Following my previous post on diet being the culprit for your acne skin problems, and Dr. Mercola’s theory that what you eat is a big contributor to your acne eruptions; a dermatologist by the name of Dr. Steve Grekin is pointing the sole cause at hormones.

This is how he explains it:

“It is age dependent. It’s all related to hormones. It has nothing to do with not washing your face. It has nothing to do with what you eat. It’s just genetically how your hormone receptors bind to the hormones that circulate in your skin, and then the bacteria that feeds on that oil is pro-inflammatory and it breaks the kids out,” Grekin explained.

So what exactly causes acne skin problems?

Now we are all confused. One minute it is diet, another minute it is hormones and give it another minute or two, and it will be something else.

Speaking from experience, both make sense but I am leaning more towards a good diet helping to clear acne.

Here is why:

We are what we eat

We are what we eat – yes, it is a cliche but it is true.

• What we eat will determine how healthy (or unhealthy) our body will be.
• Lack of certain vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and zinc will affect the appearance of our skin.
• Too much trans fat and oily foods will just clog up our arteries, preventing normal blood flow and
• When you do not eat enough fiber, our digestive system gets clog up with too much toxins, toxins that will try and find its way out through your skin.

Sure, hormones play a part, especially when you are a teenager with every hormone seemingly going hay wire, but it certainly will not help if you are stuffing yourself with fast food and crap.

Here is what Dr. Mercola said again:

(note: IGF-1 is Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 and is elevated when we eat high carbohydrate and sugary foods)

“Higher IGF-1 levels can lead to increased male hormones, which cause your pores to secrete more sebum, a greasy substance that traps acne-promoting bacteria. IGF-1 also causes skin cells (known as keratinocytes) to multiply, a process associated with acne.”

The two are definitely interlinked but it seems to be the diet that is causing the imbalance in our hormones.

Nothing upsets the hormones inside our bodies more than an unhealthy diet and lifestyle. And when our hormones start acting up, it is our skin that pays. So this is what I am going to do:

Eat right,  get regular exercise and lessen stress with plenty of sleep for my acne skin problems.

Read the My Fox Detroit article here.

Read Dr. Mercola's article here.

It is not what you put on your face that is going to help treat acne problems.

Acne has the nasty habit of showing up when you least want it to.

Treat Acne From Within

You finally get to go on a much anticipated date and two nights before the great event, your skin erupts. Or you have been planning a party for months, deciding on what to wear (and what not to wear), only to find that the only thing that you are really wearing on the day is a big red angry looking zit on your face.

The blow is crushing and it is no wonder that this skin ailment is responsible for so much alienation, embarrassment and low self esteem. And it is not just about adolescents; 20% of American adults suffer from it too.

Over the Counter = Over Promises

But wait, isn’t help just around the corner in the local pharmacists? Row upon rows of every kind of pimple eliminators, zit killers and acne bashers?

All you have to do is fish out your wallet and buy preferably the whole range of acne control products : from the face wash to the toner to the moisturizer to the special over night acne remover. Oh, if you want, there is the concealer too so you can pretend you do not have any acne.

Or you resort to prescription antibiotics or worst yet accutane – possibly one of the most controversial oral acne treatment around due to its side effects.

The Culprit is Right in Front of You:

According to Dr. Mercola, it is your diet that is the main culprit:

“More proof is continuing to emerge that the root cause of acne is not bacteria or genetics, but environmental factors—particularly your diet. Acne is much less of a problem in non-Westernized societies, where refined carbohydrates and sugar are consumed in much lower amounts. Solid evidence exists that diets high in sugar and refined carbohydrates are the primary CAUSE of acne.”

The other cause is stress, which explains all those flare ups just before a big events.

What carbohydrates to avoid?

It is the simple carbohydrates that should be avoided : sugared deserts, sweets, muffins, doughnuts and foods that contain high fructose corn syrup. So are complex carbohydrates the way to go?

Yes and no.

Complex carbohydrates found in green leafy vegetables are the way to go, but foods such as nuts, beans and whole grains will need to be reduced if you have acne problems.

Dr. Mercola explains:

“Your body “prefers” the complex carbs found in vegetables to the complex carbs found in grains, because your body handles their digestion differently. Vegetable-carbs are slow to break down into simple sugars, with minimal insulin impact, whereas digestion of grain-carbs raises your insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1).

Higher IGF-1 levels can lead to increased male hormones, which cause your pores to secrete more sebum, a greasy substance that traps acne-promoting bacteria. IGF-1 also causes skin cells (known as keratinocytes) to multiply, a process associated with acne.

This is why most grains should be avoided if you have acne issues.”

Beware Dairy Products

Another food product to be avoided is milk, especially pasteurized milk.

Milk has a high amount of iodine  which is what farmers add to the cows’ feed to prevent infections, and iodine seems to irritate your skin more. The best thing to do is to avoid milk and dairy products for a few weeks and see if it makes a difference to your acne skin.

Here is a plan worth trying to treat acne from within:

• Eliminate as much as possible sugar and grain from your diet. This is probably the most important step to try.
• Drink plenty of pure water to hydrate your skin and body. This will help your cells to regenerate and get rid of toxins in your body. If your urine is pale in color, you are doing it right.
• Exercise and sweat. Sweating will clear your pores of all the unwanted debris that is clogging up your pores.
• Get enough sleep so your body can recharge and mend itself. You will feel less stressed too.
• If you have been on antibiotics, take a good probiotic supplement to balance the bacteria in your gut for good immune health.
• Get plenty of sunshine on your skin. This will ensure you have the adequate amount of vitamin D which is necessary for a healthy immune system

If you have tried all the ointments, lotion and potion; not to mention the over counter oral prescriptions and have not seen any significant improvement, or it seems to work just for a little while and then you are back to square one, then you will need to try a different approach.

You need to avoid acne heartache and treat acne from within.

Read more from the original article here

Eat Right to Get Rid of Acne

In the last post, we looked at ten tips on how to take care of the inside of your body, so that it will be reflected on the outside, ie: on your skin.

If you need to view acne diet again, click on the link.

This post will go a little deeper into vitamins and their food groups that will help prevent acne breakouts either directly or indirectly, (for example: if you have bad digestion or are depressed, it will affect your skin). This is a long term acne solution plan, so make sure you are eating all the right food.

(Note: As with all vitamin and mineral consumption, please consult your doctor before taking them. This is a guide only and does not serve in any way, shape or form as medical advise)

Vitamin A

What it does for the skin:

Known as the “skin vitamin”, it is needed to repair and maintain epithelial tissue, which is what the skin and mucous membranes are composed of. There are two types of vitamin A: Preformed vitamin A which is a compound called retinol (hence the Retin-A acne treatments), and is part of the retinoid family; and Provitamin A, which is beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps combat premature aging of the skin.

Deficiency can lead to acne, skin disorders, dry hair and skin, poor growth, fatigue, insomnia and fertility problems.

What food has this vitamin?

Liver, egg yokes, butter, carrots, broccoli, cantaloupes, apricots, kale, garlic, fish liver oil, sweet potatoes, water cress, pumpkin, papayas, yellow squash and red peppers.

Caution:

Do NOT take more than the recommended dose of 10,000 international units per day, especially if you are pregnant, as an excessive dosage is toxic to the body.

Vitamin B Complex

It is best to take a B complex rather than each B vitamin separately as they all work as a team.  Together, they look after the nervous system, skin, hair, mouth, eyes, brain, the digestive system and can also alleviate depression and anxiety. Pretty impressive team!

B1 Thiamine

What it does for the skin:

Breaks down carbohydrates into glucose which in turn, fuels the brain and nervous system.

Deficiency could cause constipation, gastrointestinal imbalances, degenerate aging of the body and general weakness.

What food has this vitamin?

Whole grain, wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, sunflower seeds, ham, pork, brown rice, egg yolks, peanuts, dried prunes, fish and green leafy vegetables.

Caution:

Excessive alcohol, a high carbohydrate diet and old age increases the need for thiamine.

B2 Riboflavin

What it does for the skin:

Riboflavin facilitates oxygenation of skin tissue; it is also responsible for cell respiration and growth, for red cell formation and antibody production.

Deficiency could cause dermatitis, skin lesions, mouth sores, and hair loss.

What food has this vitamin?

Cheese, yogurt, spinach, meat, whole grains, fish, avocado, mushrooms, egg yolks and green leafy vegetables.

Caution:

Do not exceed recommended dose as it could lead to eye problems such as cataracts. Alcohol, antibiotics, oral contraception and hard exercising would also destroy the body’s Riboflavin.

B3 Niacin (Niacinamide, Nicotinic Acid)

What it does for the skin:

Niacin works together with Thiamine and Riboflavine in the metabolism of carbs. It is needed for our circulation, cell tissue growth and for healthy skin.

Deficiency would lead to a disease called Pellagra that starts with a reddish rash when the skin is exposed to the sun. It could also bring on skin eruptions, inflammation, halitosis, indigestion and diarrhea.

What food has this vitamin?

Fish such as Mackerel and Swordfish, poultry, meat, potatoes, tomatoes, whole wheat products, cheese, milk and eggs.

Caution:

Niacin can cause a slight flushing when taken and should be taken with a doctor’s recommendation for people with gout, diabetes, and liver diseases. Do not exceed recommended dose as it could damage your liver long term.

B5 Pantothenic Acid

What it does for the skin:

This vitamin is required by all cells of the body and aids in the production of adrenal hormones. Dubbed an “anti-stress” vitamin, it is responsible for increasing stamina and combating depression.

Deficiency in this vitamin can cause nausea, migraines and tiredness.

What food has this vitamin?

Beef, brewer’s yeast, nuts, saltwater fish, eggs and green vegetables.

B6 Pyridoxine

What it does for the skin:

Pyridoxine is an immune booster and promotes red blood cell formation. It also help build body tissue and aids in the metabolism of fat. It also plays an important role in normal cellular growth, and is instrumental in fighting off a toxic chemical called homocysteine.

Deficiency in this vitamin could cause dry flaky skin, anemia, sores on the mouth, oily skin, gum inflammation, slow wound healing, stunted growth and hair loss.

What food has this vitamin?

Brewer’s yeast, chicken, fish, peas, walnuts, wheat germ, carrots, cabbage, soybeans, bananas, beans and corn.

Caution:

Excessive dosage could lead to severe neurological damage. Diuretics and oral contraception will also diminish this vitamin in your body.

B12 Cyanocobalamin

What it does for the skin:

Cyanocobalamin together with folic acid helps to regulate red blood cells, and aids in the body’s absorption of iron. Not enough of this vitamin and you will find yourself anemic. It is also responsible for cell formation and for cell longevity which is why it is an essential vitamin for the elderly.

Deficiency could lead to memory loss, constipation, depression, drowsiness, moodiness and hallucinations.

What food has this vitamin?

Dairy products, meat, seafood, eggs and soya products.

Caution:

If you are taking medication for gout, or drugs that are anticoagulant, consult your doctor first.

Biotin

What it does for the skin:

Biotin is essential for the absorption of vitamin C and in helping the function of other B vitamins. It aids the metabolism of carbs, fats and proteins and plays an important role in having healthy skin and hair.

Deficiency can lead to eczema, hair loss, red patchy scales on the skin, inflammation of the skin, thin splitting nails and in infants, cradle cap, a dry scaly skin condition found on the scalp.

What food has this vitamin?

Fruit, nuts, brewer’s yeast, cauliflower, whole grains, soybeans, peanut butter and eggs.

Caution:

Biotin diminishes in your body if you are taking antibiotics. Cut down also on diet drinks and foods containing saccharin.

Folacin (Folic Acid)

What it does for the skin:

Folic Acid is important in the formation of red blood cells, healthy cell division and regulating the levels of the toxic chemical homocysteine. It is essential for a healthy normal pregnancy and to avoid birth defects.

Deficiency could lead to anemia, tiredness, graying hair, insomnia and birth defects. Low levels of folic acid has also been found in women with cervical cancer.

What food has this vitamin?

Fresh fruits and raw vegetables, lentils, split peas, barley, bran, peanuts, spinach, banana, lamb, oranges, tuna, wheat germ, root vegetables, cheese and brown rice.

Caution:

Do not take excessive amounts over a long period. Oral contraception and alcohol increases the need for folic acid.

Inositol

What it does for the skin:

A calming vitamin, inositol is vital in preventing hair loss and in helping to lower cholesterol.

Deficiency could lead to hair loss, skin eruptions, constipation, anxiety, depression and moodiness.

What food has this vitamin?

Brewer’s Yeast, fruits, vegetables, milk, whole grains and lean meats.

Caution:

Cut down on your caffeine consumption as it destroys this vitamin.

Vitamin C

What it does for the skin:

Vitamin C is an antioxidant (fights free radicals) and a master immune boosting nutrient. One of the least toxic vitamins (you can take 10g or more per day), it is responsible for tissue growth and repair, and protects against infections and bruising. It also promotes healing and is essential in the formation of collagen. Since collagen is a major component of scar tissue, it is very important in the healing process.

Vitamin C together with vitamin A & E make an unbeatable trio against free radicals.

Deficiency could lead to poor wound healing, bleeding gum, infections, colds and lethargy.

Note: Take the most effective Ester C form of vitamin C.

What food has this vitamin?

Oranges, mangoes, cantaloupe and honeydew melons, apricots, papayas, berries such as strawberries, broccoli, red peppers, tomatoes, watercress, kale and kiwifruit.

Caution:

Some people may find that with large doses of vitamin C, they may experience diarrhea, skin rashes and excessive urination. Smokers will find their vitamin C level seriously diminished. Pregnant women should not take more than 5,000 milligrams a day.

Vitamin E

What it does for the skin:

Vitamin E is a powerful fat based antioxidant that protects cell membranes. This vitamin is responsible for healthy skin and hair; it also improves circulation, promotes natural blood clotting and healing, repairs tissues and can reduce some types of scarring. It also fights cell damage that contributes to premature aging and age spots on the skin.

Deficiency can lead to nerve damage, some types of cancer, infertility and damaged red blood cells.

Note: Take natural (d-alpha-tocopherol) rather than synthetic forms (dl-alpha-tocopherol) of vitamin E as it is more potent, and the body utilizes it much better.

It is also best taken with vitamin A, C and the mineral Zinc for maximum effect.

What food has this vitamin:

Vegetable oils (cold pressed such as olive oil), corn oil, peanut oil, whole grain, wheatgerm, nuts, oatmeal, brown rice, cornmeal, sweet potatoes, avocado, peanut butter, mayonnaise, eggs, organ meats and soybeans.

Caution:

Consult your doctor if you are taking blood thinning drugs, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart and thyroid problems.

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It is worth taking a good quality multi supplement (multi vitamins for women and multi vitamins for men) to combat (or prevent) acne problems.

Enter the code MlC376 for a discount on the links above.

Acne Control

Diet for Beautiful Skin

What you put into your body is just as important as what you put on your skin.

Thousands of dollars spent on the most expensive creams and lotions will do nothing for your blemished skin, if you do not take care of your insides as well.

Here are ten nutrition tips to acne control and blemish free skin:

1. Some doctors refer to the skin as the “third kidney” for its ability to get rid of toxins. Eating a high fibre diet to keep your colon clean is crucial to get rid of your body’s toxins the correct way, before the toxins finds it way out through your skin.
2. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Start each day by drinking at least two glasses of water in one go to flush out your system and kick start your body’s metabolism. Drink every two hours afterwards.
3. Eat lots of fruit for its water content and nutritional value. Fruits such as pineapples and strawberries have high quantities of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which can be put on the skin to help exfoliate and remove dead skin cells too.
4. Good natural raw foods will speed up healing and help clear the skin faster. Raw carrots for vitamin A, raw cherry tomatoes for vitamin C and lycopene and nuts such as cashews and almonds are all great raw foods. Make sure the raw food you eat is fresh and of high quality.
5. A diet low in zinc may contribute to acne flare ups. Zinc is an antibacterial agent and is responsible for wound healing, cell division, growth and repair. Eating a zinc rich diet such as shellfish, whole grains, pumpkin seeds, eggs and beans will reduce inflammation and heal lesions.
6. Be sure your diet also include vitamins A, C and E. Vitamin A has long been touted as the “skin’s vitamin”, and synthetic derivatives from it are made into Retin-A and Accutane, products widely used for treating acne. (note: Do not exceed recommended doses of vitamin A as it can be toxic). Vitamin C is vital for the formation of collagen, a substance responsible for growth of new cells and tissues. It also reduces inflammation, healing scar tissues. Vitamin E is a potent anti-oxidant, protecting the body from cellular damage (scar prevention) and an essential component against aging of the skin.
7. Essential fatty acids such as evening primrose oil and flaxseed oil supplies essential gamma-linolenic acid to the skin, maintaining its suppleness and smoothness. It also helps to dissolve fatty deposits that tend to block pores and aids in the healing process. Fatty fish is an excellent source of Omega 3, and can help calm skin inflammation. Read more here….
8. Avoid all forms of sugar. Researchers have found that acne sufferers are more likely to suffer serious imbalances in their skin tissues’ glucose tolerance, and eating a diet high in sugar will only aggravate the breakouts.
9. Cut down on dairy products as much as possible. Fat contents in full fat dairy products could aggravate acne especially in those who are intolerant. If you are not sure whether this applies to you, cut out dairy products for a month and see if your skin’s condition improves. If you are not allergic, make sure you eat low fat organic yogurt to maintain a healthy intestine.
10. Banish all processed foods from your diet. That means fast and convenience foods such as burgers, chips and all things fried. Process foods are also high in iodine (salt), and unhealthy fats which have been shown to trigger skin eruptions. Avoid salty foods and adding extra salt to your meals.

It pays to take a good quality multi vitamin and mineral supplement for women and a good quality multi vitamin and mineral supplement for men, to make sure your body is not deficient in the essential components to fight unsightly eruptions and scars.

Acne control must be tackled from the outside as well as the inside of your body.