August 2018 - Best Cure Treatment Acne

Other Causes Of Acne

Diet

diet section of this blog for more information.

Cosmetics

Some cosmetics contain mineral oil. Mineral oil is known to clog pores. Products that clog pores are called comedogenic. People with acne prone skin should look for products labelled “non-comedogenic” or “oil free”.

Medications

Acne caused by medications is called “acne medicamentosa”. Due to the relationship between sebum production and hormones, drugs containing hormones will sometimes result in acne medicamentosa. Some of these hormonal drugs include birth control pills, thyroid medications and androgenic steroids. Other drugs found to cause acne are lithium and antiepileptic medications.

Ailments

Acne may be a symptom of certain disorders of the endocrine system. The endocrine system is the network of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. Some of these ailments are polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Cushing syndrome and acromegaly. Acne has also been listed as a symptom to non-endocrine conditions such as Apert syndromes and Behçet syndromes. Please note, acne alone doesn't usually indicate ailments. Other symptoms besides acne are usually present.

Contact Acne

Certain items that come in contact with the skin can cause acne. Makeup applicators, hair care products, cell phones, and pillows are examples of everyday products that can cause acne breakouts. Also hands touching the face can cause breakouts.

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Cookbook

For decades, there have been studies that suggest acne and diet were not related. However, these studies were proven to be heavily flawed. Recently, improved studies have provided strong evidence that diet and acne are indeed related. If diet can affect other organs of the body, why wouldn’t diet affect skin? Isn’t skin the body’s largest organ? The acne and diet connection was further documented in a recent study when participants achieved dramatic results in only 12 weeks of following the right diet. Yes, chronic acne sufferers can treat acne naturally and get great results!

If you’re thinking you have to eat a bland diet to have clear skin. You’re wrong. You can enjoy delicious meals and achieve healthy glowing skin. How? Well that’s where the Cookbook comes in handy! In the Cookbook, you'll find over 100 easy to prepare dishes. Recipes are jam packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, vitamins and a load of other nutrients that are essential to healthy glowing skin. And to top it off, the dishes taste divine!

Notice to Parents

Parents should understand the potential negative impact of acne. Even mild occurrences of acne can cause detriment to their teen’s self esteem. Prescriptions and over the counter acne medications are often ineffective and can cause a host of serious side effects. Treating acne through diet is natural and gentle. The good news is parents can prepare meals from the Cookbook that will be enjoyed by the entire family. There is no separate meal planning required. Also, the Cookbook includes dishes that work wonderfully as packed school lunches. Your teen will love you for it! More recipe details are discussed in the video above.

The Cookbook is more than a collection of recipes. Download it to an internet capable device, and it becomes an interactive cookbook. All recipes are linked to additional nutritional information, video tutorials, and reviews. DOWNLOAD NOW! Before downloading, you will be asked to complete a brief offer.

LEARN MORE about the Diet.

Diet Overview

What's eating you?

What most acne sufferers have in common is the Western diet. The Western diet is loaded with processed foods. Processed foods are known to cause a sharp rise in insulin levels. So what does this have to do with your skin? Well, insulin is one of the major hormones involved in your body's production of sebum. Sebum acts as a skin protector. This is at its normal level. If insulin levels are high, too much sebum is produced. This excess sebum will often clog your pores. Clogged pores cause acne breakouts. Control your insulin level and you control your acne breakouts. It's just that simple.

Low Glycemic Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are a vital part of our health. Carbohydrates provide the body with energy and regulate glucose (blood sugar) levels. You're probably thinking, why not avoid carbohydrates and be acne free? Avoiding all carbohydrates is not an ideal alternative to fighting acne. Not all carbohydrates are bad. A healthier choice would be to adapt a diet that includes low glycemic carbohydrates. Low glycemic carbohydrates do not raise blood sugar levels at the same rate as high glycemic carbohydrates. This makes eating low glycemic carbohydrates a win-win situation. By eating low glycemic carbohydrates your body receives the health benefits of carbohydrates while keeping insulin at healthy levels. For more information about low glycemic carbohydrates, click here.

Lean Protein

Another key element to acne free skin is protein. Red meat provides the best absorption of iron and zinc. Iron is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Acne sufferers often have low levels of zinc. Zinc has antimicrobial properties that are essential in fighting acne and other skin afflictions. Red meat and animal proteins are also rich in Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 helps rejuvenate and repair skin cells. Red meat, fish and poultry do not affect blood sugar levels. Include a source of lean protein with every meal to help stabilize blood sugar levels. For more information about lean proteins, click here.

Healthy Fats

click here.

Water

Our bodies are made up of over 60% water. Just as other body organs depend on water for optimum care, so does our skin. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water is recommended for the proper functioning of body systems. Most importantly, water is essential in eliminating toxins from the body. Water also helps to keep the immune system operating properly. If the immune system is weaken by excess toxins, skin eruptions are soon to come.

Exercise

Exercise is important to skin and overall health. Just as with water, exercise helps to cleanse the body of harmful toxins. Exercise is also beneficial in reducing stress. Stress is another factor behind acne breakouts. Stress stimulates the hormones associated with sebum production. The extra sebum produced during stressful times worsens acne. Regular exercise also lower insulin levels. Ideally, acne sufferers should engage in aerobic exercise at least 4-5 days a week. Yoga is also an excellent addition to any stress reducing exercise routine.

The Cookbook

The right diet, drinking plenty of water and exercising are the keys to a glowing complexion. The cookbook focuses on low-glycemic carbohydrates, lean proteins and healthy fats. The Cookbook is more than a collection of recipes. Download it to an internet capable device, and it becomes an interactive cookbook. All recipes are linked to additional nutritional information, video tutorials, and reviews.

DOWNLOAD NOW! Before downloading, you will be asked to complete a brief offer.

LEARN MORE about the Diet.

Causes Of Acne

Bacterial Acne

Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes)

Propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes is the bacteria that is commonly linked to acne. The bacterium lives at the base of the hair follicle. P. acnes feeds on fatty acids found in sebum. Excessive amounts of sebum can cause an overgrowth in the bacteria. During the digestion of sebum, P. acnes, has been shown to create pore clogging byproducts.

P. acnes triggers white blood cells to the hair follicle. Enzymes created by the white blood cells breaks down the follicle wall. The break in the follicle wall causes its contents to spill into the dermis of the skin. The follicle becomes inflamed and triggers an occurrence of inflammatory acne lesions, such as papules, pustules, and/or nodules.

P. acnes is not only present on acne prone skin. The bacterium is also present in healthy skin. Therefore, the mere presence of this bacterium is not the cause of acne breakouts. The malfunctioning of the pilosebaceous unit is the ultimate cause. Keeping the production of sebum at normal levels is usually the key to prohibiting any asing reactions to P. acnes.

Other causes of acne

Hormonal Acne

Generally, acne can be considered a sign of hormonal disharmony. Hormones play a major part in the creation of sebum. Excessive sebum production is a tell-tale sign of an hormonal imbalance. The major hormones involved with excessive sebum creation are androgen (male hormones), estrogen, and insulin-growth factor. Testosterone and insulin-growth factor are the two hormones closely linked to acne.

Androgen (Male Hormones)

Although considered male hormones, androgen hormones are found in males and females. Androgen hormones include free testosterone, dihydrotestosterone abbreviated as DHT, dehydroepiandrosterone abbreviated as DHEA, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate abbreviated as DHEA-S. Excessive androgenic hormones in males and females have been shown to overstimulate the sebaceous glands.

Estrogen

Estrogen is usually found only in women. Estrogen is responsible for the development of female characteristics in the body. One of estrogen functions is to balance out male hormones. If estrogen levels are low, androgen hormones become dominant. When male hormones are dominant in women, this triggers an increase in sebum is production.

Insulin-growth factor

Insulin-growth factor is a hormone produced in the liver. Insulin-growth factor is involved in the growth and function of almost every organ in the body. The hormone is similar in structure to insulin. Due to its similar structure to insulin, excessive insulin growth factor in the bloodstream can cause an increase in sebum production.

Other causes of acne

Skin Care

Commercial Acne Treatments

Why Commercial Acne Products?

Perhaps, the main advantage of commercial acne products verses natural acne products is their convenience. Instead of experimenting with homemade acne treatments, consumers can rely on commercial formulas. Another advantage to commercial acne treatments is that consumer reviews are readily available online. The following is a brief description of a few of the popular acne care systems available.

Proactiv+

Proactiv+ is a benzoyl peroxide based acne skin care line. The current Proactiv+ system has been revamped from the the original formula. The 3 step system includes an exfoliating cleanser, pore penetrating lotion, and a skin hydrator. Proactiv+ retails for about $40 for a 30 day supply. Proactiv+ offers automatic shipments on their website.

Neutrogena Complete Acne Therapy System

Neutrogena Complete Acne Therapy System is a benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid based acne skin care line. The 3 step system includes a salicylic acid based cleanser, a benzoyl peroxide based acne control lotion, and an oil free sunscreen. Neutrogena states that it is the number 1 dermatologist recommended acne treatment system. Perhaps, this is because it is the only popular acne treatment system that includes a sunscreen in its system. The Neutrogena system retails for about $25 for a 60 day supply. Visit Neutrogena's website to purchase online or to find a local retailer.

Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control Kit

Clean & Clear Advantage Acne control kit is a benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid based acne skin care line. The 3 step system includes a benzoyl peroxide based acne cleaner, a salicylic acid based moisturizer, and a salicylic acid based spot treatment. The Clean & Clear kit retails for about $20 for a 30 day supply. Visit Clean & Clear's website to purchase online or to find a local retailer.

Natural Commercial Products

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are the active ingredients in most popular acne skin care products. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic have been known to cause adverse effects to some users. The following acne treatments active ingredients are natural alternatives to benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

Calendula

Calendula also called pot marigold is a plant that is a natural alternative to benzoyl peroxide. Calendula has proven effective against bacteria, pain and inflammation. Kiehl makes a calendula based cleanser and toner. The cleanser and toner duo retails for $50 for a 30 day supply. The duo is available on their website. California Baby makes a great calendula based moisturizer. The moisturizer retails for about $15 on their website.

Tea Tree

Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia commonly called tea trees. TTO has been shown to have antiseptic and antifungal properties. The Body Shop carries an entire line of TTO based acne treatments. The line consists of products ranging in prices of $9 to $20 dollars. The products are available directly from their website.

Green Tea

Green Tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Topical applications of green tea have been shown to reduce sebum production, fight against bacteria, and work as an anti-inflammatory. St. Ives makes green tea based cleansers. The cleansers retail for under $10. Visit St. Ives website to find a local retailer.

Sunscreen

A good sunscreen provides protection from UVA and UVB rays. Due to the complex nature of sunscreen, it's best to use commercial products. Neutrogena currently have 2 sunscreen formulas specifically designed for acne prone skin. Neutrogena's sunscreens retail for about $11 and are available from their website.

Dark Spots

It's important to know the difference between acne spots and acne scars. Scars are permanent demarcations that require treatment in a medical office. Spots often disappear without treatment. Stubborn spots can be treated with products containing hydroquinone and alpha or beta hydroxy acids. These skin lightening agents should only be applied to healed acne spots. Alpha Hydrox Spot Light Targeted Skin Lightener is a popular products for acne spots. Alpha Hydrox products are widely available through online and retail outlets. Most acne dark spots can be corrected with over the counter products. However, stronger strengths can be prescribed by a dermatologist.

Do you want an individualized skin care regime?

See the blog post on natural acne treatments.

Skin Care 101

General Guidelines

Acne prone skin should be washed twice daily, exfoliated regularly, spot treated as needed and protected from the sun. To prevent scarring, acne lesions should never be squeezed. The following is a gentle natural approach to an effective acne skin care regime.

Cleansing

Calendula

Calendula also called pot marigold is a plant that is a natural alternative to benzoyl peroxide. Calendula has proven effective against bacteria, pain and inflammation. Calendula tea can be steeped and used as a face wash. Applications: Steep calendula tea for 15-20 minutes. Be sure to use distilled or filtered water in brewing the tea. Allow tea to cool to a tolerable temperature. Soak a face towel in the calendula tea. Apply to face for 10 minutes. Alternatively, calendula tincture drops can be added to liquid natural soaps such as castile and glycerin. This liquid cleanser can also be used as a body acne cleanser.

Tea Tree Oil (TTO)

Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia commonly called tea trees. TTO has been shown to have antiseptic and antifungal properties. Tea tree oil used in acne treatments should be labelled 100% Australian. Application: TTO drops can be added to liquid natural soaps such as to castile and glycerin. Start with a few drops then add more drops over time to allow skin to adjust to TTO therapy. This liquid cleanser can also be used as a body acne cleanser.

Green Tea

Green Tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Topical applications of green tea has been shown to reduce sebum production, fight against bacteria, and work as an anti-inflammatory. Applications: Steep green tea for 15-20 minutes. Be sure to use distilled or filtered water in brewing the green tea. Allow tea to cool to a tolerable temperature. Soak a face towel in the green tea. Apply to face for 10 minutes. Alternatively, green tea extract drops can be added to liquid natural soaps such as castile and glycerin. This liquid cleanser can also be used as a body acne cleanser.

Toners & Astringents

Historically, toners and astringents (toners containing alcohol) held three major purposes. First, they were used to rid the skin of residue left behind by facial cleaners. Secondly, they were used to restore the skin’s natural ph balance. Thirdly, they were purported to close pores. Recently, it has been established that toners aren't necessary due to a number of factors. Those factors being facial cleansers do not leave residue as they did traditionally. Today, facial cleaners do not alter the ph balance of the skin significantly. Most importantly, toners do not close pores.

Basically, it’s becoming more and more conventional for toners and astringents to be considered an optional step. If extra skin care is needed, additional steps can be added to the facial cleansing step. For example, applying the cleanser with a face cloth or facial brush can be done when exfoliating the skin is needed. See more about exfoliating below.

Moisturizing

Sebum production is influenced by the amount of oil on the skin. If the skin is too dry, excess sebum may be produced. Therefore, proper moisturizing of the skin is a key factor in controlling acne. Acne sufferers should use light oil free or non-comedogenic moisturizers. Non-comedogenic moisturizers do not clog pores.

Jojoba Oil

Due to its similarity to sebum, jojoba oil is considered one of the best natural non-comedogenic moisturizers. Technically jojoba oil is a wax that is extracted from the Simmondsia chinensis commonly known as the jojoba tree. Application: A few drops of jojoba oil can be applied as a light moisturizer.

Sunscreen

A good sunscreen provides protection from UVA and UVB rays. Due to the complex nature of sunscreen, it's best to use commercial products. See the post regarding "Commercial Products".

Scheduled Maintenance

A good skin care regime may also include deep exfoliating, steaming, masks, and a host of other treatments. These treatments are based on individual preferences and needs. However, gentle exfoliating is necessary to maintain and achieve a healthy complexion.

Physical Exfoliation

Exfoliating refers to the removal of dead skin cells. Exfoliation can be achieved by physical or chemical methods. Acne sufferers should use gentle forms of exfoliation. Application: Cleansing the skin with a wash cloth or a soft facial brush are gentle physical methods of exfoliation. Apply cleanser directly on the wash cloth or a soft face brush. Gently scrub the face with circular movements. Never exfoliate skin that has any unhealed inflammatory acne lesions such as papules, pustules, nodules or cysts. Doing so will further irritate the skin.

Chemical Exfoliation: White Willow Bark

Chemically, white willow bark can be used as a gentle exfoliator. The white willow bark tree is native to Asia and Europe. White willow bark contains smaller amounts of salicylic acid than commercial products. Application: Add a few drops of white willow bark extract into facial cleansers for daily gentle exfoliation. Start with a few drops of extract and add more drops to allow the skin to adjust to this method of exfoliation.

Spot Treatments

For additional tips on caring for specific acne lesions, see the following posts:

The Diet

In the Cookbook, you'll find over 100 easy to prepare dishes. Recipes are jam packed with antioxidants, Vitamin A, B Vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta-carotene, calcium, chromium, fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, protein, potassium, magnesium, selenium and zinc. Recipes can be enjoyed by the entire family!

The Approach To An Acne Fighting Diet

Low Glycemic Approach

Carbohydrates (Carbs)

In order to understand the glycemic index, we should define carbohydrates. Carbs are molecules that consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They are found in most foods. Carbs are the body's primary fuel source. Carbs are converted in your liver to glucose also called blood sugar. As the liver creates glucose, your pancreas releases the insulin hormone. Insulin stimulates the cells to receive the glucose. The cells metabolize the glucose and use the glucose for energy.

The Glycemic Index

The glycemic index measures the rate carbohydrates raise glucose levels. The GI has a range of 0 to 100. Low GI carbs raise glucose at a slow rate. Medium GI carbs raise glucose at a moderate rate. High GI carbs raise glucose at a fast rate.

The Glycemic Index Scale

Foods with a GI of 0 to 55 are considered low glycemic. Low glycemic carbohydrates are those that do not create a sharp raise to blood sugar levels. Foods with a GI of 56 to 69 are considered medium glycemic. Foods with a GI over 70 are considered high glycemic. Certain foods do not have any carbohydrates. These foods would have a GI of 0.

Glycemic Index Limitations

The Glycemic index is based on how fast carbohydrates spike blood sugar levels. It does not consider the amount of insulin produced. The GI is based on 50 grams of carbohydrates and do not represent usual serving sizes. Foods that are nutritionally dense can have the same GI of nutritional foods. Therefore the GI can be easily misinterpreted.

The Glycemic Load (GL)

To address the limitations of the glycemic index, the glycemic load was created. The glycemic load improves on the glycemic index by combining the glycemic index with the carbohydrates per serving, with the fiber content and the water content. The GL scale ranges from 0 to 60.

The Glycemic Load Scale.

Foods with a GL of 0 to 10 are considered low. Foods with a GL of 11 to 19 are considered medium. Foods with a GL over 20 are considered high. As with the glycemic index, foods with no carbohydrates have a GL of 0.

The Acne Insulin Connection

Following a low glycemic diet, will keep insulin at nontoxic levels. Excess insulin leads to excess sebum production which will ultimately cause acne breakouts.

Resources

When you're not using your Cookbook, you should use a glycemic index database when planning your own meals. The University of Sydney has a great look up tool on its website. For your convenience, has searched the database for common food groups. See the “LOW GLYCEMIC QUICK LINKS SECTION” on the right hand side of this blog. Visit the "RESOURCES" page for additional tools and resources.

Learn more about the Approaches:

Lean Protein

Protein is found in every living cell in the human body. Protein is crucial in building and maintaining healthy bones, muscles and skin. Protein from animal products is the best form. Animal protein provides the human body with all of the vital amino acids the body needs. On average, a person needs 50 to 65 grams of protein each day. Lean proteins are those containing less than 10 grams of total fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat and 95 milligrams of cholesterol per serving.

Red Meat

Red meat has been vilified as an unhealthy meat choice. However, research has shown that red meat should not be eliminated from our diets, especially acne sufferers. Recent trends show some acne sufferers have become resistant to antibiotic treatments for acne. Zinc has become an alternative route in the treatment of acne. Red meat is an excellent source of zinc. Zinc is an essential nutrient required for the normal function of skin. This would explain why acne sufferers are often deficient in zinc. The human body absorbs zinc best from animal proteins. An acne fighting diet should consist of lean cuts of beef such as round, chuck, sirloin and tenderloin. Avoid beef cuts that are labeled “Prime” instead opt for “Choice” or “Select” cuts as they are usually lower in fat. Lean cuts of lamb include tenderloin, loin chops and leg.

Pork

Pork is not generally considered a healthy meat choice. However, certain cuts of pork are lower in fat than poultry. Ideal selections should include tenderloin, top loin chop, top loin roast, and center loin chop. Some healthy ways of preparing pork are broiling, grilling, pan broiling and stir-frying. There’s a great guide on consuming lean pork that can be downloaded here.

Poultry & Eggs

Lean sources of poultry include the white meat of turkey, chicken and hen. Preparing the white meat of poultry without its skin will lower its saturated fat content. When buying ground poultry, be sure to choose ground breast meats marked “Low Fat”. Eggs are naturally low fat. Healthy adults can eat one egg a day without any complications. People with heart disease, diabetes or high cholesterol should restrict egg servings. Those individuals wishing to avoid the cholesterol in eggs can prepare egg whites only. There is no cholesterol in egg whites.

Fish & Seafood

Fish and seafood are generally lean sources of protein. However, there are some fatty fish which are loaded with omega 3 fatty acids. Read more on healthy fats here. Some lean fish selections include cod, flounder, haddock, hake, tilapia, halibut and tuna. Some lean seafood include mussels, oysters, crab, clams, lobster, scallops and shrimp. To maintain its healthy fat quality, fish and seafood should be grilled, baked or broiled.

Remember!

A diet consisting of low glycemic carbohydrates is not a standalone treatment for acne. Consuming lean proteins is equally important when attempting to decrease acne outbreaks. Be sure to eat a source of lean protein with every meal! The Cookbook is loaded with delicious recipes featuring lean proteins. Download your copy now! Before downloading, you will be asked to complete a brief offer.

Learn more about the Approaches:

Adult Acne

How is Adult Acne is Formed?

What is Acne?" post. Adult acne is becoming more and more common.

Hormonal Disharmony

Acne can essentially be considered a hormonal disorder. Hormones play different roles during the life cycle. Therefore, adults can experience adverse reactions to hormones just as when they were teenagers.

Males

Males do not experience drastic hormonal fluctuations after puberty. Therefore, acne in adult males is usually derived from outside influences on hormone levels. Some outside influences could include diet, medications, or physical ailments.

Females

Adult acne is more common in females than males. Females experience more hormonal fluctuations.Therefore, adverse reactions to these fluctuations are common. Females are likely to have acne lesions due to pregnancies, menstrual cycles, peri-menopause and menopause. Females are also likely to have acne breakouts after beginning or discontinuing birth control pills.

Find out about acne treatments:

Best Cure Treatment Acne

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