When your skincare regime isn’t helping beat your acne, it’s probably time to look at what’s on your plate. A poor diet is a major catalyst for hormonal breakouts and sadly, your favourite foods are the main offenders.

Why do the ones we love hurt us the most?

Sugar

The best way to reduce inflammation and those dreaded hormonal acne flare ups is to ditch the sugar. I love Gelato Messina as much as the next person, but a low glycemic diet that is low in natural and refined sugars will significantly reduce breakouts, as well as lower your blood sugar levels. Limit your natural sweetener intake like honey and stevia to get a handle on your acne through regulated sugar levels.

Dairy

Cow’s milk has unreal amounts of the female hormone progesterone, which is a nightmare for hormonal regulation. Dairy products cause your skin to produce excessive amounts of sebum aka oil, causing clogged pores and acne. Going cold turkey on all things dairy is cruel (the thought of no more cheese platters kills me), but essential to beating the breakouts!

Coffee

Coffee=cortisol (the main stress hormone). Coffee distresses your oil glands and turns your t-zone into a major congestion hazard (not to mention it makes you super shiny). I wouldn’t expect anyone to cut out their morning coffee completely, but try introducing herbal tea into your mornings twice a week (peppermint is great for bloating too!)

Tips to help

Aim to drink 2-3 litres of water a day to stay hydrated and flush out all of those nasty toxins. Try adding Beauty Chef’s Hydration Boost into your water for a delicious taste and added probiotic goodness.

Incorporate fermented and probiotic rich foods into your diet like sour kraut and coconut yoghurt. Your gut health directly impacts your skin so nail your diet & kick your breakouts to the curb!

Stay Hydrated Beauties! Xox