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Acne affects both the person’s physical appearance and their emotional well being.

 Acne is a skin condition characterized resulting from inflammation of the skin’s sebaceous glands.  Glands become plugged with sebum; in part from excessive stimulation of the skin by androgens (male hormones). Bacterial infection of the skin also appears to play a role.

 Some of the causes of acne are: 

• inadequate intake of water
• diet high in processed foods
• Poor digestion (often due to lack of hydrochloric acid in the stomach)
• Food allergies
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Lack of exercise
• Stress
• Excessive cosmetic use
• Frequent touching of infected area

 The most effective approach is to treat acne internally and externally through right dietary and lifestyle modifications as well as good habits.

Dietary changes that may be helpful:  

For years, the common belief was diet had absolutely no effect on acne. Turns out, it may have been wrong.  A study completed by the Australia's RMIT University and Royal Melbourne Hospital Department of Dermatology have discovered what is being hailed as a "solid link" between diet and acne development.

Associate Professor Neil Mann, from RMIT University's School of Applied Sciences, led the research team which spent more than two years studying metabolic changes in glucose and insulin levels due to diet and the resulting changes on the skin.  Researchers believe carbohydrates with a high glycemic index, which cause glucose and insulin levels to spike, may influence the development and severity of acne. Conversely, a diet high in protein and carbohydrates with a low glycemic index seemed to improve acne breakouts.

Cut back on processed foods and high glycemic foods and replace them with a healthy diet including lots of fruits and vegetables.  Eating fiber-rich foods like fruit and vegetables, whole grains and cereals help to clean out your digestive tract. Another reason people get acne is because their colons are toxic. Undigested processed food and mucus over the years form toxic material called mucoid plaque.  Bacteria use these pockets of old feces as breeding grounds.

Nutritional supplements that may be helpful:

Zinc is for boosting the immune system and promoting optimum health. Zinc can be found in eggs, seafood, turkey, pork, whole grains, nuts and mushrooms. This trace mineral helps maintain collagen and elastin fibers that give skin its firmness, helping to prevent sagging and wrinkles. It also links together amino acids that are needed for the formation of collagen -- essential in wound healing.

Vitamin C is well known for healing wounds and infections.  Best sources are citrus fruits and juices, slow cantaloupe, strawberries, tomato sweet peppers and green peas.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps maintain the integrity of skin and mucous membrane and function as a barrier to bacteria and viruses. The Vitamin A produced by plants is known as beta-carotene usually found in yellow/orange fruits and vegetable such as carrots, yams, apricots and cantaloupe, as well as green vegetables like parsley, kale and spinach.

 An isolated trial using Pantothenic acid reported good results.

 Vitamin B-complex is needed to break down carbohydrates and fats to release cell energy which contributes to healing acne.  Stress has been known to aggravate existing cases of acne, and Vitamin B-2 is often helpful alleviating stress. Foods with a high concentration of B-2 include whole grains, fish, milk, eggs, meat and leafy green vegetables.

Vitamin B-3 improves circulation, promoting healthy skin. It also reduces the cholesterol level in the blood and helps you metabolize protein, sugar & fat — increasing your energy through proper utilization of food. Vitamin B-3 is found in peanuts, eggs, avocados, liver and lean meats,

Vitamin B6 may alleviate premenstrual flare-ups of acne experienced by some women.  In addition, for teenage acne add Female Comfort (for females) or Sarsaparilla (for males)

Aloe Vera is an excellent natural product that can help you control acne. Its raw juice is good to apply on the skin and have it regularly as part of your diet.

The topical use of Tea Tree Oil is helpful for common acne or Acne treatment gel (topically)

Another option would be a homeopathic medicine for Acne that helps clear and heal skin, dry up pimples and prevents future outbreaks.

Herbs that may be helpful:

Tonic or alterative herbs, such as Burdock, have been used for skin conditions. These herbs are believed to have a cleansing action when taken internally.  Herbal blends such as  BP-X are blood purifiers that helps heal skin infections and irregularities.

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