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Page 1 of 2 Acne
The skin is the body's largest organ. It provides protection from the environment and in this capacity is highly vulnerable to damage from trauma, sunlight, environmental carcinogens and infection. The skin also reflects our general state of health. Acne is a commonly experienced condition which affects the sebaceous (or oil) glands. A number of factors contribute to the development of acne. These include hormonal changes, diet, environmental factors, skin and hair care products used and certain vitamin deficiencies. There is new evidence supporting the theory that acne has a genetic hereditary link. This theory is based on the knowledge of differentiating basal epidermal cells. These cells form the basement membrane between the epidermis and dermis and are continuous with the pilo sebaceous duct ( hair follicle with attached sebaceous gland).Under normal conditions these cells divide and are pushed up out of the duct to continue the usual process of differentiation and desquamation at the surface. In an acne patient there is a problem with the DNA of these epidermal cells which causes them to remain stuck on the inside of the duct, combining with sebum from the sebaceous gland and forming a small "plug." As the skin is subject to both internal and external influences, both must be addressed in any effective treatment programme. Skin needs support with adequate nutrition - for example vitamins A and E, zinc and the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA are all helpful. Consider a multi-vitamin / mineral with 400 - 800 IU of mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), and 30 - 90mg of zinc picolinate or citrate. Fish oil supplements (1 - 3 gms daily) will provide omega- 3 essential fatty acids, as will flaxseed oil. Acne sufferers are often deficient in certain vitamins and minerals, and supplementation along with dietary changes can help reduce acne. Zinc has an anti-inflammatory effect on acne lesions. Vitamin A reduces sebum production and the build up of keratin that contributes to the formation of acne. Vitamin E ensures proper functioning of Vitamin A and a deficiency of Vitamin E keeps levels of Vitamin A low despite supplementation. Therefore Vitamin A supplementation may be effective at a lower dose if combined with Vitamin E. Vitamin B5 is important in fat metabolism and supplementation decreases sebum production. Supplementation with selenium may be beneficial, as acne patients have low levels of glutathione peroxidase, a selenium containing enzyme that is important in detoxification. Acne sufferers generally do not metabolise sugars properly. Refined carbohydrate or sugar intake correlates with an increase in active acne. Effective treatment for acne relies on approaching the problem from all angles. A change in diet is an easy and inexpensive way to help control or minimize acne. So start by reducing the amount of simple sugars and carbohydrates from your diet. This means limiting bread, rice and pasta (particularly white varieties: multigrains and wholemeal are better). Biscuits, cakes and sweets should be completely avoided. The majority of acne that occurs after adolescence is caused by cosmetic and hair care products. Plastics and plant oils can plug pores, particularly the larger pores of the chin and around the nose. Acne is caused by anaerobic bacteria. These bacteria prefer to live in an environment where there is no oxygen. When pores are plugged, an oxygen-deprived environment is created, and those bacteria flourish causing pimples and cysts. Plant oils such as aloe, coconut oil and baby oil should be avoided. Conditioners, hair sprays and hair gels almost all contain plastics, which can block pores and cause breakouts. The ingredients to be aware of are PVP, CVP and any copolymer ingredient. Many waterproof and smudge-proof cosmetics and sunscreens also contain these plastics. |
acne
