Several consultations in dermatology concern this skin problem. Far from being only a cosmetic issue, acne can cause emotional distress and reduce self-esteem.
Why does acne begin during puberty?
Acne begins during puberty as the body dramatically increases its production of androgens. These hormones stimulate the production of keratin (a protein) and sebum (a lubricating oil of the skin). If sebum is secreted faster than it can be eliminated through the pores, a pimple appears. Therefore, acne is the result of an inflammation of the sebaceous glands that cause pimples. Clean skin is important but acne is not caused by a lack of cleanliness, but rather by a significant production of the sebaceous glands.
Although acne affects many teenagers, it can also occur in adulthood. Not to mention all women who have this problem before their menstrual period. Hormonal acne is often related to an ovary that does not completely releases an egg and induces excess androgens production. Acne will appear around the hairline, chin, chest and back. Unfortunately, the pill is often prescribed to help this problem by stopping ovulation. A change in lifestyle and natural supplements can be used to normalize ovulation and treat the cause of the problem.
Tackling the causes!
Many factors are to blame for acne. Heredity, oily skin, hormonal imbalance, candida, allergies, stress, the pill, nutritional deficiency, a diet rich in bad fats, some environmental pollutants, etc.
As the causes of acne are multiple, it is not simple to give you specific advice. In naturopathy, to solve a definite problem, we attack the causes by correcting imbalances. However, a good way to tackle the problem of acne is to help the body eliminate wastes naturally.
Our skin is the biggest elimination organ of our body. One of its primary functions is to eliminate the waste and toxins through sweat. If the kidneys and liver cannot adequately eliminate toxins, it is the skin that will suffer. Some doctors call the skin the 3rd kidney. When toxins are eliminated through the skin, it can unbalance its integrity. Therefore a good skin cleansing is important.
There are several ways to clean it up. First, improving your diet is essential. Reduce the sources of waste such as bad fats, sugar, alcohol, coffee, chocolate and so forth. See diet corrections below.
Also, adding cleansing plants to your diet will help the body eliminate waste. Burdock, dandelion, thistle-husband and red clovers should be used to treat acne. Burdock and red clover are a powerful blood depurative that helps to remove the toxins from the intracellular and interstitial fluids, neutralize toxic elements and transport them outside of the body. Burdock and dandelion also help the liver to cleanse itself. These plants contain insulin, which can improve the quality of the skin by its antibacterial action. Burdock also seems to regulate sebum production.
Make a decoction of burdock root and dandelion. 1 tsp. dried roots of each plant per cup, let simmer for 20 minutes, reduce by half. You can mix the burdock and dandelion mixture with an infusion of red clover. Drink this mixture twice to four times a day.
Tip: the best way to take thistle-husband for cheap is to grind thistle-husband seeds and add 1 to 2 tsp. to your food every day.
Diet corrections
Several studies have shown that a diet rich in refined carbohydrates can permanently increase the production of insulin, which increases the level of hormones, stimulating the production of the oil that obstructs the pores and contributes to acne. Therefore, reduce your carbohydrate intake.
- Stop eating refined foods, white bread, cakes, sugar, soft drink.
- Globally decrease your carbohydrates intake. By carbohydrates, we mean desserts and refined foods but also your consumption of fruits and cereals. Quick tip: eat up to 2-3 fruits and 1-3 portions of cereals a day. Go for vegetables as a source of carbohydrates.
- Eat vegetables. At least 4-5 portions every day. The more you eat vegetables, the healthier you will be. So don’t refrain yourself. Raw, steamed, sautéed, in soups, in fresh juices or in salads. Vegetables are a good source of antioxidants. It is known that oxidation plays an initiating factor in the development of acne.
- Choose fruits such as grapes, strawberries and pineapples that naturally contain Alpha hydroxyl-acids (AHA). This acid exfoliates the skin by eliminating dead skin and stimulating cell regeneration.
- Make sure to have concentrated proteins in each meal: meat, poultry, fish, sardines, eggs, dairy products, legumes, tofu or temph.
- Avoid alcohol, butter, caffeine and chocolate that overload the liver
- Stay away from bad fats. Fried foods, chips, margarine, delicatessen, potted meat and sausages, trans fats found in some cookies and prepared foods. Discover coconut oil, a fatty with many benefits to use for both cooking and as a spread on organic whole grain bread.
- Eat foods rich in zinc like oysters, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. Hint: a healthy cracker with an oyster is a very good appetizer but children prefer cooked versions (buy a box of smoked oysters). Zinc is antibacterial and is essential for the glands to produce. It is an ally for any skin problem.
- Try to reduce or even eliminate dairy products for two weeks and see if your acne is caused by your consumption of cheese, milk or yogurt.
- Drink good water in good quantity. To find out how much your body requires, divide your weight (in pounds) by 2. It will give you the number of ounces that you need every day. A normal glass contains about 8 ounces (1 cup). Tip: add the juice of half a lemon in your water at room temperature (the body likes temperate water), lemon helps digestion and the proper functioning of the liver.
Tips and tricks
- Stress: keep away from it. Stress unbalances your hormones and increases your chances to have acne. Learn to manage it: breathe, sunbathe, get enough sleep, exercise, go get a massage….
- Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Add one drop of tea tree essential oil to ¼ warm water and apply on the affected area with cotton wool.
- Choose a good multivitamin rich in antioxidants that will help your body fight acne. (Vitamin A, C, E, vitamin B, magnesium, zinc.)
Possible solutions
If you have gas and bloating, or if you suffer from indigestion or constipation, it may be because you have a low level of hydrochloric acid. Hypochlorhydria or low stomach acid can lead to incomplete digestion and an imbalance in the digestive system causing more waste in the body. Acne is linked to this problem. If you tend to have hard stools or to have a day without bowel movement, solve the problem as soon as possible. Good bowel function and good digestion are essential for beautiful skin. Feel free to ask your licensed naturopath for advice.
Acne is a message that something is wrong in your body: an imbalanced diet, inadequate physical care or a need for extra nutrients. Trying to find balance is not always an easy task but once equilibrium is reached, you will be comfortable in your skin!
