This common skin complaint is characterized by pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.  It affects most of our society at some point in their life (usually just in time for that big date or photo opportunity!).  Although the problem is not life threatening, it can be disheartening.  It can lead to lower self-esteem & a negative body image.

Nutritional deficiencies, exposure to environmental toxins, stress, genetics, hormonal imbalances and some pharmaceutical drugs can cause acne.  It is rarely caused by uncleanliness.

Hormonal changes, including increased male hormones or increased progesterone, cause acne in adolescence and premenstrually.  The extra hormones lead to increased production of oil that clogs the skin’s pores.  Bacteria get stuck in the oil and the resulting immune reaction causes inflammation.  Acne can also be due to toxin excretion through the skin.  When the body’s organs (liver, kidneys, lungs) are overwhelmed by toxins the skin can sweat them out.  Toxins in sweat can irritate the tissues leading to inflammation and susceptibility to acne.  Scarring of the skin is the only long-term consequence of acne and is usually due to picking at the skin.

Conventional treatment with Accutane does reduce oil production and acne.   However this drug had many side effects including nosebleeds, headaches, joint pain and it may cause bone loss and depression.  The most dangerous side effect is birth defects from women taking Accutane during pregnancy.  Topical treatment with Retin-A increases skin shedding to avoid oil build-up.   Side effects include sun sensitivity.  Oral antibiotics or creams can be prescribed to kill bacteria.  Side effects, like yeast infections, are quite common.  Topical treatment with benzoyl peroxide is antibacterial but can cause excessive skin dryness and allergic reactions.

To fight acne topically tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract and lavender essential oil are good choices.  They can be added to hot water for a steam treatment or diluted and dabbed on the skin.  There are also many cleansing products available with one or more of these antibacterial agents.  Colloidal silver is an antibiotic that can be applied topically.  Green clay masks also help to detoxify the skin and draw out acne blemishes.

To fight acne topically tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract and lavender essential oil are good choices.  They can be added to hot water for a steam treatment or diluted and dabbed on the skin.

There are also many cleansing products available with one or more of these antibacterial agents.  Colloidal silver is an antibiotic that can be applied topically.  Green clay masks also help to detoxify the skin and draw out acne blemishes.

Dietary changes and stress reduction are the main stays of acne prevention.  All foods that promote detoxification of the body are essential.  They include high-fiber foods and lots of water.  Avoid any foods that you are sensitive to especially, sugary foods, dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, fried foods, processed foods and iodized salt.  Eat foods high in zinc such as whole grains, sunflower seeds and raw nuts.  Eat lots of fruit for its water content and alpha-hydroxy acids.  Eat raw foods that contain oxalic acid like almonds, beets, cashews and chard.

The following list of supplements can be used to correct acidosis and maintain proper ph.  (CLICK SUPPLEMENT NAME FOR PRODUCTS)