What is Acne?
Acne is very common disorder that most young people get in early pubescence. It is caused by inflammation of the small oil glands that surround the fine hairs on the face and chest. The severity of acne increases and, typically, reaches its peak around the ages of 17 to 19. For most people, acne tends to go away by the time they reach their mid-20s; however, very sensitive people may continue to have the disorder until they reach their 43s. Acne is an extremely common skin condition with a prevalence of 80% in female and 90% in male teenagers. But it can occur at any age
Hormonal changes related to pregnancy or menstrual periods can also cause or contribute to acne. This is also the case with environmental irritants such as pollution, intense heat, humidity or cold. Acne can sometimes be confused with these conditions:
- Rosacea
- Folliculitis
- Dermatitis
What can worsen acne?
- Adolescence
- Being overweight--increased insulin production can signal the body to release
- Excessive intake of foods such as chocolate, caffeine, carbonated beverages, milk products, and seafood and other iodine-rich foods.
- Menstrual cycle--acne often worsens premenstrually or mid-cycle
- Prescription medications, such as certain birth control pills, steroids, and lithium.
- Extra male hormones, called androgens, which are involved in pimple formation.
- Stress
- Pore-clogging (comedogenic) cosmetics, sunscreens, moisturizers, greases, and oils
- Poor diet--Excessive sugar, trans fats, fried, salt, and processed foods. Insufficient intake of water, healthy oils, fruit and vegetables, and fiber.
Natural Treatments for Acne
Conventional treatments for acne include cleansing agents and lotions made with benzoyl peroxide, gels or creams made modified forms of vitamin A, and antibiotics applied to the skin or taken orally are usually quite successful. 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.
- Add vegetables and fruit In your Diet.
- Avoid eating refined sugar.
- Avoid Fried foods and trans fats such as milk, milk products, and hydrogenated vegetable
- Foods containing healthy omega-3 oils such as ground flaxseeds and sardines should be increased.
- Avoid Excess use of chocolate, caffeine, carbonated beverages, iodized salt, shellfish, wheat.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of day of water.
Vitamins & Nutritional Supplements
- Vitamin A--Vitamin A may help to reduce sebum production. However, high doses of vitamin A can carry a risk of decreased bone density, birth defects, headache, and muscle and joint pain. Like the modified vitamin A prescription drugs, vitamin A can cause birth defects. Sexually active women of childbearing.
- Zinc--Zinc, especially in the form of zinc gluconate or zinc sulfate, can help prevent acne. Zinc helps heal blemishes, reduces inflammation, and reduces androgenic hormonal effects on the skin.
- Vitamin B6--Vitamin B6 may help premenstrual or mid-cycle acne. This vitamin is essential for the proper metabolism of steroid hormones and can reduce the sensitivity of skin to the effects of testosterone.
Herbs
A herbal blend that can help with acne consists of equal parts of the herbal extracts of sarsaparilla, yellow dock, burdock, and cleavers. 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.
- Neem
- Basil (Tulsi)
- Turmeric (Haldi)
- Sandalwood
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.
