Keeping your skin looking good will require the right effort on your part. There are many things you should do to help make this possible. You’ll want to clean your face routinely, use the best skin care products, and consult with a dermatologist for your options.

In addition, eating a proper diet is one of the best ways to enjoy healthier looking skin. If you do suffer from chronic or occasional acne, you’ll want to be more mindful of what you eat. There are certain foods bad for acne that you should be avoiding in your diet.

If you want better looking skin, here are seven guilty pleasure foods bad for acne:

1. Fried chicken

If you love eating fried chicken, you may be in the majority. However, it’s never a good idea to eat too many fried foods if you suffer from acne. Fried foods and especially fried chicken are among the list of foods bad for acne.

This list includes chicken, French fries or many others that are full of grease. It’s a much better option to look for cooked foods that will allow your body to get the nutrients necessary without the fat.

2. Cakes and cookies

Having an occasional sweet treat can make any day a better one. You may want to actively think about ways to get more out of the day. However, if you have acne, you’ll want to limit the sweet treats you eat. Having too much-refined sugar can lead to flareups you’d much rather avoid.

Cakes and cookies are foods bad for acne. Instead, you should substitute your sweet tooth with more fruits instead. With an apple a day, you’re sure to feel better with younger looking skin. As a bonus, you also get to enjoy the many health benefits from these nutritious fruits.

3. Fast food

Getting an occasional meal out at a fast food joint may be something you enjoy. Of course, doing this now and then should be fine but you don’t want to overdo it.

Save fast food for treats that give you something to look forward to after your hard work. This may be an inexpensive food to eat, but it’s not good for your body or your acne.

4. Dairy products

Do you love ice cream, yogurt, cheese and other dairy products? If so, you may want to eat these sparingly if you suffer from bouts of acne. Studies continue to show that you could have more breakouts by adding many of these options to your day. Be mindful of what you eat and work to severely limit the number of dairy products you add to your plate.

Your skin is sure to thank you for it, and there be fewer blemishes in your near future when you do this one thing. Have several dairy-free days throughout the entirety of your week.

5. Chocolate

There aren’t many people that don’t love chocolate. This is one of the best sweet foods that millions of people like to eat. If you want to enjoy the day or just look forward to tomorrow, you may want to have a serving of this tasty food. However, dealing with acne should encourage you to leave this treat for special times.

If you’re celebrating a victory, such as getting a promotion of having a good grade, you could add this treat to your life. You certainly don’t want to consume chocolate regularly if you wish to have healthier skin. Unfortunately, chocolate is one of the foods bad for acne and should be avoided most of the time.

6. Protein powder

There are many advantages for consuming protein. This is the key to helping your body recover and moving on with your day. However, it’s much better to get the main bulk of your protein from the foods you eat. Adding a serving of whey protein powder may not be the ideal way to make this happen.

You’ll want to avoid having whey protein daily if you’re trying to keep acne at bay or even far away from your face. Just add chicken, tuna or other foods high in protein to your plate, and you’ll be glad you did.

7. Omega-6 foods

While you may have long heard of the advantages of eating foods rich in Omega 6, you don’t want to overdo it on these. Getting too much oil in your diet can lead to excessive amounts of acne, and this is something you’ll want to avoid. Eating foods that have too much oil can contribute to breakouts and is sure to be something you’ll want to stop doing. For instance, it’s ideal not to overeat salmon, tuna or fishy foods routinely.

Taking care of your health and your skin should be foremost on your list. Looking your best is entirely possible when you eat the right things and avoid the foods bad for acne. You’ll be glad you did when you have skin that continues to look better day-after-day!