Natural Acne Treatment, What is acne? Who gets acne? What causes acne? Acne and diet, Herbs, Topical Treatment
What is acne?
Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder with inflammation of the pilosebaceous glands, the glands responsible for producing oil for the hair. The secretions of the sebaceous glands is called sebum. When the sebum gets blocked in the hair follicle pores, it forms acne. Propionibacterium acnes is a bacteria that grows in the plugged pores and breaks down some of the fats in the sebum, resulting in skin irritation. Reducing sebum production helps in treatment of acne.
Who gets acne?
The percentage of men and women who have acne by age group: 85% by 12-24years, 8% by 25-34 years; and 3% by 35-44 years.
Acne causes? Increased testosterone causes increased sebum production
Toxin accumulation in the body from poor diet such as trans fatty acids
Food sensitivities.
What about diet and other naturopathic treatments?
We need to investigate food allergies and eliminate them.
Decrease or avoid: Alcohol, Dairy, chocolate, Trans-fatty acids, refined foods and foods containing sugar, oil based cosmetics(makeup), kelp, iodized salt, smoking
Birth control pills can aggravate acne, or there can be aggravation when discontinued
Increase fiber consumption by eating high fiber foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables
Increase Hydration…of course
What else?
Detoxification – addressess the cause to eliminate toxins
Nutriceuticals: Vitamin A , Zinc, B6,
Herbs: Berberis aquilifolium,
Topical: tea tree oil, azelaic acid, niacinamide
Consult your naturopath or doctor before using these or any other nutraceuticals.
Dr. Dhillon, ND