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Acne is a common skin condition that depend on two situations: an increase in sebum and the accumulation of toxins in your skin. Hormonal changes due to puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and stressful situations can lead to an increase in sebum production. The accumulated toxins are generally due to the daily intake of poor quality protein.

The toxins lodge themselves in your skin. Once they are lodged in the skin, the toxins begin to attract moisture from within the dermis and from the superficial layers of the skin. Excess hydration can "pinch off" sebaceous glands essentially blocking the natural flow of sebum.

Therefore, the toxins and sebum lead to clogged pores. Ultimately this blockage will lead to the acne bacteria, inflammation and skin lesions that characterize acne by provoking the rupture of the skin or skin follicles.

Foods that Lead to Acne Problems

Any foods that cause water retention can pinch off the sebaceous glands and produce inflammation especially when the skin is producing too much sebum. The most common triggers are foods that contain large amounts of salt and spices. Packaged foods like potato chips and canned foods are the main culprits.

Another problematic food is cooked protein. The heating of proteins can destroy or change essential nutrients. New and harmful elements can be formed during the preparation of animal or vegetable foods.

Dietary protein is partially damaged in the preparation process (cooking, freezing, etc). New molecules are formed because protein molecules begin to interact with dietary carbohydrate. This process is called "The Maillard Reaction", and the same thing happens to peptides (amino-acid chains) because of simple oxidation.

Digestive enzymes break down protein amino acids but only if the targeted part of the protein matches a specific enzyme. If heat has somehow changed the composition of the amino acids, the enzymes will not be able to fulfill their purpose. They will be deposited by the lymph system into the skin as toxins.

Coupled with excessive sebum production, these toxins can lead to acne problems. For this reason, changing your diet can lead to an ideal acne skin care treatment.

Curing Acne Naturally

If certain foods cause acne problems, it's logical to think that controlling your diet can be the best acne treatment. The proper "acne diet" can do wonders for your skin without relying on harsh acne medication. Improving your dietary habits may not be a 2 day acne cure or make you acne free in 3 days, but consistency will greatly improve your skin in a short period of time.

Start by including a good amount of raw fruits and vegetables plus fresh nuts and sashimi to attain vitamins, minerals and high quality proteins. Help your body flush out toxins by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

By incorporating fiber into your diet you will help your body eliminate tainted proteins and keep it from depositing them into your skin. Also, regulate the fat, sugar, salt and spices in your diet.