Growing numbers of women and men are dismayed to discover they didn’t leave acne behind when they finished high school. Yes, it might seem like a cruel joke, but it’s possible to have pimples and wrinkles at the same time. In fact, 54 percent of women over 25 experience some acne. And the numbers are expected to increase, with some skin care experts calling the increase in outbreaks in adult women “an epidemic.” Many are looking for natural alternatives to avoid harsh medications with side effects and harsh skincare products and understandably so!
The Challenge with “Acne Natural Remedies.”
While desiring more natural treatment alternatives is understandable, searching for natural remedies to treat acne is still a band aid, one-size-fits-all line of thinking. Many of the popularized natural remedies such as tea tree oil, honey, aloe vera, cucumber, turmeric etc. are only applied to the skin topically. They may provide some temporary relief but don’t address any internal root causes, which is critical for sustainable relief and especially in severe cases.
Supplements like zinc, probiotics, vitamin A, fish oil etc. have also been popularized for acne. However, many other nutrients have essential roles in maintaining skin health, regulating oil production, reducing inflammation and addressing acne at its root whether direct or indirect. It’s best to take a thorough approach to cover all the bases. Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients work synergistically, so you don’t get the full benefit of taking them individually. For example:
Zinc when taken by itself can cause copper deficiency, which can lead to a weakened immune system, osteoporosis, anemia, general weakness, decrease in skin pigment among other things.
Oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid help enhance absorption of zinc and other minerals but isn’t found in fish oil.
Zinc and vitamin A deficiency occur together. Zinc helps transport vitamin A through the body.
You’ve probably heard at some point, nutrition is the foundation of health. Nutrient deficiencies are a significant root cause behind acne. If you’re taking one nutrient, hoping it will be the answer to your acne problems, you’re probably missing the boat.
How can you treat acne naturally?
The simple truth is that treatment has to start from within. Instead of seeking a magic natural remedy, evaluating your diet, optimizing your nutrition status and tackling stress are great places to start.
The food you eat affects your skin
Much research remains to be done on the impact of diet on acne, but it’s been confirmed that the quality of the food we eat is reflected in our skin. Ultimately, you’re the best test study for which foods affect your complexion, since people can react differently to various foods. Keeping a food diary and reviewing it with your healthcare practitioner is a good starting point.
A sensible approach is to eat a healthy, whole-foods based diet, opting for antioxidant-rich foods whenever possible. (Yes, that can include dark chocolate!) Antioxidants can reduce inflammation and destroy harmful free radicals.
In addition, studies have shown the following nutrients may have a positive effect on the health of your skin:
High fiber foods. Eating food with a lot of fiber can help control your blood sugar by slowing down sugar absorption and keeping you fuller longer. This helps to curb acne breakouts since healthy blood sugar levels can influence cortisol production. Aim for plenty of green veggies with each meal!
Stay Hydrated. You may have noticed that your skin loses some luster when you’re dehydrated - It’s important to drink plenty of water to keep your skin cells healthy and nourished.
Green Tea. In addition to water, don’t hesitate to pour yourself a cup of green tea. Studies show green tea can decrease sebum production. Plus, this delicious beverage is high in antioxidants!
Optimize Your Nutritional Status
In a perfect world, we can get all the nutrients we need from a well-rounded diet. However, many other factors come into play-- where you live, what foods you typically eat, where your food comes from, and much more. In this day and age, even the healthiest diets can be deficient in nutrients. In addition, some people may have genetic factors that prevent them from breaking down nutrients in their diet even if they’re consuming sufficient amounts.
Supplementation with high quality formulas that deliver the nutrients in a form that’s readily available provides insurance & consistency. Having a nutrient support regimen that’s comprehensive is key.
Clear Well Multi is physician-formulated with therapeutic levels of key acne-fighting ingredients. You can learn more about the ingredients here. With the complete Clear Skin Bundle, you can follow a proven regimen to support clear, radiant skin in 1 simple routine. Check out what’s included here.
Reduce Stress to Tackle Breakouts
The relationship between stress and breakouts can quickly become a vicious cycle. When our bodies feel stress, our adrenal glands respond by producing more of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as small amounts of testosterone. These cause the oil glands in the skin to produce more sebum, which can raise the risk of skin infections and pimples. Of course, when we notice pimples appearing, we feel more stress. Stress also impacts your body’s nutritional status and gut health.
Think of ways you can reduce the stressors around you. Yoga and meditation have been proven to reduce stress, and ayurvedic tradition holds that many yoga poses can help with acne. In addition, don’t forget one of the most essential parts of stress management: adequate sleep! (To keep your skin extra fresh while you sleep, make sure your pillow cases are always clean).
Ready To Fast Track Your Path To Clear Skin The Naturally Way?
Well Ahead Chicago utilizes functional medicine to address root causes, eliminate breakouts & reveal clear, radiant skin with a proven system based on years of clinical experience. Regardless of where you live in the world we offer virtual programs to fit your personal needs. Together we can uncover root causes and develop a health supportive plan. Click here to learn more about our programs and schedule a call with our team.
Written by:
Dr. Shayna E. Peter, NMD, CNS, LDN
Holistic Dermatology Specialist
Best-selling Author of It’s Not Just Acne
Sources:
(PDF) the Psychosocial Impact of Acne Vulgaris - Researchgate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308187676_The_Psychosocial_Impact_of_Acne_Vulgaris.
Hazarika, Neirita, and M Archana. “The Psychosocial Impact of Acne Vulgaris.” Indian Journal of Dermatology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5029236/.
Heid, Markham. “Acne and Stress: Can Worrying Really Cause Pimples?” Time, Time, 8 Nov. 2017, http://time.com/5014072/stress-pimples-acne/.
Kucharska, Alicja, et al. “Significance of Diet in Treated and Untreated Acne Vulgaris.” Postepy Dermatologii i Alergologii, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Apr. 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4884775/.
“The Quality of Life Impact of Acne and Rosacea Compared to Other Major Medical Conditions - Jddonline - Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.” JDDonline, http://jddonline.com/articles/dermatology/S1545961614P0692X#close.
