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Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that afflicts the young and the old. It usually affects mostly the face, and to a lesser amount on the upper chest, shoulders and back. Acne rosacea occurs in people in middle to older age, often a chronic skin condition. It appears as redness of the skin with pimple-like breakouts and scaly, flaky dry patches. The increase in oil gland activity in the nose pores when uncared for, especially in men, may cause a growth spurt of the tissues on the nose, making it bulbous and lumpy. Acne vulgaris more often afflicts the teenagers and the youth. It often starts around puberty when the surging of reproductive hormones stimulate the activity in the oil-producing (sebaceous) glands of the skin. Acne results when a collection of dried sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria clog the hair follicles, blocking the sebum from being eliminated through the pores. The blocked sebum-filled hair follicle gets infected by bacteria, resulting in inflammation and infection. When this happens, it produces skin eruptions that is known as acne. Some unfortunate people have a tendency for severe acne that forms large abscess which may rupture into the skin, creating more inflammation. This is called cystic acne.
Symptoms of Acne Acne ranges from mild to very severe. Mild acne are usually just a few (sometimes even unnoticeable) blackheads or a few pimples here and there. They normally don't leave scars. Though mild, it can get rather perplexing when it happens to a young teenager. Some people experience severe acne that may cover the entire face. These cystic acne are large, red, painful and pus-filled, some oozing with abscesses. After healing, severe acne usually leaves scars that are lasting. Severe acne can be rather damaging to the self-esteem of sufferers. It seems unfair, but there are also elderly people who have to contend with both wrinkles AND acne (rosacea).
Causes of Acne Acne (vulgaris) is very common at puberty due to the increased levels of reproductive hormones. The hormones cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum. On top of that the skin pore cells also produce keratin, a kind of protein. The combination of both the secretion of sebum and keratin leads to pores blockage or formation of blackheads or whiteheads. Food allergies, toxin overload and stress can also cause acne. The ladies might also encounter the occasional acne during the time of the month when they menstruate due to hormone imbalance. External toxins or bacteria, such as dirt and environmental pollution may also clog pores and cause acne.
Diet/Lifestyle Suggestions While internal causes of acne are beyond your control, you can take steps by avoiding acne-causing food. Stay away from fried stuff, trans-fatty acids, refined carbohydrates and processed foods. Wheat, chocolate, sugar and alcohol also cause allergic skin reactions. Avoid excessive iodine as it can irritate pores and further cause inflammation to the acne. Iodine are high in iodized (table) salt, in fried foods, sea weed (keep away from that sushi), shellfish and dairy products (except yogurt). Maintain a general care of your acne by washing the affected areas with a mild soap. Use only water-based cosmetic (if you must use cosmetic), otherwise avoid cosmetic to prevent further clogging of the pores. Increase your intake of zinc, vitamins A and E, selenium, chromium and folic acid. These can be found in most nuts, wheat grain cereals, brewer's yeast, legumes, sweet potatoes and liver. Eat also papaya, persimmons and apricots for their high-content of vitamin A. It is important during this time, to drink lots (and I mean lots) of pure water to flush out the toxins. Drink lots of juices also, especially those high in vitamin A, beta-carotene and anti-oxidants. Heal from within and you will rid your acne for good. Note: For severe acne cases, take 2 tbsp of flaxseed oil a day, and drink plenty juices. Do this faithfully for at least two weeks and you will see much of your acne clears up.
Honey melon has very valuable nutrients that are necessary to help flush out toxins. Watercress is high in vitamin A, folic acid and chlorine that helps control the inflammation of the acne. Juice a quarter honey melon (or cantaloupe) with a bunch of watercress. Drink at least twice a day, with plenty of water in between. Follow the advice on dietary change above and you shall soon see your acne subside.
The beta-carotene in carrot is necessary in controlling acne. Spinach is a great blood cleanser and regenerator. This combination makes excellent help in cleansing the blood and reducing acne. Juice a medium-sized carrot with a bunch of spinach. Drink regularly.
This combination of red juice is rich in beta-carotene and is extremely cleansing for acne sufferers. Drink as much watermelon juice as you can, alternating with the other recipes recommended here. Every other day, include a quarter to half medium-sized beets in your juicing. Add spirulina or chlorella powder to your juices.
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