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

These toxins find their way to the dermis. Once they find their way to the skin, they begin to attract moisture both from within the skin and from its superficial layers. Too much moisture can start pinching off the skin's sebaceous glands and block off the flow of sebum.

In this way, the toxins and excess sebum begin clogging the skin's pores. Eventually the sebum will break out to the surface or within the skin follicles and lead to acne bacteria, inflammation and skin lesions that characterize acne.

Foods that Lead to Acne Problems

Anything that causes excess water retention can "pinch off" sebaceous glands and lead to their inflammation, especially during times of additional sebum. Foods containing large amounts of salt and spices are the most common triggers. Potato chips and canned foods are the worst offenders.

Cooked proteins are other potentially problematic foods. Heat destroys and/or changes essential nutrients. New and harmful elements can be formed during the preparation of animal or vegetable foods.

Cooking, freezing and other preparation processes damage dietary protein. Protein molecules interact with dietary carbohydrates forming new molecules. This process is what is known as The Maillard Reaction and can also happen through simple oxidation.

Digestive enzymes will break down protein amino acids but only when a specific enzyme matches a particular amino acid. If the amino acids have changed due to heat, the enzymes will not break it down. Instead, the lymph system will deposit them in the skin as toxins.

The toxins coupled with excess sebum production might lead to acne problems. This is why changing your dietary habits can be an ideal acne skin care.

Natural Acne Cure

Since certain foods provoke acne problems, it's reasonable to think that improving your diet can be the best acne treatment. The appropriate "acne diet" can greatly improve your skin without depending on harsh acne medication. It would be erroneous to think that a healthy diet could lead to a 2 day acne cure or that you could be acne free in 3 days but it can improve your skin in a short time if you are consistent.

A healthy acne diet starts by including a steady supply of fruits and vegetables plus fresh nuts and high quality proteins in the form of raw fish such as sashimi. Additionally, drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help your body eliminate the accumulated toxins.

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