Are you dealing with regular skin breakouts and wish you had a smooth acne free face? Then this article is for you. Read till the very end to learn best tips on how to fight acne.
Let’s start with the origins first. Acne can be caused by various factors (or combination) including hormone imbalances, poor diet, genetics, stress, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid problems, and toxins. Back in 1980 a study reported that people with acne have more activity of 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme in their skins, which converts testosterone to a more potent form known as dihydrotestosterone (DTH), which causes acne (J Invest Dermatol 1980;74:187-91). Another study showed that 50 percent of people with severe cases of acne had increased blood levels of toxins that had been absorbed from the intestines (Acta Derm Venerol 1983;63:538-40). This means the elevated levels of toxins in our guts is one of the key factors for skin breakouts.
Below you will find a few tips how to avoid acne.
- Probiotic supplement
Treating acne requires an intervention on both external and an internal level. Internally, take a probiotic supplement. This supplement will provide a boost of healthy bacteria to your gut, improve digestion and provide immune supporting benefits along with fighting acne. Here is a popular one, due to time release delivery technology.
2. Gentle skin cleansing and moisturizing.
When cleansing your skin, avoid harsh ingredients in cleansers and masks. Acne is damaging the skin and you want to avoid causing more damage to sensitized skin.
3. Modify your diet
Some foods may cause breakouts while other prevent it. When fighting acne, things to avoid include:
- sugar
- milk products (except fermented milk such as probiotic kefir and plain yogurt)
- fried foods
- trans-fatty acids
- gluten, wheat
- tree nuts
Research shows that all above-mentioned foods increase acne prevalence and severity. Also, high glycemic-load diets increase the risk of acne (Skin Therapy Lett 2010; 15(3):1-2,5) and low glycemic-load diets significantly improve acne (Acta Derm Venereol 2012; 92(3):241-6).
You should consume more fiber to help keep the colon clean in order to prevent skin breakouts. Additionally, any foods which promote candida growth are to be eliminated, since they, too, cause skin problems.
To prevent or treat acne, certain foods may be very helpful. It is important to focus on:
- Green leafy vegetables
- Clean protein (grass-fed meat, cage-free chicken, fish)
- Berries
- Zinc-rich foods such as kefir, yogurt, pumpkin seeds, chicken.
It’s been reported in the studies that zinc supplements alone aid in clearing acne. Zinc is involved in regulating testosterone, a hormone that, when non-balanced, can cause acne. Zinc also helps with improved immune system, inflammation control, wound healing, and tissue regrowth.
4. Topical masks for acne affected areas
For spot treatment of acne, researchers recommend using antibacterial topical preparations based on tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is antiseptic and has been shown to be effective against 27 strains of acne. A study conducted in Australia showed that a 5% tea tree oil solution is as beneficial as benzoyl peroxide in treating acne, with fewer side effects (Med J Austral 1990; 53:455-58). The safety of tea tree oil for skin has been shown in numerous studies.
Many products containing tea tree oil can be found in health food stores. However, it is not difficult to make DIY masks at home.
Option 1: Mix 4 drops of tea tree oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as jojoba oil or coconut oil. Apply gently onto problem areas.
Option 2: Mix 2-3 drops of tea tree oil in 1/4 of an avocado (puree/mashed). Mix these two ingredients in a bowl until smooth, apply to the affected spots and keep there for 10 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water.
Beware that slight tingling might occur, but it is tolerable.
Fighting acne naturally may take some time and effort. Some people may see the results faster than others, as our bodies and reactions to treatment are different. Keep skin clean and moisturized, develop eating healthy habits, apply topical preparations, and you will be rewarded with smooth and glowing skin.
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