Nutritional Aspects of Acne

The skin is a reflection of the health of the internal environment, and the hormonal systems of the body. Acne is an inflammatory condition of the skin and is characterized by the appearance of pimples/spots, blackheads, and whiteheads on facial skin and upper body areas. Teenagers often suffer acne, but adults can develop it too. Acne is not caused by uncleanliness, but is a result of overactive oil producing glands in the skin called sebaceous glands.

Sebaceous glands produce sebum, which is an oily lubricant. If sebum is manufactured faster than it can move through the pores, then a blemish forms. Excessive sebum causes the pores to become sticky which in turn attracts bacteria which get trapped inside the pore. When sebum combines with skin pigments, a blackhead forms, if sebum fills up the scales below the surface a whitehead forms. Whiteheads can build up and spread beneath the skin, they may rupture there causing the inflammation to spread. Sebaceous gland activity may be affected by any one of, or a combination of the following:

1 Nutritional Deficiencies:

Several nutrients are involed in the maintenance of the integrity of the skin, regulation of hormones, the flow of blood through the skin, the anti-inflammatory pathways, regulation of fatty deposits that can build up in the pores and the health and functions of the sebaceous glands.
 

2.Compromised detoxification processes

Within the body result in an excess of toxin build-up. The skin is the largest organ of detoxification and will be seen to be compromised where other organs of detoxification are overwhelmed or under-functioning. As toxins are released via the skin, it's integrity is disrupted, which is a key feature of Acne.

3.Poor dietary choices

Lacking in nutrients and overwhelming digestive system.

4 .Possible dairy intolerance / sensitivity

Especially to non-organic dairy as these may contain hormone residuals used in animal feeds. These hormones, when ingested, can affect our own hormonal balance because they are similar in structure to our own hormones.

5.Poor digestive health/gut transit time

Resulting in constipation. When fecal matter sits in the colon longer than necessary, toxins are re-absorbed, calories are re-absorbed and excess hormones intended for elimination are also re-absored. This contributes to toxic burden and hormonal imbalance.

6.Dysbiosis

(An imbalance of beneficial versus non-beneficial bacteria in the digestive system). This may lead to overgrowth of a natural yeast called candida albicans. When candida is able to outgrow its natural levels it affects our health negatively and contributes to hormonal changes that encourages the liver to produce the wrong substances for healthy sebum. Some studies have found Acne sufferers to have excessive bowel toxins in their bloodstreams.

7 Long term stress

Results in the hormone progesterone being used up in the manufacture of corticosteroid hormones (the stress response hormones) which artifically creates a progesterone deficiency. This causes hormonal imbalance.
 

8. Some medications

Can also contribute to Acne via their effect on the hormonal and digestive systems. These are: steroid drugs, antibiotics, and the contraceptive pill.

A Nutritional approach to Acne is targeted at detoxification, digestive health and with very specific dietary guidelines. A Supplement Programme is essential to provide all nutrients required for skin integrity, sebaceous gland function, and to support hormonal balance within the body. Please note that Acne is a different condition to Acne Rosacea; they have different causes/origins and require a different approach. You should be certain of which type of Acne you have.

Conclusion:
 

Our three way approach to eliminating Acne offers the most effective solution to eliminating the condition, not just improving it.

1.Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

Is a specific type of massage that stimulates and speeds up detoxification and the elimination of fatty deposits. This therapy also affects the adrenal glands (stress hormone producing glands) thereby assisting hormonal balance and achieving a deep relaxation. MLD also helps to regulate the immune system and particularly the body's ability to attack and remove micro-organisms such as bacteria. This makes it very effective in the condition of Acne.
 

2 IPL

Addresses pigmentation and therefore helps to prevent the formation of blackheads, this therapy also kills bacteria in and on the skin. IPL targets the sebaceous glands and directly alters their structure and function; they then stop over-production of sebum. IPL causes an increase in a natural substance called prophyrins which destroy Propionibacterium Acnes, which is a skin dwelling bacteria involved in Acne.

3.Nutritional Therapy

Aims to stimulate all channels of detoxification including the digestive system, blood, lymph, kidneys, lungs, liver, and skin. On this 3-way programme further toxins need to pass through the digestive system for elimination via MLD; it is essential to eliminate toxins as quickly as possible. Nutritional Therapy provides nutrients that may be deficient or in greater demand by the Acne sufferer. Dietary changes are essential for long term gains as foods are the source of health. One needs to learn how to provide nutrients via foods (which is where they should come from), diet is also effective in rebalancing hormones.