Hormonal changes in the body, stressful lifestyles, eating habits, sleeping routines or even not washing our faces regularly can promote acne.

Our diet affects our skin – certain foods cause blood glucose levels in our body to rise rapidly, trigger a boost in insulin and result in skin inflammation. A low-glycemic diet, which included more whole grains, beans, vegetables, rice, bread, and sugar can reduce the breakout. Always ensure you’re eating whole and healthy foods all year round; especially during winters.  Stay hydrated and drink lots of water (at room temperature) for a glowing and healthy skin – it also helps to flush out toxins in your system. Drink at least 8-10 cups a day; eliminate sugary drinks (soda and juices).

Include these fruits in your diet, have them as snacks or mini meals – some examples of high-water foods are Cucumbers, Strawberries, Apples, Watermelon, Pears, Muskmelon.

Stay hydrated and drink lots of  water for a glowing and healthy skin – it also helps to flush out toxins in your system.

Make small lifestyle change and follow these ‘Eat Right’ timings.

• Start your day with a glass of water!
• Breakfast: 9AM
• Mid-morning snack/ fruit: 11AM
• Lunch: 1PM
• Mid-day fruit: 3PM
• Evening snack: 5PM
• Dinner: 8PM
• After dinner fruit/milk: 9:30PM

Stress is a factor too. Stress increases glucocorticoid production, leading to abnormalities in skin structure and resulting in conditions like acne. Try to keep stress at bay and don’t forget to get your beauty sleep every day!

Exercise reduces your waistline and stress too; it regulates your hormone levels, increases blood circulation and boosts your immune system. Note: sweat from exercise can also lead to acne breakouts take care of that, cleanse your face in the morning and at night and shower immediately after working out.

Watch what you eat

Include fresh vegetables, whole grains, fiber and green tea in your diet.

Omega-3 fatty acids rich foods are friends of your complexion – add foods like walnuts, avocados, flaxseed oil, and salmon to your diet.

Introduce natural, unprocessed foods with more probiotics, like Yogurt, Kimchi, Kefir (cultured milk product that’s similar to yogurt) into your diet. Skin-friendly bacteria in such foods condition the skin both inside and out – healing problems like redness, irritation, acne and more.

[Also read: 5 Seemingly Healthy Foods That Are Actually Unhealthy For You]