Originally published September 22 2008
The True Causes of Acne
by Sheryl Walters
(NaturalNews) You finally meet someone that you can really see yourself being with. You are having visions of the future already. Yet on the day of your big date, you wake up to find a large red bump on your face with a massive white lump in the middle.
Sorry to paint this disturbing picture and to sound a bit clich�, but if you have ever suffered from acne, you certainly know this feeling.
Unfortunately, as with most skin complaints including eczema and psoriasis, treating the root cause of acne can be quite a labyrinth because the skin is the largest organ of the body, and is affected by almost everything that we do.
Dermatologists rarely get to the root of the problem. Unless they are really innovative, they generally recommend retinol, antibiotics, the birth control pill, or a range of creams. While some of these may help people with acne in the short term, in the long term, they all potentially cause acne.
Many people go to the dermatologists and never get to the bottom of their skin problems. There is one drug called accutain, which does clear the skin quite quickly. However, it is highly toxic, and even doctors are slow to give it out because of the many risks involved.
A Natural Alternatives?
The absolute first thing that anyone who is prone to spots needs is zinc. Zinc deficiency is the number one cause of spots and a good quality supplement must be taken, as this mineral can be difficult to get in food.
If acne is in your genes, then eating something that doesn't suit you can create a disaster. Sometimes just one morsel of food can cause a breakout. A food intolerance test is a necessity for anyone who desires smooth skin.
Chemicals, Chemicals, Chemicals. They are everywhere. Just because you don't rub something on your face, doesn't mean it won't affect it. Because the skin is one large organ, what the foot touches could cause a spot on the back.
Shampoo, hair gel, toothpaste, foot balm, body lotion, cleaning products, laundry detergent, washing up liquid; every chemical is a suspect. And even if you think you are using a natural organic product that is great for someone else, it doesn't mean it suits you. Some people (myself included) are so sensitive that they need to vary the skin products they use from week to week so they don't become intolerant.
Candida overgrowth is another big factor in acne and other skin complaints. If it is growing on the inside, herbs are generally the best way to sort it. If it is simply Candida on the skin, then tea tree oil or the Australian Bush remedy Green essence among others may clear it. Seeing a practitioner who specialises in Candida can be incredibly useful.
Hormonal imbalances may be at the root of your skin woes. If so, most certainly Candida plays a role as it disturbs hormonal balance, and you may need to take other herbs to get the hormones back on track.
Essential fatty acids may also be the root of acne and other skin complaints. Omega-3 is found in fish oil and flaxseed oil. Omega-6 may be found in evening primrose oil and starflower oil, and may be beneficial to take by mouth, or even to rub on the skin.
Vitamin A is another good remedy for acne and is also great for blackheads.
I would like to say that these are the only reasons that one could have acne, but unfortunately the causes can be infinite. Try some of these options since they are the most common, and if you get frustrated, see someone who can test your individual needs.
About the author
Sheryl is a kinesiologist, nutritionist and holistic practitioner.
Her website www.younglivingguide.com provides the latest research on preventing disease, looking naturally gorgeous, and feeling emotionally and physically fabulous. You can also find some of the most powerful super foods on the planet including raw chocolate, purple corn, and many others.
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