Sweet Holiday Treats for Acne-Prone Skin

With all the sweet foods at our fingertips during the holiday season, temptation is around almost every corner. While everyone should allow themselves to indulge from time to time, those with acne-prone complexions might find themselves paying for it on the surface of their skin for days.

Many people blame their acne on sugar and although no single food is the cause of the condition, certain things we eat, including sugar, can affect the way our bodies react. The condition of acne is due in part to a hormonal imbalance that takes place within the body. Certain hormones can affect the amount of sebum, an oily substance, produced by the sebaceous glands. When too much sebum is produced, it can clog pores. These clogged pores combine with dead skin cells and debris from the skin’s surface and bacteria is formed within the pore, leading to inflammation or breakouts on the surface of the skin.

When we eat too many sugary foods, our insulin hormones kick into high gear, which many believe to be directly related to the condition of acne. That is not to say, however, that we cannot have our sweet needs met. The trick is to find alternatives to sugar as a way to sweeten your treats, which can usually be solved by a quick trip to any health food or speciality store. Often overlooked ingredients such as organic honey, stevia, and coconut nectar taste great and won’t wreak havoc on your complexion.

The syrupy sweetness of honey provides great flavor to baked desserts and is also full of anti-bacterial properties, which can be a real treat for someone with acne-prone skin. This easy recipe can be whipped up in a matter of minutes, and won’t linger on your skin for days.

Crispy Honey Bananas

• 1 tsp coconut oil
• 1 banana, sliced
• 1 tsp organic honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• a splash of water
• a dash of cinnamon

Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium-high heat, adding sliced bananas once warm. While cooking, mix honey, vanilla, water and cinnamon in a bowl. Flip bananas after 1-2 minutes, and drizzle with mixture. Serve warm.

The healing power of coconut has long been celebrated by many cultures, from hydrating coconut water to skin-healing coconut oil. Using the naturally sweet flavor of this healthy nut can easily enhance the taste of baked goods, or in the case of the recipe below, “no-baked” goods. Using the nutrient-rich coconut nectar, the sap that forms in the stems of coconut blossoms, this low-glycemic treat is great for anyone with acne-prone skin, and a sweet tooth.

Chilled Coconut Macaroons

• 2 cups shredded coconut, unsweetened
• ½ cup raw cocoa powder
• ½ cup raw coconut nectar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of salt

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Form teaspoon-size portions into balls with clean hands and place atleast 1 inch apart on a small baking sheet or plate. Freeze 3-4 hours before serving.

Many people don’t think of vegetables when they hear dessert, but the creative combo of sweet spices can turn a simple sweet potato into a creamy treat to indulge your tastebuds. Vitamin A-rich foods, such as sweet potatoes, are a pantry staple for the complexion-conscious cook. Also high in antioxidants and vitamin C, sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index, which means they don't have a drastic impact on your blood sugar levels and inflammation. A pinch of stevia in place of sugar can sweeten foods without affecting insulin levels.

Sweet Potato Custard Cups

• 2 sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
• ½ cup almond milk
• dash of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove
• stevia to taste

Mix all ingredients in a food processor, adding a small bit of stevia at a time, to taste. Pour into cups and chill in the fridge before serving.

Making healthy eating choices to benefit your skin can be easy with a little insight and time for planning. We all deserve to have our “cheat days” every now and then, which is why it is so important to have a plan that is always working from within, regardless of what you have on your plate. AcnEase^® works from within the body to help prevent the sebaceous glands from overproducing sebum, an oily substance that can clog pores. Using all-natural, herbal ingredients, AcnEase^® is gentle on the skin and body, and is safe for use among people of all ages, with no side effects! Treat yourself and your skin to a healthy dose of healing from within with AcnEase^® this holiday season!

We want to hear from you! What are some of your favorite sugar alternatives? Have any yummy recipes to share? Tell us in the comments below!