Thanksgiving and Your Acne Triggers

Happy Thanksgiving week, friends!  

With Thanksgiving on the horizon, and Christmas right around the corner, everyone wants to make sure their skin is clear, hydrated and photo-ready!  But did you know that certain Thanksgiving foods can trigger acne?  Yes, unfortunately this is true.  I’m sure you’ve heard the saying before, “You are what you eat”, and yes diet can most definitely contribute to acne flare-ups.  So, here are a few Thanksgiving foods that can trigger acne.

—Canned Goods
Yams, green beans, corn, and cranberry sauce are all tasty sides, but when they come from a can they tend to have a higher sodium content.  Too much sodium can lead to puffiness around your eyes and increased wrinkles.  And if you’re acne-prone, salt is a major acne-trigger.

—Bread/Stuffing

This includes gluten-free bread as well! In fact, most gluten-free bread has an even higher glycemic index.  And we all know that stuffing is delicious, but remember most times it’s prepared by being soaked in broth and fat.  These fats/grease can leave you with acne-flare ups, dull skin and unwanted texture.  So, either eat this side in moderation and practice your self-control, or choose a low-carb bread and use a vegetable broth in your dressing rather than turkey drippings.

—Pie
You know I had to mention it!  Unfortunately, these delicious favorites are largely responsible for the acne flare ups, and probably extra gym-time after the Holidays!  Most of the calories in pie come from an extremely high sugar content, which can lead to not only acne, but also wrinkles and dry, saggy skin! No thanks!  Again, eat in moderation or try a sweet potato pie instead.  This way you get a tasty treat, a higher vitamin content, and far less sugar!

—Buttery White Potatoes
High-fat foods can lead to breakouts.  Especially this high-carbohydrate treat that has a high glycemic index, further increasing the odds of breakouts.

—Turkey (Deep Fried)
Fried turkey has become more popular due to its rich flavor and moistness.  However, both of those qualities are the result of being immersed in fat.  Fried turkeys are high in fat and cholesterol, both acne-triggers.  Instead, bake or slow-cook your turkey with a light brushing of olive oil and spices.  If you cant say no the fried turkey, at least skip the vegetable oil, and use coconut or olive oil.

So, What Can I Eat?

So, I know thats a lot to avoid (or eat in moderation), but there are also a lot of foods you CAN eat and wake up the next day feeling good that you wont have any pesky new breakouts to deal with!Here are a few acne-safe foods that can give you clearer, glowing skin this holiday season:

—Greens
No surprise here right?!  Foods that are rich in the antioxidants and vitamins help our skin to rejuvenate and heal from acne damage and scarring.  So don’t skip the salad and green beans my friends!  Green beans are rich in antioxidants and an excellent source of vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and manganese.  These essential trace minerals, which can be obtained only through our diets, helps build collagen and protects the skin from free radicals.  And of course, organic is preferable when possible.

—Carrots & Sweet Potatoes
Foods that are rich in beta-carotene convert to Vitamin A in the body and enhance the benefit of selenium to the skin.  Vitamin A is the derivative used in many anti-aging products.  Try to consume at least a half-cup of yellow or red fruits and veggies daily.  Lets trade out those starchy mashed potatoes for sweet potatoes, and skip the marshmallows if you can.

—Fresh, Homemade Cranberry sauce
Homemade cranberry sauce is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C.  Vitamin C is a holy grail antioxidant that helps build collagen, which holds together the cells that make up your hair, skin and nails.  Also, cranberries are natural bacteria blockers, and contain reservatrol, which helps fight acne from within!

Try sticking to these healthier alternatives during your Thanksgiving feast to keep your skin vibrant and healthy!  Just be mindful and do your best to avoid the Thanksgiving foods that trigger acne and schedule an appointment with me to get your skin ready for the holidays if you do have a breakout.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving Day!

—Kelsey Rae