Comprehensive Steps to Acne Relief
Eventhough it is basically accepted that bad regimen or dietary plan does not bring about acne, not following a good nutrition and an agreeable skin protection system will surely wouldn't support anybody who suffers from skin ailments such as pimples. A complete answer for all acne victims is discussed in this report and mirrors several procedures that have been proven to be effective with patients of various skin conditions.
Holistic Approaches to an Acne Solution
Although it is generally understood that poor hygiene or diet does not cause Acne, not adhering to a healthy diet and/or a healthy skin care routine will certainly not help out anyone suffering from skin disorders such as acne. A holistic solution for all acne sufferers is presented in this article and reflects a lot of methods that have been found to be successful with sufferers of a wide range of skin-related disorders.
- try and keep your stress levels down, and learn how you might control your reaction in situations beyond your control. If you are a naturally stressful person then you may find that a lifestyle change and/or even exercise can really help. Try yoga or Tai-chi as these are both great exercises and also help invigorate the mind.
- ensure you get between 7 and 8 hours sleep each night. This is a period when our body helps clear itself of stress and toxics
- try and adopt an anti-inflammatory diet (see below) drink plenty of still water. The effects of not drinking enough water is just not publicized enough. Try and drink 2.5 litres a day take supplements to control inflammation (see below)
- treat open spots with anti-inflammatory topical creams and lotions
- conventional medicine may be useful in the short term and may help prevent scarring in severe cases
- Natural Acne Treatments Supplements should include vitamins A and D, zinc and Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Vitamins A and D are part of the bodies requirements for stimulating the growth of healthy new cells. Omega-3 is beneficial for many functions in the body but specifically helps balance the inflammatory agent prostaglandin 2. Zinc (specifically zinc picolinate since its well absorbed by the body) has hormone-modulating properties and helps heal new tissue
- Topical skin care cream containing tea tree oil is considered very beneficial since it contains an anti-bacterial agent called terpinen-4-ol. Terpinen-4-ol has been shown to treat moderate acne by reducing the bacteria that cause a blocked pore to become infected. One topical cream - ActiveClear - contains tea tree oil, vitamin A and a herb extract called tribulus which is claimed to help reduce sebum production.
Diet
Try and adopt a low glycemic index (GI) diet. This generally involves consuming oily fish and other protein sources such as chicken, turkey, and soy products if you are vegetarian (or not). Fresh vegetables, especially Advocado, olive oil, fruit, salad, flaxseeds, nuts, and yoghurt. Its important to keep your blood sugar levels stable since this helps prevent inflammatory response. Therefore, eat 3 small meals and 2 small snacks a day, and keep them well-spaced.
Eat foods high in beta carotene, such as carrots, pumpkin, cantaloupe and other yellow-orange fruits and vegetables.
Antioxidants are an anti-inflammatory, so in addition to your antioxident-rich vegetable and fruit diet, you are allowed to eat a little chocolate since this is high in antioxidants (get chocolate containing 85 per cent cocoa solids). Try green tea instead of coffee since this may help reduce inflammation and can also help with blood sugar levels.
Some recent research into the potential affects of diet on acne concluded that western diets and lifestyles predisposed western populations to high insulin levels, which in turn stimulate the so-called free insulin-like growth factor. This latter factor stimulates sebum production in the skin which is known to cause acne in some people. Additional support for this theory is that individuals with high insulin levels also seem to have a greater tendency to develop acne and studies have indicates that women who develop acne in adulthood have higher levels of free insulin-like growth factor in their blood.
This new research suggests that individuals suffering from acne, and who are also overweight and/or suffering from insulin-resistance or diabetes, need to change their diets to counteract the effects of insulin and the free insulin-like growth factor. Basically, these individuals should eat foods that have a low glycaemic index (GI). Stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables, grains and cereals, yoghurt and cheeses, low-fat milk, lean meat, fish and eggs, and poly, or preferably, monounsaturated fats and oils, to make sure you get all the vitamins, minerals and omega fatty acids you need for overall good health and healthy skin. Do regular exercise since this improves the supply of blood and oxygen to your skin.
Alternative Remedies
- Some herbalists recommend echinacea, calendula, tea tree oil, and goldenseal
- Black currant seed oil and/or evening primrose oil have been reported by some alternative therapists as an effective herbal remedy for acne
- Chromium supplements - Chromium helps boosts the body's ability to break down glucose
- If you have a stressful lifestyle then try relaxing with a cup of tea made from lavender or chamomile
- Drinking tea made with nettles and cleavers tincture is also recommended by some therapists as an effective acne skin care remedy
Read more information aimed at how to get rid of acne at the Skin Care Products Guide