How Diet Affects Acne
 

For many years, acne sufferers were told that "trigger foods" caused skin problems like blemishes and blackheads. Coffee and chocolate were pointed to as problem items that could make healthy skin break out, or could aggravate problems in skin that was already susceptible to acne. However, recent studies have shown that diet doesn't have as profound an affect on acne as was once believed.

Although it makes sense to think that one can cure acne from the inside out by following a diet free from impurities or low in oils and grease, it turns out that the most effective way to treat and prevent acne is from the outside in. Following a regular cleaning regimen is the only method that will help you achieve blemish free skin. However, there is one substance that consuming on a daily basis will have a strong affect on the look of your skin, and on your likelihood to develop cosmetic problems including acne.

One reason why coffee and chocolate have been linked to acne problems may have to do with the fact that they both contain caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means that it encourages your body to expel rather than absorb water. In large enough quantities, caffeine can stop your system from taking on all the water that it needs, leading to dehydration. This can make your skin less resilient and healthy than it must be in order to fight off acne.

Moisture balance is the key to achieving smooth, flawless skin, so overdoing coffee, soda, chocolate, alcohol, or other foods and drinks that are diuretic can have very visible results. To make sure that your body is getting the moisture that it needs in order to produce resilient and glowing skin, replenish your system with water on a regular basis. Doctors recommend drinking six eight ounce glasses of water per day for optimum health. Add an extra glass for every diuretic beverage that you consume, and another glass for every hour that you engage in vigorous exercise.

Although there is no miracle food cure for acne, drinking water can help you battle acne and gain the complexion you've always wanted. To make drinking water a seamless part of your day, always carry a water bottle with you at work and school, on shopping trips, or anywhere else you go that is a part of your routine. When choosing your meals and snacks, opt for fruits and vegetables. Natural foods tend to have a higher water content than processed items, so although grabbing an apple instead of a candy bar won't clear up your acne overnight, it can help you give your system the tools it needs to combat acne and build healthier, radiant skin.