If you used to suffer from acne as a teenager, you’re not alone. Around 95% of the population has acne at some point, usually between the ages of 14 and 19. But while the condition becomes milder and disappears in most people, some are left with small marks in their skin. At Metro Dermatology in Elmhurst, NY, we offer comprehensive acne scars treatment.
First, we will analyze your symptoms and go through your medical history. Then, we will address lifestyle factors to make sure your diet and exercise habits are contributing to the solution, not the problem. We might also offer you prescription medication or laser treatment to help relieve your symptoms. Read on to find out more about the foods and vitamins that can reduce acne scars and speed up your treatment results.
Can Foods or Vitamins Help With Acne Scars Treatment?
There are several ways of addressing scarring caused by acne. Sometimes, prescription medication is enough, but many people require laser treatment, which stimulates the body’s healing response and allows the tissues to regenerate. But for your sessions to be effective, you have to make sure your body is getting everything it needs to break down old cells and create new ones.
Several nutrients are necessary for this process, including vitamin C and zinc. If you’re running low, it’s unlikely that you will experience the full benefit of treatment. Some of the best foods that support acne treatment include legumes, berries, pumpkin, kale, sweet potatoes, lemon, and cauliflower.
Legumes
Legumes are a family of plants that include peas, lentils, beans, soybeans, and peanuts. They are all low-glycemic, so they can keep your blood sugar stable and reduce acne flare-ups. What’s more, they are very nutrient-dense, and they contain very little fat. For this reason, they are unlikely to cause inflammation in the body, and they make it easier for your cells to heal themselves.
There are countless ways of incorporating legumes in your diet. You can eat them as vegetables on their own, create a healthy soup, sprinkle some on your salads, or add them to pies and other pastries.
Berries
Berries are packed with nutrients and vitamins, so they are an excellent choice for anyone who would like to support their immune system and their body’s ability to heal from injuries. Some of the most important nutrients contained in many berries are vitamin C and antioxidants. The former reduces blotchy skin, while antioxidants stop dark spots from forming on your face and remove toxic chemicals from your body.
Most people enjoy eating foods like raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. They are sweet even when eaten on their own, so they can substitute unhealthy desserts such as chocolate or cake. You can also add them to your morning granola or eat them with yogurt.
Pumpkin
During the Halloween season, pumpkins are everywhere. But many people don’t eat the flesh and seeds of their carved pumpkin, which is a shame because this fruit is extremely healthy. It contains zinc, a mineral that helps your skin to regulate the amount of fat it produces. What’s more, pumpkins are also full of alpha hydroxy acids and fruit enzymes, which help to soften the skin and restore your pH balance.
You can roast pumpkin seeds or include the flesh in soups, pies, or other dishes. Pumpkin flesh can also be cooked and eaten as a side dish. Even if you don’t like to eat this fruit, you can benefit from it because you can create a mask and apply it to your face. There are recipes online, or you can buy a ready-made exfoliating product containing pumpkin.
Kale
Kale is a common superfood because it is low in calories and high in vitamins A, B-6, C, and K as well as a wide range of minerals. All the antioxidants and nutrients contained in this food help to reduce hyperpigmentation, even out your skin tone, and promote the formation of collagen, a structural protein that keeps your skin looking youthful, allows your wounds to heal faster, and speeds up the results of acne scars treatment.
If you enjoy the taste of kale, you can add it to your smoothies or sauté it and use it as a side dish, either for lunch or for dinner. Some people don’t like the uncooked taste of this vegetable, so they prefer it baked. Kale chips made with olive oil are a healthy alternative to other snacks.
Sweet Potatoes
Did you know that retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is crucial for keeping wrinkles at bay and fighting skin conditions like acne? If you have recurring breakouts, stubborn scars, or premature wrinkles, check whether you’re getting enough vitamin A-heavy foods in your diet. A great source is the sweet potato, which also contains vitamins B, C, E, potassium, and manganese.
You can eat sweet potatoes boiled, fried, or baked, and they can either be a side dish or your main course. They can also be incorporated in pies and pastries, but make sure you don’t use large quantities of butter and sugar when baking with sweet potatoes, since this can reduce the beneficial effects of your dish.
Lemon
Using lemon juice topically can make your skin look less wrinkled and blemished, but this isn’t recommended because lemons are extremely acidic, so they can damage your skin in the long run. Instead, incorporate this food in your diet, for example by adding a squirt of lemon juice in your sauces, drinks, or on your meat.
In addition to reducing acne scars, blocking free radicals, and increasing your body’s collagen production, lemons have been shown to have anticarcinogenic effects. This means that they can protect your body from cancer.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is often ignored because it’s not as vibrant and flavorful as many other fruits and veggies. But don’t underestimate the healthy properties of this food. A cup of raw cauliflower contains vitamins B6, C, and K, magnesium, phosphorus, folate, and fiber.
What’s more, this veggie is full of histidine, an amino acid that prevents UV rays from damaging your skin and worsening your acne scars. You can cook cauliflower and add it to mac and cheese, pizza crust, or mashed potatoes, but it can also be very tasty raw, for example when paired with a delicious dip such as hummus.
What About Vitamin Supplements?
The more vitamins and minerals you can get from a natural source, the better. Supplements aren’t always effective because your body might not be able to absorb all the nutrients they contain. However, it’s almost impossible to get all the substances we need from our diet alone, which is why around 90% of Americans have nutrient deficiencies.
At the clinic, we will evaluate your cosmetic concern and ask you about your diet. We will also ask you about other symptoms such as fatigue or concentration problems, so we can figure out whether you’re missing any particular nutrients. If so, we might advise you to take supplements for a limited amount of time. These can help your body to recover from the deficiency more quickly.
How Will My Acne Be Treated at the Clinic?
The most common acne treatment is laser therapy. This is a minimally invasive method that involves using laser energy to heat up your skin and promote the body’s natural healing response. Depending on the severity of your condition and your desired results, you might need between three and six initial sessions.
Unless you suffer from another bout of acne, laser treatment is permanent. This means that your scars shouldn’t come back, and you won’t have to have maintenance appointments. However, we might prescribe certain topical products that keep your skin smooth, wrinkle-free, and evenly toned.
Will Treatment Hurt, and Will I Need To Rest?
Due to the advanced equipment and numbing cream we use, you’re unlikely to feel any pain during your treatment. Your session will take around 30 minutes, and you can leave straight away.
Since no general anesthesia is necessary, you don’t have to be under observation, and you can resume most of your regular activities straight away. We might tell you to avoid anything that heats up the skin, such as vigorous exercise or a sauna visit.
Get Help with Acne Scars Now
People who had severe bouts of acne in their youth often experience scarring for years or even decades. Fortunately, there is a good acne scars treatment available at your local clinic. Call us at Metro Dermatology in Elmhurst, NY, and book an appointment with us. We will analyze your situation and help you find the most effective treatment method, which might include laser sessions, medication, topical creams, and a change in your diet.