Be they pimples, acne or blackheads, these occur when they’re least expected or welcome, don’t they? Whether you happen to be a teenager, pregnant or even middle–aged, there is often no escape from it.

An effective way to keep your skin clear is to make sure your kidneys have been working effectively at eliminating toxins. Drink at least eight glasses of water to bring that about. This ensures that other organs of excretion, like your skin, are not overburdened, which in turn could lead to complexion–related problems. Good nutrition is also vital. Cut down on the intake of cakes, sweets, sugar and alcohol. Avoid all refined starches like white flour and white bread. Avoid dry fruits, since they contain concentrated amounts of sugar. Limit, or better still, avoid dairy products, especially full–cream milk, butter, ice–cream and yogurt altogether. Milk products contain iodine, which could worsen acne and pimples, and contain traces of hormones that tend to affect some individuals.

Avoid fatty, greasy or fried foods, and concentrate on lean meats, beans and lentils, fresh fruits, vegetables and high fiber wholegrain breads and cereals (like brown rice). Specific nutrients, particularly vitamin A and zinc, go a long way in combating acne. Vitamin A reduces sebum production and counteracts the tendency of dead skin cells to stick together, which contributes to blocked pores. Zinc helps the body use vitamin A, thereby reducing the harmful effects of hormones. It also speeds up the healing of wounds and fights infection.