Acne

Acne is a skin condition that effects almost every teenager and even some adults.

Adolescent acne tends to start at the onset of puberty and can last until the early twenties.

As boys produce more testosterone than girls this probably accounts for boys being most likely to suffer acne than girls.

Other factors which contribute to acne include oily skin, heredity, stress, oral contraceptives, and a 'junk food' diet.

Some women develop acne before the start of the menstrual period, often referred to as 'premenstrual acne.'

How to avoid or reduce Acne

• Shampoo hair often

• Eat a high fiber diet with plenty of raw fruits and vegetables

• Increase your intake of foods that contain oxalic acid, such as almonds, beets, cashews and Swiss Chard.

• Eat foods high in Zinc - soybeans, whole grains, sunflower seeds

• Cut down on dairy foods, fried foods, and sugar

• Eat more cold water fish such as salmon, tuna, mackeral, sardines

What you can do to treat acne pimples

Wash your face and hands often during the day, especially after being outside where the skin is exposed to the elements. (Clean hands are important because we often touch our faces and can spread germs.)

Apply Tea Tree Oil to pimples about three or four times daily. Tea Tree Oil will help to dry the abcess and allow it to heal. Do not get Tea Tree Oil in the eyes or take internally.

Do not pick or scratch pimples. Scratching and picking pimples can cause further infection and scarring. Instead carry a plastic baggie in your pocket with a cotton ball saturated with tea tree oil -- dab the pimple rather than scratch it!

For mild flare-ups, use a Retin-A creme topically. It is soothing to damaged skin and helps to gently slough off dead cells.

For severe acne, see your health care practitioner about the possibility of using Accutane, which has been known to greatly reduce the effect of acne and skin infection.

Some Supplements worth considering

• Vitamin A, 25,000 - 50,000 IU daily - strengthens skin tissue.

• Vitamin E, 400 lU daily - also strengthens skin tissue

• Vitamin B6- 50 mg 3X daily - aids healing and helps prevent scars

• Acidophilus - helps to balance the natural bacteria in the body. Take as directed on label.

• Chromium Picolinate - as directed on label - helps to reduce infections of the skin

• Evening Primrose Oil - aids in the healing process - as directed on label

• Vitamin B Complex - helpful with pre-menstrual acne

• Colloidal Silver - taken internally or used topically helps with skin infection

• Potassium - deficiency has been associated with acne - take as directed on label

• Selenium - powerful antioxidant encourages skin elasticity and recycles Vitamin E

• Essential Fatty Acids - Omega 3, 6, 9 -- essential for healthier skin

• Alfalfa, Dandelion, Echinacea and Yellow Dock Root are all helpful herbs that cleanse and purify the blood. Drink as tea or use tea as a soothing wash.

Disclaimer: The information presented is for information purposes only. It is based on scientific studies or traditional usage. Consult a health care professional before using supplements or making any changes in prescription medications. The information and statements contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any dis-ease.