Food for a Clear Complexion

Skin conditions that distort or prevent a clear complexion include inflammatory conditions such as acne and rosacea, as well as scars resulting from trauma. After trying readily accessible over-the-counter creams, cleansers and other treatments, many patients seek the help of a physician. Standard care practice involves the dissemination of a prescription and/or a surgical referral. Many dermatologists, however, are combining prescription medications with recommendations of dietary supplements clinically proven to help relieve certain skin conditions.

Neo-natal Eczema

• Dermatologist Dr. Jeannette Graf supports the theory that a probiotic deficient diet during pregnancy contributes to incidences of eczema in newborns. Probiotics are microorganisms that help the colon remove toxins from the human body. When the colon lacks sufficient probiotics, the skin -- which is a waste-eliminating organ -- picks up the toxins resulting in eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. Cancer dietitian Julie Lanford lists great food sources of probiotics, such as as yogurt with active cultures, miso, tempeh, kim chi, kefir, sauerkraut and buttermilk.

Scar Repair

• Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is one antioxidant the body needs for clear, healthy skin because it contributes to tissue repair and skin regeneration. The human body does not make vitamin C on its own. Once ingested, it leaves the body through urine evacuation and so must constantly be resupplied. According to the National Institutes of Health, Vitamin C provides the additional skin benefit of stopping damaging free radicals that accelerate the aging process. Foods rich in vitamin C include lemons, oranges, broccoli, white and sweet potatoes, red and green peppers, mangoes, kiwis, pineapple, winter squash, cantaloupe, spinach and tomatoes.

Acne

• Clinical research dermatologist Dr. Nicholas Perricone developed a diet to clear the skin of acne sufferers. He recommends foods rich in beta carotene and vitamin A as useful for fighting acne breakouts. Beta carotene is the plant source of vitamin A, which is an anti-inflammatory. Vitamin A-rich vegetables and fruits are identifiable by their colors. They include dark, leafy greens like kale and spinach and orange and yellow foods such as carrots, squash, apricots and sweet potatoes. Other foods that supply vitamin A are cheese, milk, eggs and oily fish such as mackerel.

Rosacea

• Rosacea patients are often told to avoid certain foods that trigger the red, inflammatory response in their faces. These include chocolate, alcohol, pasta, vinegar, spicy peppers, soy sauce, liver, bananas and artificial sweeteners. Dr. Perricone, however, also recommends diet supplementation to prevent rosacea flare-ups. Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect on the condition and include salmon, halibut, flaxseed oil, mackerel, sardines and herring.