It’s no secret that eating the right foods can keep our digestive system functioning optimally, helping to promote absorption of the nutrients we need while flushing out toxins we don’t. When the body holds on to toxins, it can wreak havoc on our bodies, including the skin, and lead to everything from dark undereye circles to more serious conditions like acne.
While eating a variety of healthy fruits and vegetables can help regulate our digestive system, apples have been shown to be an anti-acne choice for those with the condition.
Just ask Chris Gibson, who had a severe case of cystic acne from his pre-teen years into his twenties. He tried a fruit fast which consisted of eating apples for three days and on the start of the fourth day, his skin cleared. Still acne-free over 20 years later, Gibson is the author of Acne Free in 3 Days (buy it on Amazon through this affiliate link) who stresses the importance of incorporating apples in diets to obtain healthy skin.
Help Clear Acne with Apples Using these 5 Tips
Don’t Peel the Skin
Like many fruits, the outer layer often harbors the highest concentration of nutrients. It’s no different for apples. In fact, apple skin has up to six times the antioxidants than its flesh. Many noteworthy publications, including the Indian Journal of Dermatology, have found a connection between low levels of antioxidants in the blood and increased occurrences of acne, so it’s wise to keep that peeler away.
Choose Red Apples
Color is important when selecting apples. Bypass red ones that have a lot of faded sections or streaked red/creamy colors on the skin. While all apples are nutritious, an apple that is evenly red or that has deep red skin has been shown to be more abundant in Anthocyanin, a flavonoid responsible for attacking harmful free radicals that can affect skin health. Since we know the skin is the most important part of the apple when it comes to reducing acne, this is beneficial information.
Eat the Entire Apple
While apples are nutritious, a few bites won’t keep your acne at bay. Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamins, and ingesting the entire fruit helps regulate the digestive tract and remove free radicals more effectively than merely eating half an apple.
Be Wary of Apples You Accidentally Drop
Cliché, but true: one bad apple can ruin the bunch. When an apple has been bruised or damaged in any way and is then stored with other apples, they release ethylene gas which compromises the shelf life of all other apples in its vicinity and therefore, reduces nutrient effectiveness. Since people with acne require higher levels of antioxidants to help their skin, it’s important to keep apples in top-notch condition.
Make an Apple Face Mask
While ingesting an apple is certainly an acne deterrent, many people also enjoy making a face mask. Apples contain malic acid which helps its nutrients enter the skin and may ward off skin conditions like acne. There are many ways to easily make one at home, including simply grating one medium peeled apple, mixing it with approximately five teaspoons of honey (for combination skin, add uncooked oatmeal) and leaving the mixture on skin for 10 minutes.
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