Nutritionist: The diet and lifestyle tips you need to know about to reduce redness and acne now
- A nutritionist has shared how to target acne through diet and lifestyle
- Jessica Sepel said to boost your omega-3 intake and use gentle skincare
- She also recommended practising good hygiene and managing stress levels
- Acne is a skin condition that often occurs when the pores become blocked
Leading nutritionist and vitamin queen Jessica Sepel has revealed the diet and lifestyle changes that can help target acne.
The 32-year-old, who runs the supplement brand JS Health, said in order to combat against acne, it’s best to use gentle skincare, boost your omega-3 intake and practise good skin hygiene.
Acne is a skin condition that often occurs when the pores become blocked by bacteria, dirt, oil or dead skin cells, but it can also be caused by genetics, stress and excess sweating.
Australian nutritionist Jessica Sepel (pictured) has shared how to target acne by making a few diet and lifestyle changes
Check the glycaemic index
On her website, Jessica recommended checking the glycaemic index to help determine if aspects of your diet are triggering acne production.
‘A diet based on foods with a high glycemic index may lead to higher than normal insulin levels, which can then cause an increased production of androgens and the substance that causes our skin to look and feel oily, which plays a role in acne development,’ she wrote.
According to Better Health, the glycaemic index ranks carbohydrate foods from zero to 100 based on the rise in blood sugar levels.
Boost your omega-3
Jessica said omega-3 fatty acids can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory reactions, causing a ‘therapeutic effect on acne’ and can reduce the appearance of the skin condition.
Your omega-3 intake can be increased by adding more eggs, chia seeds, flaxseeds, extra virgin olive oil, salmon, tuna or sardines to your diet.
Foods that are high in omega-3 can also provide other health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health.
Jessica said in order to combat against acne, it’s best to use gentle skincare, boost your omega-3 intake and practice good skin hygiene
Use gentle skincare
As acne causes redness and irritation to the skin, it’s essential to use gentle skincare and avoid exfoliation.
Jessica recommends washing your skin with a natural cleanser then applying a moisturiser that is free of fragrances, alcohol and parabens.
Practise good skin hygiene
As acne can appear anywhere on the body and not just the face, it’s importance to practise good skin hygiene.
‘You’ll want to be using a separate towel for your face and body to reduce spreading bacteria and that you are washing your face towel and pillow cases at least once a week,’ Jessica wrote.
Washing towels regularly will make sure your body doesn’t come in contact with any unwanted bacteria.
Manage stress levels
Jessica said it’s important to manage stress levels because this can impact your wellbeing, gut and skin.
‘Meditation, yoga, journaling, exercising, spending time with loved ones or being in nature are all wonderful ways to alleviate excess stress in your life,’ she wrote.