Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder characterized by pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. It affects about 80% of Americans between the ages of 12-44, making it the most commonly treated skin abnormality according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It has become classified as a skin disease, and modern lifestyles contribute to the prevalence of acne, leading to consequences like lowered self-esteem, emotional stress, and self-dislike.
Proper skin care can significantly improve this challenging skin condition. In our opinion, the standard Western protocol for treating acne has been inadequate and misleading. If you visit any drugstore or consult a dermatologist, you will often find that many mass-market acne brands recommend extremely drying, bacteria-fighting, retinal topical products. These treatments address the symptoms but often overlook the underlying main issue: inflammation and dehydration. These two elements disrupt the skin’s natural cellular turnover, self-healing process, and are the root cause of the disease. As long as inflammation and dehydration persist, the problem will continue, and your need for chemical-based topical products will perpetuate.
The effective solution lies in skin care that is anti-inflammatory, hydrating first, then antibacterial, antimicrobial, wound healing, calming, soothing, astringent in nature, promoting cellular turnover, and nourishing to the skin microbiome and health. These elements collectively retrain the skin to eliminate excessive bacteria, address the root cause of inflammation, and repair hydration.
For years, we have been taught to dry out acne without addressing inflammation or dehydration. This is why the problem continues to persist. In our research, we have discovered that nature provides all the necessary elements to care for the skin topically and internally without needing harsh, toxic chemical additives that can cause long-term harm to our bodies.
Causes of Acne
Hormonal Factors
For women, acne often arises at puberty when the body increases its production of androgens, which also rise around ovulation. These hormones stimulate the production of keratin and sebum. If sebum is secreted faster than it can move through the pores, a blemish forms. The excess oil makes the pores sticky, trapping bacteria inside. Whiteheads appear when scales below the skin surface become filled with sebum. In severe cases, whiteheads build up, spread under the skin, rupture, and cause further inflammation.
Additionally, gut health plays a significant role in this development. Poor metabolic health and digestion can impact hormonal production, leading to skin issues. Many women suffer from PMS acne prompted by the release of progesterone after ovulation. Furthermore, the presence of candidiasis can cause hormonal changes that affect sebum production.
Toxins and the Skin
The skin is the largest organ in the body and helps eliminate toxins through sweating. If the body contains more toxins than the liver can discharge, the skin takes over, disrupting its healthy integrity and contributing to conditions like acne.
Environmental Factors
The skin also breathes, and clogged pores from dirt, dust, oils, and grime from pollution can activate acne-causing microbes from the bacteriostatic action from the external environment.
This makes it clear we need to watch what chemicals are coming into and onto our body through our senses. What are we breathing, eating, hearing, seeing or touching that are exacerbating this disease?
Factors Contributing to Acne
- Hormonal imbalances
- Heredity
- Oily skin
- Candidiasis
- Toxin overload in the body
- Dehydration, inflammation and excessive bacteria in the skin and body
Nutritional Recommendations
- High Fiber Diet: Keeps the colon clean and rids the body of toxins.
- Increase Raw Foods: Fresh fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients.
- Hydration: Drink at least ½ your weight in ounces of high-quality water daily.
- Avoid Certain Foods: Alcohol, butter, caffeine, cheese, chocolate, cream, high-fat, fried foods, and processed fake foods.
- Eliminate Dairy for 30 Days: Can help reduce acne.
- Avoid Refined and Fake Sugars.
- Use Plant-Based Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Bacterial Personal Care Products and avoid toxic chemical laden products in all forms.
Supplement Recommendations
- Acidophilus: Replenishes essential bacteria to reduce outbreaks.
- Colloidal Silver: Acts as a natural antibiotic; can be taken orally and applied topically.
- Chromium Picolinate: Aids in reducing infections in the skin.
Top Food Sources for Key Nutrients
B Vitamins
- Fish: Salmon, cod, tuna, haddock
- Shellfish: Mussels
- Beans and Lentils: Navy beans, pinto beans, kidney beans
- Nuts and Seeds: Sunflower seeds, almonds, pistachios
- Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, broccoli, acorn squash, cauliflower
- Fruits: Avocado, grapefruit, oranges
- Dairy: Yogurt, cottage cheese, goat cheese
Iron
- Fish: Pike, tuna, perch
- Shellfish: Clams, oysters, mussels
- Meat: Bison, venison, eggs, turkey
- Beans and Lentils: Lentils, kidney beans, navy beans
- Vegetables: Peas, asparagus, beets, artichokes
- Fruits: Cacao, dried peaches, strawberries
- Herb: Nettles
Vitamin A
- Vegetables: Carrots, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, spinach
- Fruits: Cantaloupe
Vitamin C
- Vegetables: Red bell peppers, broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts
- Fruits: Guava, kiwi, strawberries, oranges
Selenium
- Nuts: Brazil nuts
- Fish: Tuna, salmon, halibut
- Vegetables: Asparagus, spinach, green peas
Zinc
- Meat: Turkey, bison
- Fruits: Blackberries
- Vegetables: Peas, spinach, asparagus
Vitamin E
- Nuts and Seeds: Wheat germ oil, sunflower seeds, almond oil
- Vegetables: Red peppers, cucumbers, swiss chard
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- Seeds: Flax seeds
- Fish: Salmon, flounder
Potassium
- Vegetables: Beet greens, swiss chard, spinach
- Fruits: Cantaloupe, coconut water, bananas
Chromium
- Vegetables: Peas, green peppers, onions
- Fish: Haddock
- Fruit: Blueberries
Vitamin D
- Fish: Catfish, salmon, flounder
- Sunshine: 30 minutes of unprotected sunshine 3 times a week.
Recommended Diet and Herbal Supplements
Smoothies
- Beet Greens, Blueberries, Banana, Kiwi, Swiss Chard
- Peas, Banana, Pineapple, Apple, Swiss Chard, Cucumber
Juices
- Celery, Lemon, Apple
- Carrot, Beet, Apple
Herbal Recommendations
- Aloe Vera: For digestive health and skin healing.
- Burdock Root: Antifungal and liver restorative.
- Bee Propolis: Antifungal and antimicrobial.
- Red Clover: Antioxidant and blood-lymph cleanser.
Conclusion
Acne is a complex condition influenced by various factors, including hormonal imbalances, dietary habits, and environmental exposure. By understanding its causes and implementing dietary and lifestyle changes, individuals can reduce acne outbreaks effectively. Using natural supplements and herbal remedies will add a significant layer of support in maintaining clear, healthy skin.