You may have read various articles on the internet that debate whether nutrition has any correlation with the development and exacerbation of Acne. However, although some state that scientific studies have concluded that diet and Acne are unrelated, they fail to publish evidence from this research. In many cases such studies have been conducted by those with a vested interest, for example, on behalf of skincare product manufacturers.

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition with several key underlying causes. We believe that nutrition is one of them.   Here at Pulse Light Clinic we have developed a comprehensive approach to the elimination of Acne – The Tri-Acne Programme. We aim to address all known factors including dietary manipulation, which we believe to be essential for a successful outcome.

We will cover some basics here to help educate the adult Acne sufferer on how diet affects Acne. It is a much more complex issue than food, but food is very much involved.

It is well documented (scientifically) that Acne development is influenced by the over-production of a male hormone called testosterone. This triggers the production of both sebum (oil in the skin) and keratin (the main constituent of the outer-layer of skin called the epidermis). Excess of either one and more usually a combination of both, blocks the pores. When the skin cannot 'breath' bacteria have found their ideal breeding ground, and acne develops.

Dietary intake of dairy produce increases the production of androgens (male hormones) including testosterone. Most dairy milk is taken from pregnant cows whose milk contains hormones that can be easily converted to testosterone. Cow's milk is intended to nourish a calf into a 1.5 ton steer; this requires high levels of hormones. It is also rich in growth hormone that increases the production of skin cells (how thick do you think cattle skin is?) these skin cells are keratin.

Sugar
Increases the production of insulin in the pancreas which increases the activity of androgens (male hormones), growth factors, and sebum production. Scientifically proven research has discovered that individuals with Acne do not process sugar efficiently, and all forms of sugar are highly inflammatory in this case.

For Women
During a woman's cycle, about the time of ovulation, oestrogen levels begin to drop. Oestrogen slows down the production of sebum. If a woman is eating a diet loaded with dairy and sugar she is bound to produce more testosterone than she needs at beginning of her cycle and this is why she develops acne at this time of the month or her acne worsens. In contrast, excessive oestrogen can also be a problem, because it can easily be converted to testosterone given the right environment.

For Men
The hormone testosterone is essential to your health. Fluctuations in the levels produced can be influenced by many things such as frequency of ejaculation. When ejaculation decreases considerably, you may experience an acne flare-up. If your life lacks regular exercise and you eat a diet laden with dairy and simple sugars (refined carbohydrates) it is highly likely the activity of testosterone will increase considerably.

For Both Sexes
The body will attempt to eliminate excess hormones via the bowel; if your bowel is slow, these excess hormones intended for elimination can be re-absorbed. This stresses the importance of a high fibre diet. Fibre binds with excess hormones and helps prevent their re-absorption.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and where the bowel, lymphatic system, liver and kidneys are overwhelmed with toxins the skin will be used as a means of toxin elimination.

Conclusion
Acne is a complex condition with several imbalances contributing to it's development and exacerbation. Emphasis is on balance and moderation in all things, but once acne has become a problem one needs to target all factors.

To eliminate your Acne, book the Tri-Acne programme; it is a comprehensive approach to all contributing factors. Once Acne has been eliminated, one may then understand through this experience, how it came to be in the first place and so prevent it's recurrence in the future.

The Tri-Acne Programme consists of:

1.IPL
To kill bacteria, on the skin and in the layers below the surface. It is able to significantly affect the sebum producing glands, normalizing their function therefore reducing production of sebum. It stimulates the production of protective chemicals called prophyrins that target and kill the specific skin bacteria known to be involved in Acne.

2.Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
A special massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system performs many functions but can be considered your internal sewage ecosystem. It does not have a pump like the blood vessels do (the heart), but relies on manual stimulation to get it into action. This is usually achieved via exercise, but when the toxic burden is high and the level of exercise is low, the lymphatic system can become overloaded with toxins, inflammatory bi-products and dead or damaged cells. Essential fats vital to skin health and hormone balance are delivered to cells via the lymphatic system too. It can be very difficult to get a lymphatic system fully functioning again once it has become overwhelmed. MLD increases the movement of lymph fluid and the transportation of the unwanted compounds as well as the delivery of healthy fats. MLD is highly beneficial for regaining the healthy function of lymphatic ecosystem, and for balancing stress hormones within the body. These hormones have a significant effect on all other hormonal systems, including the sex hormones  involved in Acne.

3.Nutritional Therapy
For Acne involves dietary manipulation to remove those foods contributing to hormonal imbalance, providing specific healthy foods to: help skin regeneration, balance the hormonal systems, and foods to support the elimination channels. You will be personally assessed for liver health as this is highly implicated in Acne. Where necessary a targeted cleansing regime will be prescribed as a component of your personal Tri-Acne programme. A personal evaluation of diet and other bodily symptoms indicate your personal requirements and includes much more advice than I have space to include here.

You can get started right now with some very basic dietary changes:

ACTIONS

Avoid those foods which contribute to excess hormone production: dairy products and sugar (regular sugar, sweets, refined carbohydrates, and in some cases the complete elimination of all grains is indicated).

Increase foods rich in skin nutrients, namely vegetables. Your plate should always have plenty of bright colours.Increase fibre to assist in speedy elimination of excess hormones from the body.

Eat oily fish for their beneficial omega 3 fatty acids which are anti-inflammatory and assist greatly in balancing hormones.