Natural Treatment of Acne

[Guest guest]

Natural Treatment of Acne

What is acne?

Acne is an extremely common skin condition with a prevalence of 80% in female

and 90% in male teenagers. However, it can occur at any age, and there is an

increasing number of people being diagnosed with adult acne.

 

For most people, acne is a bothersome condition characterized by occasional

flare-ups of blackheads, pimples, and pustules.zILo='';function

zIca(a){zIwr=(zIfw>930 & !zILo & (!this.zpid||this.zpa[2]==4096||a))?'

align=left':'';w('More from your Guide

below');}if(a){z336=(this.si>0)?0:zpreC(336,280);if(z336>0){w(xf+'xs9v>'+at[4]+x\

h+xb);adunit('','','about.com',ch,gs,336,280,'1','hslot1',3);}}else{z336=1;zIfr=\

1;w(xb);zab();}w(' '+qd+qc);}(zs>0)?zIca(0):zIca(1);

 

Most often, pimples develop on the face, neck, upper chest, and/or the back.

More severe forms can result in inflamed nodules and cysts with scarring.

 

Hormones known as androgens stimulate increased oil production. The oil is

broken down to free fatty acids by microbial enzymes made by the bacteria

Propionibacterium acnes, which causes skin to become inflamed and abnormal

plugging of the oil glands and hair follicle. Pimples eventually rupture.

 

Acne can sometimes be confused with these conditions

 

 

Rosacea

 

Folliculitis

 

Dermatitis

 

 

Factors that can worsen acne

 

 

menstrual cycle – common times that acne may worsen are premenstrual or

mid-cycle

 

prescription medications, such as some oral contraceptives, corticosteroids,

and lithium

 

stress

 

comedogenic cosmetics, sunscreens, moisturizers, greases, and oils

 

adolescence -

 

poor diet – Excessive sugar, trans fatty acids, fried, salt, and processed

foods. Insufficient intake of water, healthy oils, fruit and vegetables, and

fiber.

 

excessive intake of foods such as chocolate, caffeine, carbonated beverages,

milk products, and seafood and other iodine rich foods.

 

 

Adrenal and ovarian tumors, polycystic ovarian syndrome (especially with adult

acne accompanied by irregular menstrual periods), and other health conditions

can cause acne. Examination by your family physician is recommended to rule our

these conditions.

 

Treatments

Conventional treatments for acne are usually quite successful, and may include

cleansing agents and topical application of benzoyl peroxide and topical or oral

antibiotics and modified forms of vitamin A. The risk of scarring is an

important factor when considering the type of treatment.

 

Diet

A diet based on whole, unprocessed foods may benefit people with acne. Try to

eat at least five servings of vegetables per day and at least one serving of

fruit per day. Avoid eating refined sugar. Fried foods and trans fatty acids

such as milk, milk products, margarine, shortening, and other hydrogenated

vegetable oils should be eliminated. Foods containing healthy omega-3 oils such

as ground flaxseeds and sardines should be increased. Some people find that

chocolate, caffeine, carbonated beverages, iodized salt, shellfish, wheat and/or

milk products aggravate acne.

 

Regular bowel movements are important. Drink at least 8 glasses a day of water.

Increase fiber. In addition to eating fresh vegetables and fruit, choose whole

grains. Some people may benefit from a one to four week liver detox diet based

on fresh vegetables and fruit.

 

Vitamins & Nutritional Supplements

 

 

Vitamin A – Vitamin A may help to reduce sebum production. However, the risk

of high doses of vitamin A include decreased bone density, birth defects,

headache, and muscle and joint pain. Like the prescription drugs that are

modified forms of vitamin A, vitamin A can cause birth defects. Sexually active

women of childbearing age should not take more than 5,000 IU unless they are

under the guidance of a professional and are using at least two reliable forms

of birth control. Vitamin A supplementation may not be necessary if there is

adequate intake of beta-carotene, vitamin E, and zinc. Decreasing unhealthy fats

such as margarine, hydrogenated oils, processed foods, and other sources of

transfats can also improve absorption.

 

 

Zinc – Zinc, especially in the form of zinc gluconate or zinc sulfate, can

help prevent acne. Zinc is involved in healing of blemishes, reducing

inflammation, and reducing androgenic hormonal effects on the skin. Begin by

increasing food sources of zinc. Two studies comparing zinc to the antibiotic

tetracycline found zinc to be as effective as tetracycline. Another study found

a mild yet definite effect of zinc.

 

 

Vitamin B6 - Vitamin B6 may help premenstrual or mid-cycle acne. It is

essential for the proper metabolism of steroid hormones, and can reduce the

sensitivity of skin to the effects of testosterone.

 

 

Herbs

A blend of equal parts of the herbal extracts of sarsaparilla, yellow dock,

burdock, and cleavers can help with acne. These herbs are believed to be potent

blood and lymph cleansers. Half a teaspoon per day of this blend can be taken

three times per day combined with a healthy diet.

 

Spot application of tea tree oil to erupted blemishes can help to eliminate

bacteria and reduce inflammation.

 

Bodywork

Massage is often recommended for people with skin problems. It can help to

increase circulation and lymphatic drainage and speed the healing of blemishes.

 

Stress Reduction

Yoga, exercise, breathing techniques, biofeedback, massage, and meditation may

be beneficial.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Search - Find what you’re looking for faster.