The Top 10 Fruits That Help Clear Up Acne

Are you struggling with acne and wondering if certain fruits can help? Some fruits contain properties that may help prevent breakouts and reduce inflammation. Keep reading to discover the top 10 fruits to add to your diet for clear, acne-free skin.

Why Fruits?

Fruits contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support skin health. Certain fruits also have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can fight acne.

Eating more fruits increases your intake of fiber, which helps remove waste from the body and balance blood sugar. This helps diminish breakouts caused by fluctuations in blood sugar and hormones.

Overall, filling your diet with fresh fruits promotes clear skin from within. Now let’s explore the top anti-acne fruits and how they benefit your complexion.

1. Strawberries

Strawberries top the list due to their high antioxidant content. They contain anthocyanins that help fight inflammation and free radical damage. Strawberries also provide:

• Vitamin C to build collagen and heal acne scars
• Manganese and selenium to protect skin from environmental damage
• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to exfoliate dead skin cells

Simply eating a cup of strawberries a day helps prevent and treat breakouts. You can also make a hydrating strawberry face mask. Just mash some berries and apply to skin for 10 minutes before rinsing.

2. Blueberries

Blueberries belong on an acne-fighting diet thanks to their antimicrobial effects. The polyphenols in blueberries battle acne-causing bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes.

These tiny berries also contain:

• Vitamins C and E to neutralize free radicals
• Gallic acid to reduce inflammation and redness

Enjoy a daily cup of blueberries on their own, in smoothies, or sprinkled on yogurt and oatmeal. You can also make a blueberry mask by blending 3-4 berries with plain yogurt.

3. Papaya

Papaya is an anti-inflammatory fruit that promotes skin renewal. It contains an enzyme called papain that gently exfoliates skin and unclogs pores. Additional benefits include:

• Vitamins A and C to fade acne scars and spots
• Lycopene to protect against UV damage
• Potassium to hydrate skin

Simply rubbing papaya flesh on the face for 5-10 minutes can work wonders. Let the fruit naturally exfoliate and brighten your complexion.

4. Tomatoes

You may be surprised to see tomatoes on this list, but they offer amazing skin benefits:

• High in vitamin A to regulate oil production
• High in vitamin C to build collagen and heal scars
• Lycopene helps protect skin from sun damage
• Potassium balances moisture levels

Tomatoes help control excess oil and sebum production, making them a key addition to an acne diet. Enjoy sliced tomatoes in salads, sandwiches, and more. You can also apply tomato juice or pulp directly on breakouts.

5. Oranges

Oranges are one of the richest sources of vitamin C. Just one orange meets over 100% of your daily vitamin C needs! This key nutrient treats and prevents breakouts in several ways:

• Boosts collagen production
• Helps fade acne scars and spots
• Reduces inflammation and swelling
• Protects against free radical damage

Eat oranges as a snack or use orange slices on acne-prone areas. The high vitamin C content helps with collagen regeneration for smoother, clearer skin.

6. Apples

An apple a day may really keep acne away! Apples contain the following blemish-fighting nutrients:

• Vitamin C to control excess oil and prevent clogged pores
• Vitamin A to regulate sebum production
• Antioxidants like quercetin protect skin from environmental damage

The hydrating fiber and water content in apples also promotes skin healing. Enjoy apples raw or blended into smoothies. You can also try this apple honey mask: mix 2 tablespoons apple sauce with 1 teaspoon honey. Apply to skin and let sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.

7. Bananas

Bananas make the list thanks to their antimicrobial and hydrating properties. They contain:

• Vitamin A to prevent clogged pores by regulating oil production
• Vitamin C to build collagen and fade acne scars
• Potassium to hydrate and renew skin cells
• Magnesium to reduce inflammation

The natural oils in bananas also moisturize skin without clogging pores. Mash a ripe banana and use it as a nourishing face mask. Leave on skin for 10-15 minutes before washing off.

8. Pineapple

Pineapple offers several perks for acne-prone skin:

• Bromelain helps reduce inflammation and swelling
• Vitamin C stimulates collagen growth
• Manganese, copper & thiamin help nourish skin
• Hydrating enzymes promote skin renewal

Pineapple also contains AHAs that gently exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores. Try rubbing a pineapple slice on clean skin for a few minutes to reap the benefits.

9. Kiwi

Time for a fun fact: kiwis contain even more vitamin C than oranges! Consuming kiwi helps:

• Boost collagen production for smoother skin texture
• Reduce excess oil and sebum due to high vitamin C content
• Improve skin hydration and elasticity

Kiwis also contain antioxidants like vitamin E and carotenoids to protect skin from sun damage. Enjoy kiwi slices alone or add them to fruit salads and smoothies.

10. Lemons

Lastly, don't forget about lemons. Though acidic, lemon juice offers anti-acne benefits when applied topically, including:

• Antimicrobial and antibacterial properties
• Natural astringent effects to deep cleanse skin
• Vitamin C to control excess oil and prevent breakouts

Use freshly squeezed lemon juice as a daily toner to tighten pores and promote clearer skin. Just avoid sun exposure after applying lemon juice on skin.

Time to Start Eating More Fruits!

By adding more of these blemish-blasting fruits to your diet, you’ll nourish your skin from the inside out. Always eat the fruits fresh or blended rather than juiced for the most benefits. Stick to organic when possible as well.

Implement 2-3 of these fruits into your daily meals and snacks. You’ll provide your skin with key vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants necessary for a clear, glowing complexion. Don’t be surprised if you notice results in as little as a few weeks!

Finally, remember that fruits work best alongside a healthy lifestyle. Be sure to drink plenty of water, exercise, manage stress, and get enough sleep. Keeping your whole body healthy will maximize the effectiveness of an acne-fighting diet.

Now the next time you break out, you’ll know which fruits to reach for! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fruits That Treat Acne

Why are fruits beneficial for acne-prone skin?

Fruits contain essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support clear, healthy skin. They help hydrate skin, fight inflammation, protect against sun damage, and balance oil production. The fiber in fruits also helps remove waste from the body for clearer skin.

Do fruits ever make acne worse?

Some fruits like mangoes, grapes, bananas, and dried fruits have a high glycemic index which may worsen acne in some people. However, eating them in moderation is fine for most. Focus on low glycemic fruits like berries, tomatoes, apples, grapefruit, and cherries.

What's the best way to eat fruits for clear skin?

Eat fruits raw and fresh whenever possible. Blending them into smoothies is also great. Avoid juicing them, which strips away the beneficial skin-hydrating fiber. Choose organic fruits to minimize pesticide exposure.

How much fruit per day is recommended for acne sufferers?

Aim for at least 2-3 servings of acne-fighting fruits per day. One serving equals about 1 cup of berries or slices/pieces of a larger fruit. Mix up your choices to get a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Are fruit-infused waters and teas good for skin?

Yes! Adding fruits like lemon, lime, grapefruit, strawberries, pineapple, oranges, apples, and kiwi to your water gives you a refreshing, skin-healthy drink. Herbal teas infused with fruits are also beneficial. Just avoid added sugars.

Should I eat fruits before or after a meal for acne?

It's best to eat fruits separate from other foods, either as a snack or before heavier meals. Eating fruits after a protein or fat-heavy meal can cause indigestion, as fruits digest quicker than other foods.

Can I apply fruit juice or pulp directly to my skin?

Using small amounts of raw, fresh juice or pulp from lemons, apples, strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, papaya, oranges, or tomatoes can help fight acne when applied to the skin. Just avoid rubbing the actual whole fruit slices on skin to prevent spreading bacteria.

How long until I see results from eating acne-fighting fruits?

It takes patience and consistency, but most people notice improvements in their skin in 2-4 weeks after ramping up fruit intake. Be sure to keep following a healthy diet and lifestyle for lasting clear skin. Consider adding other acne-fighting foods like leafy greens, fish, and probiotics as well.

Should I take any supplements along with eating fruits?

You likely don't need supplements if eating 2-3 servings of fruits daily. However, a zinc supplement can help for those with moderate to severe acne, as it reduces inflammation. Probiotic supplements support gut health for clearer skin as well. But get your doctor’s advice first.