimes it can be really persistent. A multitude of internal problems right from an inflammatory response by your immune system to your hormones or gut health, can be the reason behind your acne.
Worry not! We bring you a list of anti-blemish beverages that can help solve your acne problem from the inside out.
6 Effective Drinks For Clear Skin
Staying hydrated is very crucial to having a clear and healthy skin. Start your day with a couple of glasses of plain water to flush out the toxins and harmful metabolites from your body. An adult human requires 2 to 3 litres of fluid per day, to keep your gut healthy and your skin glowing. But all of that fluid intake need not be just plain water. You can include these tasty beverages in your daily menu to get rid of your acne.
1. Spearmint Tea
Spearmint not only has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, but it can help correct hormonal imbalances too. Studies have shown that regular consumption of spearmint tea can reduce your acne problems by 25 to 50%. You can have one to two cups of spearmint tea every morning or evening to get both hydration as well as a load of antioxidants which will make your skin clear and glowing.
2. Turmeric Latte
Turmeric has numerous benefits for your skin. It has been used traditionally in skin care since time immemorial. The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, with its antimicrobial as well antiinflammatory properties, helps to keep acne at bay. Adding a pinch of pepper to your turmeric drink ensures maximum absorption of curcumin.
Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a cup of warm water or milk along with a sweetener of your choice. Add a pinch of pepper. You can also spice up the latte a bit by adding a little ginger or cinnamon powder. Enjoy it warm every morning.
3. Matcha Tea
Most green teas are high in antioxidants, but matcha gives you the biggest dose. Besides being anti-inflammatory, the EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) in matcha tea is anti-bacterial and has anti-aging properties. So put it in your face-pack or drink it from a cup, to make your acne vanish like magic!
To prepare matcha tea, first mix a teaspoon of matcha powder in a cup of warm water. Add this mix to a cup of warm milk and maple syrup for sweetness. You can also add a little vanilla extract or ground cinnamon for flavour.
4. Kefir
This fermented drink is rich in probiotics, which are friendly bacteria that help keep pathogens at bay. This drink is especially helpful if you are taking antibiotics for your acne, as it helps replenish the healthy gut flora. Lactoferrin present in kefir helps fight germs and boosts the immune system.
You can choose from a range of lactose containing or plant based kefir available in the market. Daily consumption of a glass of kefir can reduce your acne by almost 35% in a period of 3 months.
5. Dandelion Tea
Dandelion roots are rich in vitamins, zinc, iron and potassium. A study at the University of Maryland, USA concluded that dandelion roots help in the detoxification process of your liver and kidneys, which in turn help correct hormonal imbalances due to adrenal malfunction. This reduces inflammation that can flare up acne.
Steep a spoonful dandelion tea powder in a cup of freshly boiled water. Let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes and enjoy!
6. Tart Cherry Juice
You must be knowing cherries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that can help you get a clear skin. But did you know that tart cherries contain melatonin which improves your sleep patterns? A good night’s sleep is very essential for a healthy, glowing skin. The pH balancing properties of cherries prevents bacterial growth and thus relieves your acne inflicted skin.
Avoid buying juice directly from the market, as those may contain high levels of sugar which may actually lead to a breakout. Opt for homemade fresh, tart cherry juice instead, to get all its goodness in a cup.
Drinks To Avoid If You Have Acne-Prone Skin
Drinks with a high content of processed sugar or other unhealthy carbohydrates can increase the glycemic index of your blood. The high blood sugar levels can disrupt hormonal balance and increase oil production, leading to acne. Here are a few drinks that you should avoid if you don’t want your skin to break out.
1. Carbonated Drinks
Avoid all carbonated drinks such as colas, soda or even carbonated water. Most of them are not only high in sugar but also increase your food cravings, which will increase your sugar levels even further. Also don’t be fooled by the diet versions as they have artificial sweeteners which are not exactly beneficial to your health. So if you want an acne free life, stay away from the fizzes.
2. Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol causes dehydration in your body. Excessive consumption of alcohol can make your skin dehydrated, which weakens your skin’s barrier system making it an easy target for germs causing acne. Alcohol can also promote inflammation which may flare-up breakouts. Drink in moderation, avoid all wines and cocktails to protect your skin from acne.
3. Coffee
Caffeine in coffee disrupts your sleep and also alters cortisol levels in your blood. This can lead to stress and make you breakout. To add to the woe, many people add lots of cream and sugar in their coffee which makes the acne situation no better.
Coffee also has a diuretic effect, meaning it makes you urinate more often leading to dehydration. To sum it up, excess consumption of coffee is probably not the best thing for your skin and it is best avoided altogether if you have acne prone skin.
Many energy drinks also contain caffeine and should thus be avoided for the reasons mentioned above.
4. Packaged Juices and Lemonade
These drinks are again high in refined sugars which will cause your skin to breakout if you are already acne-prone. Go for fresh, homemade juices instead to get all the vitamins and minerals, sans the bad carbs.
5. Milk
Milk is a nutrient-rich drink that most of us had since childhood. But cow’s milk may worsen your acne problems, especially if you cannot digest lactose very well. Milk may contain antibiotics and hormones that cause inflammation and increase your sebum production. You can instead try non-dairy, plant based milk options like almond milk or brown rice milk. That way you get the taste of milk without worsening your acne.
Wrapping Up
To get rid of acne you need to follow a holistic approach. Be mindful of what you eat and drink apart from your daily skincare routine. Also remember to get enough sleep and spend a little time with yourself everyday, to reduce your stress levels. Do try the drinks mentioned in this article to get rid of your acne and reveal your true beauty.
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