Content - Beauty/Wellbeing

ACNE

Acne's progression is a determined by the interaction between hormonal factors, keratin production and bacteria.

Predominately a condition that affects the face, however eruptions may appear on the back, chest and shoulders.

Signs and Symptoms

There a 3 major types, each with slightly different manifectations

• Acne vulgaris - superficial disease affecting the hair follicles and oil-secreting glands, may result in blackheads, whiteheads, and redness.
• Acne conglobata - a more severe form, with cysts which result in scarring.
• Acne Rosacea is a chronic acne-like eruption, associated with facial flushing.

Causes

Problems orginated in the pores which consist of a hair follicle and sebaseous gland. These glands are more prevalent on the face, back, shoulders and chest.

Over production of keratin stimulated by testosterone, in male teens, can block the pores and lead to inflammation and blackheads.

Commonly, thought to be a testosterone dependant condition, acne may actually be a more dependant on the condition of the suffers skin. The increased activity of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which is involved in testosterone conversion may actually lead to outbreaks rather than testosterone itself.

May be a inherited condition.

Triggers

• Poor diet may contribute to fluctuating hormone levels.
• Steroid use can produce acne like lesions
• Skincare products, make-up and over washing may cause breakouts.
• Oral contraceptives high in progesterone may cause breakouts.
• Stress and lifestyle factors can affect hormone balance also.
• Presence of Candida Albicans may make this condition worse.
  

Self Care

• Keep skin as clean as possible, without stripping the natural oils completely as this will encourage the skin to produce more oil. Astringent products may work best.
  
• Avoid medicines that list acne as a side effect - ananbolic steroids, corticosteriods, oral contraception.
• Avoid exposure to oils and greases. Limit or remove saturated fat from the diet.
• Use light easily absorbed creams.
• Wash pillowcases often to limit bacteria spreading. Use fragrance and colour free detergents.
• Remove refined foods and sugar from the diet, as these affect hormone levels
  

Medical Treatment

Benzyl peroxide (topical) is often used to treat acne. This does come with side effects including redness and peeling.

Antiobiotics are most commonly prescribed, but longer term use can result in a Candida Albicans over growth which may in turn make the acne worse.

Tretinoin is often prescribed for topical use. with more side effects than benzyl peroxide. It acts by chemically burning the surface of the skin. Redness and peeling can be more severe and more common.

Nutritional Help

• Zinc is important for skin health. It is also involved in the metabolism of testosterone. Involved in Viatmin A function, wound healing, immune system activity, inflammation control and tissue regeneration. Low levels have been found to be a contributing factor in adolescent acne.
• Vitamin E is important for the proper functioning of Viatmin A (which has a role in reducing sebum production)
• Chromium aids in reducing infections of the skin
• Acidophilus replenishes essential bacteria, reduced with antibiotic use.
• Essential fatty acids repairs tissues and helps dissolve fatty deposits that block pores.
• Garlic, destroys bacteria and inhances immune function. Take raw for best therapeutic action.

Herbal Help

• Tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic and antibiotic, has been shown to be just as effective as Benzyl Peroxide. add a few drops to water and use to treat spots and cleanse skin.
• Try using liver support herbs. If the liver is not functioning correctly acne may worsen. Dandelion leaves, milk thistle, and burdock root will cleanse and support the liver.
• Lavender, strawberry and red clover can be used to make a facial steam bath. Do not steam the face if acne is extensive or badly inflammed.

Ayurvedic Recommendations

Neem and Sarsaparilla are sweet and bitter herbs used for their cooling and soothing effect on the skin. Use for skin inflammations when they are red, sore and oozing.

Recommended Products

• Organic Apoteke Active Face Hydrating Gel - evens complexion and heals blemishes. Clinical trials show a 68.2% reduction in the formation of new blemishes in just 8 weeks.
• Organic Apoteke Detox Face Mask - This clarifying mask penetrates deeply to draw out impurities. Green clay decongests while mineral-rich Dead Sea mud heals.
• Suki Velvet Facial Creme - Standardized white willow bark reduces inflammation and redness, calming the skin while helping it perform at its highest level.
• Suki facial toner Willow - White willow is a highly effective anti-inflammatory for oily, combination, acneic, or blemishing skin, for after-sun care, rosacea and any condition of redness or inflammation
  
• Barefoot Botanicals Facial Spritz - Agrimony, lady's mantle, nettle and green tea protect and soothe inflammation.
• Stem Organics Cleansing Milk - Calming Organic Chamomile provides anti-inflammatory properties
• Stem Organics Balancing Face Fluid - Contains Black Willow Bark with its potent antimicrobial properties to aid cell renewal and Niacinamide (Vit B3) to aid the treatment of skin problems.
• Pai Geranium and Thistle Combination - Geranium and thistle work in perfect unison in this light organic moisturiser to clear and re-balance congested or combination skin.
• VegEPA - contain omega 3 and 6 which helps reduce inflammation and reverse the damage caused by chronic inflammation. Combine with Vege Co to help absorption of the fatty acids. Studies suggest the EPA may protect the skin from UV skin damage. EPA has a blood thinning effect which boosts circulation and transports more oxygen to the skin to rejuvenate the surface layer.
• Postlethwaite's Milk Thistle tincture - Milk thistle has been reported to have protective effects on the liver and to improve its function.