Although common in childhood and adolescence, acne breakouts can occur at any age due to the various factors. The skin on your face has a unique set of characteristics that are different than any other areas of skin on the body. Factors that determine the health of the skin include diet, hygiene, blood flow, pH level, temperature, moisture, oil content and the overall health of the body. Acne is caused oil production, dead skin cells, clogged pores and bacteria. However, hormones, medications, diet and stress can can all contribute. Here are some things you can try to reduce, or eliminate, your acne.
Stay Clean Naturally
Pillowcases hold dirt and oil that is transferred back to your skin during sleep and can contribute to breakouts. Many also contain harsh chemicals from manufacturing and from commercial laundry soap and softeners that can irritate skin. Harmful bacteria can also make their way from your phone to your skin increasing clogged pores, inflammation and risk of bacterial infection. If your acne is localized to one area of your face, consider what comes in contact with that region of your face most often. If your hair touches your face where there is acne, it could be a chemical in the hair products you use that is contributing to the problem. And if you apply any make-up to your face, make sure you clean the brushes at least once a week to eliminate any bacteria.
You may think, especially if you have oily skin, that you must cleanse your face often. But that is not the case. In fact, it’s been shown that cleansing the face can cause irritation and lead to acne for some individuals. In addition, it is thought that certain antibacterial agents found in soaps, such as hexachlorophene, actually clog pores and cause blackheads. Instead of using a harsh soap, use a mixture of water and non-toxic cleansers like castile soap to wash residue from your face. And try pure food grade essential oils such as frankincense and tea tree oil to help heal break-outs and discourage the growth of bacteria.
Diet
Your skin is exposed to toxins and pollutants regularly and it’s your body’s detoxification pathways that removes them. An unhealthy diet can contribute to indigestion and stress to the digestive tract. This can cause toxins to accumulate which increases inflammation that can lead to acne as well as other health issues. Food allergies can also cause acne. A diet lacking in essential fatty acids found in foods like wild-caught salmon, avocados, flax seed and olive oil can also lead to acne. Other problematic foods are energy drinks, excessive alcohol, processed foods, too much meat consumption and not enough whole food fruits and vegetables.
To make sure that you get the nutrients from the food you do eat, consider adding 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or juice from half lemon in less than ¼ cup water to stimulate the release of stomach acid before you eat. This is especially important when eating meals high in protein. Adding ginger to your diet can also help digestion, plus you’ll benefit from it’s other health supporting properties .
Stay Hydrated
Water improves the health and functioning of the digestive system, lymphatic system and circulation system aiding in the removal of toxins from the body. Water helps to moisturize and cleanse the skin from the inside out. You can also consume herbal teas, green drinks, fermented drinks, and bone broth which will also keep you hydrated. Optimal hydration is key to reducing acne.
Minimize Stress and Keep Moving
Stress adversely affects the body in every way including increasing the occurrence of acne. Consider participating in exercise regularly to lower stress hormones that contribute to hormonal imbalances which can result in acne. Practicing stress reduction exercises such as meditation and yoga can also help lower circulating stress hormones like cortisol. Exercise and yoga can also improve lymphatic drainage supporting the removal of toxins from the body.
Antioxidants, Zinc and Probiotics
Acne treatment drugs commonly contain at least one antioxidant to combat free radical damage of the skin. Instead of using synthetic topical treatments, eat a diet rich in antioxidants. Increasing the level of antioxidants in your diet will also mean that you will be getting more vitamins A, C and E, selenium, beta-carotene and various other plant derived nutrients. This will improve blemishes and your overall health. It also reduces the risks of skin cancers. Antioxidant rich foods, herbs and spices include things like berries, kale, spinach, cinnamon, turmeric, garlic, basil, oregano and dill weed.
Zinc can be helpful as well because it acts as an anti-inflammatory. In addition, a zinc deficiency can lead to severe health problems which impair growth and development, suppress a healthy immune response, and inhibits neurological and reproductive health. If you believe low zinc levels are cause for your breakouts, avoid dairy which is shown to block the absorption of zinc. And increase your consumption of zinc rich foods like spinach, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, cashews and cacao powder.
A good healthy gut microbiome is critical to overall health and having a healthy mix of good bacteria is the place to start. Probiotics are the good bacteria that increase intestinal health and protect against inflammation. Consider taking a daily probiotic and consuming fermented foods such as sauerkraut or fermented teas like kombucha, that contain probiotics. Probiotics are one of the key supplements to support the gut-brain-skin axis and keep it healthy. You can look for a good one here or find one at a trusted natural health care provider.
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