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Acne - Causes And Natural Vitamin Treatment To Cure Acne

Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder characterized by pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. To some degree, it affects about 80 percent of all Americans between the ages of twelve and forty-four. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne has become the most commonly treated skin abnormality. Perhaps modem lifestyles contribute to this change in statistics. For those that suffer from acne, it is not merely a cosmetic problem. The consequences include emotional stress that can have a strong impact on one's self-esteem.

Acne often arises at puberty, when the body dramatically increases its production of androgens (male sex hormones). These hormones stimulate the production of keratin (a type of protein) and sebum (an oily skin lubricant). If sebum is secreted faster than it can move through die pores, a blemish arises. The excess oil makes the pores sticky, allowing bacteria to become trapped inside. Blackheads form when sebum combines with skin pigments and plugs the pores. If scales below the surface of the skin become filled with sebum, whiteheads appear. In severe cases, whiteheads build up, spread under the skin, and rupture, which eventually spreads the inflammation. Although proper skin care is important in the treatment of acne, acne is not caused by uncleanliness, but is m9re likely to be a result of overactive oil glands.

Although more than 20 million teenagers suffer from this disorder, - acne is not just affecting kids anymore-it is also affecting increasing numbers of adults. While teenage acne most commonly occurs on the face and/or upper body, adult acne is usually limited to the chin and jaw line, and involves fewer, but possibly more painful, blemishes. Many women suffer premenstrual acne flare-ups prompted by the release of progesterone after ovulation. Oral contraceptives high in progesterone can cause breakouts, too. The presence of candidiasis can also cause hormonal changes that encourage the liver to produce the wrong substances for healthy sebum.

Causes of acne

Factors that can contribute to acne include heredity, oily skin, hormonal imbalance, monthly menstrual cycles, and candidiasis. Other possible contributing factors are allergies, stress, and the use of certain types of drugs, such as steroids, lithium, oral contraceptives, and some anti-epileptic drugs. Nutritional deficiencies and/ or a diet high in saturated fats, hydrogenated fats, and animal products can also be involved. Exposure to industrial pollutants such as machine oils, coal tar derivatives, and chlorinated hydro­carbons are some environmental factors that can have an adverse effect on the condition. A body pH that is too acidic or too alkaline also fosters the nesting and breeding of acne-causing bacteria.

The skin is the largest organ of the body. One of its functions is to eliminate a portion of the body's toxic waste products through sweating. If the body contains more toxins than the kidneys and liver can effectively discharge, the skin takes over. In fact, some doctors call the skin the "third kidney." As toxins escape through the skin, the skin's healthy integrity is disrupted. This is a key factor behind many skin disorders, including acne.

Natural vitamin treatment to get rid of acne.

• Burdock root, dandelion leaves, milk thistle, and red clover are good for acne. Burdock root and red clover are powerful blood cleansers. Milk thistle aids the liver in cleansing the blood. A good place to begin an acne program is herbal cleansing of the blood. Both burdock and dandelion can help cleanse the liver. A liver that is not performing at its best can worsen acne because it cannot break down and clear excess hormones from the body as it should. Burdock and dandelion also contain insulin, which can improve the quality of skin by removing bacteria.
• A poultice using chaparral, dandelion, and yellow dock root can be applied directly to the areas of skin with acne.
• Eat a high-fiber diet. This is important for keeping the colon clean and ridding the body of toxins.
• Eat a lot of fruits. This is always good for the skin because of the nutritional value and water content of fruit. You can also use certain fruits as a tonic on the surface of die skin. Grapes, strawberries, and pineapple are rich in alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). These acids help to exfoliate the skin by removing the dead skin cells that can clog the oil glands.
• Be sure your diet contains vitamins A, C, E, and essential fatty acids. Supplements of these vitamins can prove to tie beneficial for acne sufferers. Although vitamin A is important in fighting acne, you must be sure not to take too much. Vitamin E can help regulate vitamin A levels and can also aid in scar prevention.
• Lavender, red clover, and strawberry leaves can be used as a steam sauna for the face. Lavender kills germs and stimulates new cell growth. Using a glass or enameled pot, simmer a total of 2 to 4 tablespoons of dried or fresh herbs in 2 quarts of water. When the pot is steaming, place it on top of a thick potholder on a table, and sit with your face at a comfortable distance over the steam for fifteen minutes. You can use a towel to trap the steam if you wish. After fifteen minutes, splash your face with cold water. Allow your skin to air dry or pat it dry with a towel. If desired, you may follow this treatment with the use of a clay mask: Blend together well teaspoon of green clay powder (available in health food stores) and 1 teaspoon raw honey, and apply the mixture to your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for fifteen minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. Lavender essential oil is a good antibiotic and antiseptic that can be applied directly to individual blemishes.
• Other beneficial herbs include alfalfa, cayenne (capsicum), echinacea, and yellow dock root.
• Use a mixture of organic apple cider vinegar and quality water to balance the skin's pH. Mix 1 part apple cider with 10 parts quality water, and apply the mixture on the affected area.

Considerations and prevention tips

• Avoid wearing makeup. If you feel you must use cosmetics, use only natural, water-based products. Do not use any oil-based formulas, and avoid any products containing harsh chemicals, dyes, or oils. Wash and dip makeup applicator brushes and sponges in alcohol after each use to avoid contamination.
• If you are not allergic to dairy products, eat plenty of soured products, such as low-fat yogurt, to maintain healthy intestinal flora.
• Do not squeeze the spots. To do so is to risk increasing the inflammation by causing breaks in the skin in which harmful bacteria can lodge. Do not touch the affected area unless your hands have been thoroughly cleaned.
• As much as possible, avoid stress. Stress can promote hormonal changes and cause flare-ups. Many dermatologists also recommend fifteen minutes of sunshine each day, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep for people with acne.
• Acne is a message that something may be wrong with your body chemistry, diet, and/ or skin care routine. Proper diet, nutritional supplements, and finding the right skin care products may be all that is needed to correct the problem.
• Niacinamide is a major nutrient in the repair of skin condition because it aids circulation. This increases supply of fresh, healthy blood to the surface of the! which supplies the skin with blood and nutrients.
• Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), a byproduct of wood processing, can be applied to acne lesions to reduce inflammation and promote healing. If used regularly, it may also minimize scarring from severe cystic acne.