Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages and demographics. It’s characterized by the presence of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and cysts on the skin, typically on the face, neck, chest, and back. Acne can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormones, diet and environmental factors. While it's not a life-threatening condition, it can have a significant impact on a person's self-esteem and quality of life.

Acne is most common among teenagers, with an estimated 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 experiencing some form of acne. However, acne can occur at any age, and it affects both men and women. Women are more likely to experience acne due to hormonal changes associated with menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause.

Causes of Acne

Acne occurs when the hair follicles in the skin become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to the formation of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. The exact cause of acne is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, hormonal, diet and environmental factors. Hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, can trigger an increase in oil production in the skin, leading to the development of acne. Environmental factors, such as exposure to pollutants and irritants, can also contribute to the development of acne. Diet is a common cause of acne. The skin is the body’s largest organ and is often neglected as a living, functioning organ. It can be said that the condition of the skin is in large part a reflection of our internal health, much like the way a pet’s coat is a reflection of its overall health!

Symptoms

The symptoms of acne vary depending on the severity of the condition. Mild acne is characterized by the presence of blackheads and whiteheads, while moderate to severe acne is characterized by the presence of pimples, cysts, and nodules. Acne can be painful and itchy, and it can also leave scars and altered pigmentation on the skin. In addition to physical symptoms, acne can also have a significant impact on a person's mental health, leading to low self-esteem and social isolation.

Diet

Diet can have a significant impact on the health and appearance of the skin. The foods that we eat provide the nutrients that our skin needs to function properly, and a lack of certain nutrients can lead to skin problems. In addition, some foods can trigger inflammation in the body, which can contribute to the development of skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Here are some ways in which diet can affect the skin:

1. Inflammation
   Inflammatory foods, such as sugar, processed foods, and saturated fats, can trigger inflammation in the body, which can contribute to the development of skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Eating a diet that is low in inflammatory foods and high in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, can help to reduce inflammation in the body and improve the health of the skin.
2. Hydration
   Drinking plenty of water is essential for healthy skin. Water helps to hydrate the skin from the inside out, which can help to reduce dryness and improve the texture and appearance of the skin. In addition, drinking water can help to flush toxins out of the body, which can help to prevent skin problems.
3. Glycemic index
   The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels. Foods that have a high glycemic index, such as white bread, pasta, and sugary foods, can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, which can contribute to the development of acne. Eating a diet that is low in high-glycemic foods and high in low-glycemic foods, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, can help to reduce the risk of acne.

Natural Treatments for Acne

1. Start with a Food Sensitivity Test. Food sensitivities can be caused by any food whether its healthy or not. Food sensitivities lead to inflammation, essentially. Once those sensitivities are determined, discontinuing them from the diet can minimize any inflammatory response the food is causing - this can include acne and other skin conditions.
2.  Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for healthy skin. They help to maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier, which can help to prevent dryness and improve the texture and appearance of the skin. Eating a diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, nuts, and seeds, can help to improve the health of the skin.
3. Vitamin A is extremely helpful for acne - it reduces inflammation, cellular damage and redness in the skin. Several studies have also linked low vitamin A levels to the development of acne. Vitamin A can be a suitable treatment for acne (along with zinc and omega-3 fats) for certain people. However, it must be strictly monitored by a medical provider due to its potential for teratogenicity (birth defects) and toxicity. 
4. Zinc, along with omega-3's and vitamin A is very helpful for acne. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve redness and irritation in moderate to severe acne.
5. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that can help support the normal, healthy flora (bacteria) that dwells on the skin.  Encouraging this healthy bacteria can offset the acne-causing bacteria known as Cutibactrium acnes.
6. Keeping the liver clean so it can perform its detox duties, unimpeded is also another important avenue for skin healing. The liver can become overburdened with other toxins and this may disrupt skin health. Liver C Formula can help keep the liver clean and running smoothly.

7. Honorable mentions - Tea tree oil and aloe vera gel. Tea tree oil has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and reduce the severity of acne while Aloe vera gel can also be effective in reducing inflammation and redness associated with acne.

8. Lastly, it’s important to avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubs on the skin, as these can irritate the skin and exacerbate acne.

Acne is a common skin condition that can have a significant impact on a person's self-esteem and quality of life. While the exact cause of acne is not fully understood, it is believed to be a combination of genetic, hormonal, dietary and environmental factors. Natural treatments can be very effective in reducing the severity of acne, and lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding harsh chemicals, can help to prevent acne.

Here's a more detailed video about treating acne naturally: