Dec
Acne, PCOS Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
PCOS acne diet – Your guide to eating just right
As the saying goes “you are what you eat”, and this couldn’t be truer when taking care of your skin as a sufferer of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS symptoms can have a major impact on every part of your life. It’s not just fertility problems that can hold you back, mood changes, fatigue, excessive hair growth, low sex drive and weight management issues can also affect the way you look and feel. Acne is also particularly common among PCOS sufferers as Insulite Health details:
“Grappling with blemishes is something many people would love to forget, but for women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) it can easily become a part of their daily routine. Unfortunately, for the approximately 5-10 percent of women of childbearing age who suffer from this condition, acne can be triggered by the imbalance of hormones that is the hallmark of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).”
Whilst there’s no cure for PCOS, eating your way to healthier skin and a better way of living is possible with the right guidance. Read on to discover our top tips for eating right for PCOS and relieving troublesome hormonal acne symptoms.
Up your zinc levels
Zinc is a vital trace mineral that has been found to be lacking in people with acne. Other research has found that increasing your zinc intake can help to lower the inflammation, reduce the bacteria and balance the hormones that so commonly trigger or exacerbate acne symptoms in PCOS sufferers.
As your body doesn’t actively store zinc, taking it orally is the key to topping up your zinc levels. Spinach, beef, shrimp, kidney beans and flax seeds are all high in zinc and could be your tickets to clearer, spot-free skin.
Reduce your dairy intake
Dairy has been linked to an increase in acne-causing androgens and can also enhance your insulin levels to make PCOS symptoms triggered by insulin resistance even worse.
Even replacing the dairy products in your diet with fat-free alternatives isn’t enough. Going dairy free is the best option and will reduce the presence of androgens to minimise acne symptoms.
Go for a low glycaemic diet
A diet that’s rich in glycaemic load (GL) is bad news for PCOS acne. That’s because high glycaemic foods – like cereal, crackers, bread, white rice, and sugary foods and drinks – contain little to no fibre. They’re heavily processed too, which is another no-no if you are looking to manage PCOS symptoms naturally.
Instead of going high glycaemic, go low. Opt for non-starchy fruits, vegetables and beans; eat as naturally as possible; limit processed, high-calorie and refined foods; and choose alternatives that are rich in protein and unsaturated fats.
Choose anti-inflammatory ingredients
Foods can be anti-inflammatory too thanks to their whole goodness, and concentration of healthy fats and phytonutrients.
Almonds, avocados, broccoli, blueberries, carrots, dry beans, kale, olive oil, spinach and wild salmon are just some of the anti-inflammatory ingredients you can work with to relieve PCOS symptoms and treat PCOS acne from within.
Feed your skin in exactly the same way!
Applying the same vitamin and mineral rich goodness topically comes highly recommended when treating PCOS acne.
Here at Organic Apoteke, you’ll find everything you need to develop a skincare regime that works for your PCOS acne prone skin. Our Total Detox Facial provides a three-step solution to your needs.
Start by applying our anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and exfoliating organic facial cleanser to your face and neck for deep yet gentle cleansing and effective oil balancing. Follow with our organic face moisturizer for soothing hydration that nourishes and protects your skin’s sensitive barrier.
Treat your skin to a deeply purifying treatment once or twice a week courtesy of our detox face mask. This third and final step extracts impurities, lifts dead skin cells and heals blemishes to reveal flawless, glowing skin.
Image: margouillat photo / Shutterstock.com