The debate has raged for years that diet can affect your skin. This article will explain how diet can make a difference in getting you acne free.

One camp says that certain foods like chocolate and sugar will make you break out and another camp says it has no bearing at all on your acne.

So is it possible to become acne free on diet alone? Probably not 100%, but with the proper diet, it is possible to reduce breakout severity and control them better with over the counter solutions.

While this diet may be good for all forms of acne, it is primarily aimed at the most common form called comedonal acne, which is the medical term for whiteheads and blackheads. Comedonal acne occurs when a sebaceous follicle gets plugged with dirt, tiny hairs or bacteria. The result is either a blackhead or a whitehead. The key to preventing comedonal acne is keeping the sebaceous follicle open, and believe it or not, this can be practically controlled by what you eat!

What is the Acne Free Diet?

According to a study at RMIT University, a diet lower in carbohydrates and higher in protein can be the key to clearer skin. Scientists believe that carbs that are high on the Glycemic Index can lead to more breakouts than carbs that have a lower GI.

Here are some carbohydrates that have a lower GI and can help you become acne free:

• Whole grain bread

• Brown rice

• Oatmeal

• Whole wheat pasta

What About Protein?

Lean protein is recommended, as meat high in saturated fats can lead to oily skin and clogged pores. Look for chicken, fish and other lean protein choices versus meats that are heavy in fat. This will also lead to better health overall as well as clearer skin.

Don’t Forget Your Fruits and Veggies

Vegetables are an important part of any diet, and it’s no exception on the acne free diet. Your diet should include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. These should preferably be choices lower on the Glycemic Index, so you should avoid starches such as potatoes, white rice and very sweet fruits.

Some fruit and vegetable choices may include:

• Apples

• Grapefruit

• Oranges

• Almost all vegetables except "sweet" veggies like corn, pumpkin, potato, etc.

Sugar and Sweets

While it may be hard to forgo sodas and sweets, the payoff can be big in the form of clearer more beautiful skin. Not only is "junk food" bad for your health overall, it can lead to clogging of your pores, which ultimately can lead to whitehead and blackhead (comedonal acne) breakouts. By greatly reducing or eliminating these from your diet, you can go a long way to healthier skin and a healthier you!

While a diet free of junk food and high fat yummies may not sound like the most exciting thing in the world, having clearer skin and a heightened self-esteem is. The acne free diet may not 100% prevent or cure your whiteheads and blackheads, but it will go a long way in reducing it with an awesome side effect of giving you a healthier body.