Can Eating Berries Help Control Breakouts?
Emma Terry
With their naturally sweet flavor, berries can be a delicious, healthy addition to most diets. You may not know that they boast antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic properties. These potential benefits are most likely due to their high content of anthocyanins, epicatechin, quercetin, kaempferol, and other flavonoids, according to clinical research presented in the Current Opinion in Food Science.
Several studies suggest that berries help regulate blood sugar levels and fight inflammation, as noted in the above review. For example, ellagic acid and other antioxidants in these fruits inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce oxidative stress, which is a contributing factor to inflammation. Moreover, berries are lower in sugar than other fruits and may help prevent breakouts, per Live Science. The AAD and other skincare experts recommend eating a low-sugar diet to reduce excess sebum and manage acne.
These fruits also pack large amounts of vitamin C, an antioxidant that promotes skin health. Michelle Braude, a medical doctor and nutritionist, is particularly fond of goji berries, saying they boost immune function and prevent inflammation, which in turn may help reduce breakouts, via La Roche Posay. Strawberries, raspberries, elderberries, and blackberries are rich in vitamin C, too, per My Food Data. They also contain dietary fiber, which may help control breakouts.