Acne

Natural Health Consultants

Acne is a condition in which a certain bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) causes an inflammation in a skin pore which is blocked with sebum (whiteheads and blackheads.) The bacteria produce enzymes which break down the sebum">

  Acne

Natural Health Consultants

Acne is a condition in which a certain bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) causes an inflammation in a skin pore which is blocked with sebum (whiteheads and blackheads.) The bacteria produce enzymes which break down the sebum, causing inflammation. Superficial acne occurs when it is near the surface. Deeper infection may result in cystic acne. Excess sebum is a result of an outpouring of testosterone, particularly in teenage males, though girls also can suffer from acne. Apparently, it is not so much the hormonal changes that produce testosterone that is the problem, as it is the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT,) the same villain that causes enlarged prostate and balding later in life.

Other factors also seem to be involved. Acne used to be viewed as a problem of colon health and that idea might be valid in some cases. One study confirmed that 50% of acne sufferers absorbed toxins from their intestines.

Another factor is an imbalance in essential fatty acids, especially from eating fried foods and trans-fats (margarine.) Milk contains hormones and should probably be avoided, too.

Certain chemicals and drugs can also cause acne. Drugs include hormones, corticosteroids, Dilantin™, and lithium carbonate. Many industrial pollutants which cause acne include machine oils, coal tar derivatives and chlorinated hydrocarbons.

Acne is treated by the medical mainstream with antibiotics, often chronic ingestion of antibiotics which ironically damage intestinal health and help destroy the immune system over time. It is also treated with various drying agents and skin peelers and abrasives, none of which is very effective. Severe acne is treated with Accutane™, a vitamin A derivative which can cause birth defects, liver problems and excessive cracking and drying of the skin and mucous membranes.

Eliminating acne starts with a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially Chromium, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Selenium and Zinc. Chromium is important because one researcher refers to acne as "skin diabetes." Acne patients do not metabolize sugar correctly and their skin cells do not uptake glucose because of insulin insensitivity, much like some diabetics. Insulin improves acne and one study showed that Chromium (which improves insulin sensitivity) resulted in rapid improvement in patients with acne. Chromium is synergistic with Niacin and they should be taken together. Magnesium also helps defeat insulin resistance.

Correcting a essential fatty acid imbalance alone can have impressive effects on acne. Bad fats should be restricted and a tablespoonful of Flax Seed Oil  in low-fat cottage cheese should be taken daily to increase Omega-3 fatty acids. Perilla Oil may also be used. After some time on these oils (a few months) switch to an oil blend to avoid Omega-6 deficiency.

The conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can be blocked with a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor such as saw palmetto extract. Although no studies have been done testing this on acne, it might be worth trying.

Zinc sulfate has shown results similar to the antibiotic tetracycline but with no side effects. A topical form of zinc has shown remarkable results in other skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema. It may work as well in acne cases.

An extract of Oregon Grape Root has also shown extraordinary effectiveness against acne when used topically.

Vitamin B5, Pantothenic Acid, may be of value in high dosages. In one study of 100 Chinese, each was given Vitamin B5 in a dose of 2.5 grams, 4 times daily. They also applied a 20% B5 cream 4 to 6 times daily. After a day or two there was a noticeable decrease in sebum production. Within one or two weeks, eruptions declined and existing acne started to disappear. No side effects were noted. Another approach might be to use Coenzyme A which might give similar results more conveniently.

Vitamin A in emulsified form, especially at high doses, may act like the prescription drug Accutane™ for severe cystic acne. Certain cautions apply.

A 15% solution of Australian tea tree oil is at least as effective as 5% Benzoyl Peroxide and has no side effects (some people can develop contact dermatitis.) It kills 27 of 32 strains of P.acne. Also worth trying is Grapefruit seed (not grape seed) extract.

Azelaic acid  is a substance used by mainstream medicine for acne.

Sulfur has been known to be effective in acne for years. A particular form of biological sulfur called MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) has anecdotally achieved excellent results in acne cases. It has no side effects.

Intestinal health should also be addressed with fiber and probiotics. An excellent fiber is flax seed powder. A probiotic which may be of immense help are the soil-based organisms. Champignon mushroom extract may also be useful as it neutralizes toxins in the intestines.

Regular detoxification, especially skin detoxification is also important, either through sweating (as in a sauna) or skin brushing. Similarly, exposure of skin to toxins such as chlorinated water may provoke acne and a water filter should be used to prepare water or bathing or showering. Washing the affected areas frequently will help remove excess oil and sebum, too. Exposure to sunshine or ultraviolet light also decreases acne.