Like a lot of people, I occasionally get a breakout of spots either on my face or back (although admittedly not so much in the past couple of years).

You’re probably already aware of a lot of suspected causes – the big ones being junk / greasy / fried foods, or a hormone imbalance triggered by stress.

With skin being a major organ, nutrition can play a role in controlling and reducing post-adolescent acne, breakouts, or day-to-day spots. Here are some of the main ways to help, as well as some juicing for acne suggestions.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor first.

Low GI Foods

A study has shown that a low GI (glycemic load) diet significantly decreased the number of spots in acne sufferers[1]. This means you may find a diet rich in low GI foods[2] (fruit, vegetables, beans and seeds) and devoid of high GI foods (white bread, white rice, potato, manufactured breakfast cereals) beneficial.

Chromium

High chromium yeast has been found to be an effective treatment for acne[3]. Brewers Yeast is a high chromium yeast, which is also a great source of natural B-vitamins, amino acids, proteins, minerals, enzymes and nucleic acids for overall health and wellbeing. Just add a couple of tablespoons to your finished juice.

Juicing for Acne

Selenium and Vitamin E have been found to help with certain types of acne[4].

Zinc has been shown to help with acne (although how is unproven)[5].

A low folate level has been found in acne sufferers[6], so Folic Acid may be beneficial

Selenium is found in Spinach, Broccoli, Asparagus..

No juicer? This guide will help you choose choose the right one for your needs.

Vitamin E is found in Spinach, Avacado, Broccolli.

Avocado can’t be juiced, but it can be blended into a smoothie. Juicer blender combo’s are ideal if you want to do both.

Zinc in found in dark leafy greeens (Spinach, Kale).

Folic Acid is found in dark leafy greens (Kale and Spinach).

If you juice a lot of leafy greens, masticating juicers yield twice as much juice, saving you money each day. Here are the best ones, reviewed and compared.

Juicing Recipes for Acne

Simple Acne Recipe

4 large Carrots

4 handfuls Spinach

1 thumb of Ginger

+ 1-2 tbs Brewers Yeast

Complete Acne Recipe

5 Large Carrots

4 Kale leaves

3 handfuls Spinach

1 bunch Red Swiss Chard

3 fingers Asparagus

1 thumb Ginger

+ 1-2 tbs Brewer’s Yeast

Optional – a Apple for taste

In addition to your daily cleansing ritual, supplementing nutrition by juicing for acne will help you get the most benefits.

Read next: Juicing for Stress

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Sources

[1] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17616769

[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycemic_index#Glycemic_Index_of_Foods

[3] http://www.aknewelt.de/forum/99185-post4732.html

[4] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6203294

[5] http://archderm.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=536705

[6] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23351097

Photo credit: bram_app / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND