Winning the Struggle with Acne
Gentle, Natural, and Effective Methods to Help Control Acne
Sep 18, 2009
Acne's negative effects are often underestimated. It can range in severity from mild to absolute physical and emotional pain. Acne can be found on the face, neck, back, chest and or buttocks. Although often associated with teens in hormonal change, acne can also affect adults well into their 50s.
The Harsh Effects of Acne
Acne, at its worst, can be a devastating dilemma. Teenagers and adults alike tend to feel self-conscious when a breakout occurs, possibly leading to self-esteem issues. Acne, if not properly treated, can produce scarring, a lifetime reminder for those who have experienced its wrath. Often with acne also comes physical pain at the fluid-filled, inflamed sites of the body it calls home. Nodular and cystic acne are the two reportedly most painful types due to the fact that the inflamed portion is set under the skin where it may fester and harden. Acne vulgaris is the most common form of acne and is usually near the surface of the skin.
Acne as a Communication Device
The body is an incredible tool. It receives input, and like a computer, generates output, informing people what their next step could and should be. Acne, although a somewhat undesirable output, is a message sent via the body indicating lack of balance in some area. Although computer issues are easily diagnosed and fixed, issues with the body are sometimes a bit more of a mystery.
Conventional Acne Treatment
Conventional acne treatments range anywhere from antibiotics to Accutane. Although effective, overused antibiotics are now said to be contributing to super strains of bacteria, which, in the future could be less than easy to conquer. Accutane's side effects can include birth defects in pregnant women, feelings of aggression, depression and or suicide.
Treating the Cause
Aside from the terrible side effects mentioned above, is taking these types of medications answering the communication that our body has provided? The resounding answer is no. These treatments are merely treating the acne, not its cause. Many might consider the acne's disappearance to be a victory, but what if something deeper is actually being missed? The victory is not actually won until the body has found its balance.
Diet and Acne
The myth of eating chocolate and getting pimples has long since been ruled out; but what role does diet actually play in acne? Many times the body is indicating specific needs that the current diet is not providing, or possibly indicating an excess of something not needed. One of the first diet recommendations is to reduce or eliminate refined grains and sugar. Large fluctuations in insulin levels can cause hormonal imbalance, leading to signals from the body that things are not right. Whole grains and low-glycemic sweeteners are best, but should be limited as well until the issue is under control. Raw, whole vegetables and fruits should be a major part of the diet.
Any other foods should be considered secondary in their consumption. Make sure digestion is at its optimum level by consuming either a probiotic or some yogurt or kefir on a daily basis (watch the sugar in those items as well). Make sure that recommended amounts and daily intakes of important vitamins such as D and B and E are being met. Finally, know that sometimes acne can be a sign of sensitivity to a particular food. The top food sensitivities occur to wheat, corn, dairy, eggs, nuts, seafood, soy and chocolate. Try an elimination diet to see if refraining from any of these foods for a week or so will bring about changes in the skin.
Natural Topical Treatments
In the interim while diet is doing its job, there are some natural topical treatments that could help to unclog the pores, get rid of an cystic lesion and help you skin to flourish.
- Tea tree oil is a wonderful antibacterial treatment. Applied sparingly and possibly mixed with some water, this topical treatment has been known to diminish a blemish overnight.
- Green tea and aloe vera extracts provide antioxidants and gentle hydration of the affected areas, reducing bacteria and helping the skin to obtain a healthy glow.
- Chamomile tea and witch hazel applied to the skin can reduce high levels of oil, helping to unclog pores gently.
Treat Skin Gently
It is very important to be gentle to the skin, especially for acne sufferers. Harsh cleansers and exfoliants can damage the skin and make acne worse. With patient gentle care and adequate changes in diet skin should be at its best in no time!
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