Most dermatologist claim that what you eat has no effect on acne but according to Dr. Nicholas Perricone, author of The Wrinkle Cure, and 7 Secrets to Beauty, Health, and Longevity, "food is the fuel that allows the body's organs (the largest of which is the skin) to perform at optimum levels." Dr. Perricone explains that acne is an inflammatory disease caused by two primary factors: high cortisol levels, and rapid rises in blood sugar that cause an insulin response. Both factors also cause your body to crave carbs, store fat, and gain weight. Dr. Perricone believes that if you can control cortisol levels and prevent rapid rises in blood sugar you can reduce or eliminate acne and heal your body from the inside out. The benefit to this type of treatment is that you will inevitably end up losing weight and preventing more serious diseases. Here's how to get started...

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet
The key to this diet is preventing rapid rises in blood sugar that create an insulin response which in turn causes an inflammatory response. Start by following these guidelines:

• Eliminate sugar from your diet
• Stick to low glycemic carbs
• Eat 5-6 smaller meals a day
• Eat food rich in antioxidants (blueberries, cantaloupe, green vegetables)
• Eat foods that provide essential fatty acids (ie. flaxseeds, olive oil, almonds)
• Eat high quality protein (ie. salmon, turkey, chicken, soy products)
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day
• Drink green or black tea instead of coffee
• Reduce iodine intake

Exercise
Acne is precipitated by high levels of cortisol a by product of stress, sleep deprivation, and high caffeine intake. Although exercise like cardio and strength training are extremely important and beneficial for your health they can actually exacerbate acne because they produce male hormones that contribute to acne production. The most beneficial type of exercise for people with acne is yoga. Due to it's meditative and relaxing properties yoga reduces stress and controls cortisol levels. Here are a few additional benefits of yoga:

• Decreases pulse rate
• Increases cardiovascular efficiency
• Increases energy levels
• Improves sleep
• Decreases anxiety and depression
• Improves concentration and attention
• Decreases triglycerides

Get clear skin, a radiant complexion and take years off your appearance with Dr. Perricone's 7 Secrets to Beauty, Health, and Longevity: The Miracle of Cellular Rejuvenation