Many people could benefit from an acne diet. After all, who has not heard the saying that chocolate gives you pimples? Everybody has. If you think about it its not so far-fetched that by watching your diet you could prevent acne.

But, an acne diet is a very hard thing to establish. This is very personal and its based on your body’s unique response to certain foods. There are rules to follow, but progress is usually by trial and error. Monitor your skin closely. Keep a journal. You might even want to take pictures using a digital camera once or twice a week. When your skin clears, continue on the diet you were on at the time.

Here are some simple rules to get you started on an acne diet:

* Up your intake of protein - Many dermatologists are under the belief that protein is connected with clearer skin. This is because protein contains an enzyme that limits the production of oil. Oily skin tends to be more prone to breakouts.

* Stay away from carbohydrates. - Do not take all carbs out of your diet. However you should keep them around 40 percent of your diet. Carbohydrates contain compounds that stimulate oil production. This is the reason that junk food has the reputation that it causes acne. In reality, junk food is high in carbs.

* 3. Drink green tea - If possible, drink the real stuff. The best type of green tea is the kind you brew at home. However, if you really don’t like it, then try the natural green tea drinks. Androgen production will be limited when you drink green tea. Androgen is a hormone that can cause breakouts.

* Limit your total intake of salt - Iodine is almost always located within salt. This is why table salt is usually called “iodized salt.” For some people with acne, iodine can be a major inflammatory agent.

In addition to watching your diet, you should carefully watch what you put on your face. If you have acne you are probably already more aware than most people of the ingredients in your beauty products. You should only use moisturizers without oil and natural and organic skin care products. Products containing natural ingredients will least likely irritate your skin. Consider switching over to mineral makeup. Many dermatologists today believe that mineral makeup can really reduce breakouts and increase the results of your acne diet.