Acne

Acne is one of the most common of all skin problems.  It most frequently occurs on the face, but also on the back, chest and shoulders.  Acne has many causes and therefore requires an integrated therapeutic approach to achieve the desired results.  Identifying the cause is essential, so consulting a natural health care provider is recommended.

Acne is usually limited to the adolescent years when the oil glands of the skin go through an extended period of active development like the rest of the glands of the body.  But problems can extend into adulthood, particularly if food sensitivities are the primary cause.

Here are some suggestions that may be helpful:

• Though many a dermatologist may cast doubt on the connection between diet and acne, our experience suggests a strong connection.  We recommend those who are prone to acne consider implementing the following dietary practices:
  1. Eliminate animal products from the diet (meat, milk, cheese, eggs) at least until the condition is under control.  Elimination of milk is particularly important. 
     
  2. Eat liberally of fruits and vegetables, moderately of grains, and sparingly of nuts. (Yes. You may have a few unsalted nuts, but never between meals.)
  3. Get plenty of vitamin A from the daily use of an abundance of richly coloured green and yellow foods.
  4. Avoid sugar and honey.  A diet high in both sugar and fats promotes acne.
     
  5. Restrict salt to 1/2 teaspoon daily (as iodine triggers acne, consider using non-iodized salt).
     
  6. Avoid, entirely, all chemicals that end in "ine," such as nicotine, caffeine (coffee, tea, and colas — and all other soft drinks), theobromine (chocolate), and all medicines that might contain them.

• A well functioning digestive tract is important in preventing or alieviating acne symptoms.  Intestinal toxaemia is thought to be a major factor in 50% of cases.  To promote optimum health of the digestive tract, we recommend that you:
  1. Not mix too many foods in one meal.  Keep dishes and menus more simple.
  2. Use gas-forming foods in small quantities and chew well, taking small bites.  Gas-forming foods include: beans, corn, apples, raisins, bananas, prune juice, and apple juice.
  3. Spend 30-45 minutes on a meal, chewing food to a smooth, creamy consistency before swallowing.  Never overeat.
  4. Be regular with mealtimes, bedtime, arising time, planned water-drinking time, personal hygiene (including a bowel movement after each meal, even if a cold water, single ear-syring enema must be taken to obtain it), etc.  Regularity in all things is essential.
  5. Identify any food sensitivities as sensitivity to certain foods can often be the cause of acne problems.  An elimination and challenge diet can be helpful in identifying the offending item(s) in the diet.  A natural health professional should be able to assist in conducting an elimination and challenge diet.
     

• Drink enough water to keep the urine almost colorless, as good hydration keeps the secretions of the body more fluid.
  
• Keep skin and hair clean.  Most people with acne have an unconscious habit of frequently touching the face, the eyes, or the lips.  Keep hands clean, nails short, and train yourself to avoid touching the face except with a clean tissue.  Keep hair clean by frequent shampooing.  Have a daily shower.
• The use of drugs containing hormones and the antibiotics usually used in acne medications should be avoided, as several of them have been described as having severe long-term effects.  Also avoid foods high in hormones—all animal products, wheat germ oil, peanut and corn oil, and vitamin E oil.
• Practice good posture, deep breathing, and daily exercise out-of-doors for up to one hour or more. Good circulation to the face and skin is important.  Sweating treatments such as steam baths (or infra-red) followed by a cool contrast shower or plunge pool help promote health and circulation of the skin.
  
• Get some sun on the face and/or affected areas of skin each day the sun shines.
• Hot applications of golden seal tea on the most severely inflamed lesions may be helpful.