Dealing with acne as an adult can be soul-destroying. If it’s a severe case, your confidence can be affected and the eternal search for a cure – whilst smothering yourself in clogging foundation – can be counter-productive. A cure can, however, be helped from within, as certain foods and lifestyle changes can make a huge difference.
The fact is that a hormonal imbalance can reveal itself in the form of acne, and the best way to fight it is by learning how to relax and look after yourself. Your skin is your largest organ, so look after it by eating whole and healthy food all year round, staying hydrated, sleeping as snug as a bug and having a good cleansing routine.
A positive change in eating habits can help a great deal. Introduce these 10 foods into your life if you have not done so already, perhaps coming up with some exciting new recipes to try at home.
Two type of stress Ð psychological stress and physical stress Ð can cause changes in the skin with the release of cortisol, a stress hormone in our bodies.
Our diet also affects all our skin. Foods that spike your blood sugar levels can also push your body into making extra insulin, which increases the production of cortisol Ð which basically acts as our body's immediate source of energy.
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Smoked Mackerel, Lentils and Brown Rice
Spring is on the doorstep and so it's time to start thinking seriously about cleaning up our act. This salad is bursting with the healthiest of ingredients and there is no compromise with taste. Simply add a slice of stone-baked French baguette and a glass of wine and you can host the most fabulous lunch! Recipe by Dusha Lia from Baltazar Bistro
Serves 2
Ingredients: 200g smoked mackerel, flaked. 200g cooked and drained lentils. 100g cooked brown rice. 1 small shallot, finely chopped. 1 avocado pear – sliced and added at last minute to prevent browning. 8 cherry tomatoes, halved. 4 small radishes, thinly sliced. ½ cucumber, thinly sliced. Fresh dill, chopped. Fresh parsley, chopped. Sprinkling of cayenne pepper.
For the dressing: 50g capers, rinsed and drained. 4 anchovy fillets. Juice of a lemon. Juice of a lime. 150ml extra virgin olive oil. 1 tsp clear honey. 1 garlic clove. Pinch of black pepper.
Method: Mix flaked mackerel, lentils, brown rice and finely chopped shallot and set aside. Place dressing ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. To serve, place mackerel, lentils and brown rice in a shallow serving dish. Arrange cucumber, tomatoes and radishes on top and, just before serving, add sliced avocado pear, pour over the dressing, followed by the chopped dill and parsley, and sprinkle with cayenne pepper.