Like many mere mortals, actress Natalie Portman has struggled with adult acne. Yet, she has found a solution that does not lie in costly skincare potions.

In an interview with The Cut, which prodded the beauty rudiments of Hollywood, the Black Swan star revealed that her skin remarkably improved when she cleared her diet of animal products.

“I’m vegan and I found my skin is much, much better than when I was a vegetarian,” she said. “I cut out dairy and eggs, and I never had a breakout after.”

Although the actress wondered whether acne was an “age thing,” which faded when she turned 30, around the time she became a vegan, experts agree that nutrition choices affect the skin’s health.

A 2009 study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, showed that red meat – much like hormone-laced milk – triggers inflammation in the body, which, in turn, causes the skin to lose collagen and elastin. Another study concluded that animal-protein-rich diet causes breakouts. To reduce acne, it recommended paring down the intake of the amino acid leucine, which is contained in beef, pork and cheese among other foods.

Still, no direct link has been established between veganism and a spotless complexion. Nonetheless,  low-fat, low-oil meals help. So does a healthy skincare routine.

Portman follows a simple regimen, that focuses on organic products. She uses Joelle Ciocco face wash and toner, Biderma makeup remover, Pai moisturizer and eye cream. The actress also shuns heavy makeup whenever possible – on and off the red carpet.

“It’s nice to see what people are like naturally,” she said. “I have done no makeup for professional events, and it’s great.”