My Conclusions on Acne
Good Morning All. I hope everyone is doing great and still hanging in
there. I was doing some research and came up with some helpful info.
Now I know genetics plays a part in this however it is as far as when
it comes to our skin type (Normal, Oily, Combo skin). However, I
don’t think that just because we inherited oily skin from our family,
we will necessarily get acne. It just so happens that because we
inherited oily skin, we’re more PRONE to getting acne. But that’s
just ONE of the 3 compontents that make up the reason we can
breakouts. It’s not JUST the oily skin, b/c there are people with
oily skin, but don’t break out. Just check out the research I’ve done.
OILY SKIN
Oily skin in a result of:
· Genetics
· Hormones (androgens)
· Diet (fatty foods, sugar, grease, oil, etc)
* All these combined lead to acne. To solve the problem of acne, we
must solve the problems of the three components(over active sebum
production, unbalanced hormones, unhealthy diet)
Control Oily Skin by:
· Controlling oil produced
· Balancing hormones
· Eating a healthy diet
Control Oil by:
Vitamin A/Beta Carotene: Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin, is
involved in the formation and maintenance of healthy skin, hair, and
mucous membranes. Vitamin A helps us to see in dim light and is
necessary for proper bone growth, tooth development, and
reproduction. Foods that have vitamin A are: Oatmeal, Mango,
Nectarine, Plums, Watermelon, Broccoli, Carrots, Collard greens,
Mustard greens, red peppers, Plantain, Spinach, Sweet potatoes,
Tomatoes, Turnip greens, Chicken, turkey, eggs, etc.
*Too much Vitamin A can be toxic. So don’t over do it!
Vitamin B Complex: Vitamin B is water-soluble. Brown rice and whole
grains are rich in vitamin b.
Consists of:
· thiamine, vitamin b1
· riboflavin, vitamin b2
· nicotinic acid, vitamin b3
· Panthothenic acid, vitamin b5 (Is known to calm over active
sebaceous glands to produce large amounts of oil. It’s found in
things such as red meat, broccoli, soybeans, fish, whole-wheat bread,
eggs, mushrooms, peanuts, liver, yeast, mushrooms, and cashews.)
· Pyridoxine, vitamin b6 (Vitamin B6 maintains balance of
female hormones. Vitamin B6 prevents skin diseases like acne,
seborrheic dermatitis and malignant melanoma. Foods that contain B6
are green vegetables, fish, milk, meat, liver, cereals, raisins and
prunes.)
· biotin
· folic acid
· vitamin b12
Vitamin C with bioflavonoid: Water-soluble. promotes healthy teeth
and gums, helps in the absorption of irons, aids in the maintenance
of normal connective tissue, and promotes wound healing. It also
helps the body’s immune system. Vita C is found in green peppers,
citrus fruits and juices, strawberries, tomatoes, tuna, broccoli,
turnip greens, other greens, sweet and white potatoes, and
cantaloupe. Most other fruits and veggies, and fish and milk contain
small amounts of vita C.
Vitamin D: Fat-soluble. Promotes the body’s absorption of calcium,
which is good for healthy teeth and bones. Also helps maintain
adequate blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Foods that contain
Vita D are cheese, butter, cream, milk, fish, and cereals. Also from
exposure to the sun, the body naturally makes vita D.
Vitamin E: Is fat-soluble. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects
body tissue from damage caused by unstable substances called free
radicals. Free radicals can harm cells, tissues, and organs, which
can lead to aging. Foods that contain vita E are: Corn, nuts, olives,
spinach, asparagus, soybean, peanuts, etcs.
* Don’t consume too much of vita E, because it cause health symptoms.
Vitamin K: Is fat-soluble. Promotes blood clotting, and aids in the
healing of the skin. Foods with vita K are cabbage, cauliflower,
broccoli, meat, potatoes, spinach and other green leafy veggies,
cereals, soybeans. Also made by the body in the gastrointestinal
tract.
Zinc: Plays an important role in the proper functioning of the immune
system. It also promotes cell division, growth, and wound healing. It
also is involved with metabolism of carbohydrates. Foods with zinc
are: Fish, and dark chicken, beef, lamb, peanut butter, legumes, etc.
CHROMIUM Helps to reduce skin inflammation and improve glucose
tolerance. Some studies indicate that glucose tolerance can be
impaired in some people suffering from acne. Suggested Dosage: 400
mcg daily of the GTF or picolinate type. Brewer’s yeast is a good
source of chromium, although it should not be used with anyone who
has a yeast sensitivity or is prone to yeast infections.
SELENIUM A powerful antioxidant which helps to scavenge from free
radicals created during periods of inflammation and infection.
Suggested Dosage: Take as directed with a vitamin E supplement.
GARLIC Considered a natural antibiotic that fights bacterial
infection and stimulate the immune system. Suggested Dosage: One
capsule with each meal. Deodorized varieties are available.
HERBAL COMBINATION This combination should contain gotu kola, yellow
dock, dandelion root, bilberry, red clover, blossoms, kelp, and
sarsaparilla.
BURDOCK Works to detoxify the blood which helps to clear the skin.
Burdock root’s cleaning power is multifaceted. It has a diaphoretic
action (promotes perspiration) which expels toxins from the skin and
blood. It promotes liver function and increases bile flow, which in
turn gastrointestinal tract. In addition, burdock root is a mild
laxative and diuretic which action further cleanses toxins form the
body and improves general health. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed.
Can interfere with iron absorption.
ECHINACEA As an herb with antibiotic properties which also stimulates
the immune system, Echinacea helps to fight infection. Suggested
Dosage: Take as directed, but do not take for more than weeks a time.
MILK THISTLE (SILYMARIN) Boots liver function helping to efficiently
detoxify waste from the blood stream. All of us can benefit from the
therapeutic properties of milk thistle. This wonderful herb cleanse,
strengthens, and protects the liver and its functions. Used
extensively throughout Europe, milk thistle is one of the only herbs
known to treat some forms of psoriasis. Suggested Dosage: 50 mg three
times per day.
Calcium/Magnesium: Helps to promote tissue healing. Suggested Dosage:
1,000 mg calcium and 400 mg of magnesium per day.
Chlorella: An excellent blood builder and purifier, which contributes
to clearing the skin. Its astringent properties make it an excellent
healing agent. Chlorella also decreases the chance of bacterial
growth. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed in liquid form.
Fiber Supplement: Keeps the bowels working efficiently to remove
waste products and prevent the re-absorption of toxins into the
blood. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed with plenty of water.
Control Hormones by:
Vitamin B6 maintains balance of female hormones. Vitamin B6 helps to
stabilize blood sugar by reducing glycosylated hemoglobin.
Evening Primrose Oil
Chaste berry
Sassafras: May help to adjust hormone levels, which are involved in
the development of acne. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed. Do not
use if pregnant or nursing or give to children.
Control Diet by:
· Balance the food you eat with physical activity–maintain or
improve your weight
· Choose a diet with plenty of grain products, vegetables, and
fruits
· Choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol
· Eat a variety of foods
· Choose a diet moderate in salt and sodium
· Choose a diet moderate in sugars
· If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation
· Serve fruits and vegetables raw whenever possible.
· Keep vegetables (except sweet potatoes and winter squash) and
fruits covered and refrigerated during storage.
· Steam vegetables and braise, bake, or broil meats instead of
frying. Some vitamin A is lost in the fat during frying.
· Good intestinal function and diet is often overlooked as a
contributing factor to acne. Eat a high-fiber diet.
· Increase your consumption of raw fruits and vegetables.
· Eat whole grain, complex carbohydrates.
·Avoid sugary, fatty foods.
· Cut down on dairy products (milk can contain hormones).
· Use olive oil and cut down on saturated and polyunsaturated
fats. Food containing trans-fatty acids such as dairy products,
margarine, shortening, fried oils or other vegetable oils should also
be avoided.
· Drink plenty of water. Keep a pitcher in the fridge and drink
throughout the day.
· Fresh cherries or cherry juice helps to clear the blood of
toxins.
· Foods high in iodine such as fish(I’m not sure about this b/c
I heard fish is good for you and loaded with Omega 3,6,9’s) and
iodized salt should be eliminated.
In the end it IS our diet, b/c what we eat, is what makes our
hormones go crazy, which in turn makes our skin produce HELLA oil,
and in turns which makes us more prone to get acne!! It’s like a
chain reaction. We put that slice of greasy pizza in our mouth and it
goes down to our stomach, and WHAM! An alarm goes off in our body and
our hormones start acting BUCK WILD! And they tell the oil glands to
keep producing oil, and our skin can’t handle it so it breaks out.
This is the conclusion I came up with. If we control our hormones(by
taking herbs/vitamins that balances them like B6 ‘for ladies’, Chaste
berry, Sassafras, Evening Primrose Oil, and watching our diet), and
also control the amount of oil we produce(by talking certain vitamins
and supplements like Vita A ‘BE VERY CAREFUL WITH VITA A’, and B5)
and also with our diet, then maybe we can control acne. I think the
key is controlling the oil on our face, because when we get rid of
the oily skin, we get rid of the acne. Acne NEEDS a lot of oil to
thrive on to flare-up. However we must remember that this is a chain
reaction, so we have to attack ALL 3 compotents(Oily Skin, Hormones,
and Diet), in order for it to work. I hope this helps, I’m trying it
out. Right now I’m REALLY watching my diet, and I’m taking B6(4
hormones), Chaste Berry(4 Hormones), B5(4 Oil control), and CHROMIUM
(for gluclose control and Immunie System). I also taking Herbs that
cleanse my blood and system out(Ultimate Cleanse, burock, milk
thistle, dandellion, etc). I’m not really taking a Multi-Vitamin, b/c
I believe that if I eat the foods that contain the vitamins(salads,
fish, fruits, etc) then I will get all the vitamins I need. I just
needed help with my hormones and oil production which is the reason
I’m using the vitamins/herbs for. I am TOTALLY steering away from
DAIRY. I KNOW I’m lactose intolerant, and I KNOW it’s no good for me
even though I LOVE cheese! LOL I’m also exercising more and watching
how many times I wash my face(I’m using mineral water and rosewater
to clean my face with now) Hey it’s for the best. Do the research
yourself and try it out, we don’t have to live a grass-eating life,
we just eat a HEALTHY diet. I’ll let you know in a couple of weeks.
God Bless.