While the old adage that "eating chocolate gives you zits" is considered out-of-date, new evidence indicates that your diet does play a role in the health of your skin. If you are suffering from acne or someone in your family is having trouble with it, here are some nutritional tips that may help.
Acne in Babies
Nutritional approaches to managing baby acne usually involve changes in the mother's diet or in the formula type, since baby acne usually occurs in newborns. For nursing mothers, here are some tips:
* Cut out dairy and soy products from your diet (these two substances are common allergens in newborns).
* Cut out citrus fruits from you diet as well, as citrus fruits can transfer to breast milk and may cause skin inflammation.
* Take in healthy amounts of good fats like flax and olive oil.
For those who feed formula, check with your pediatrician to make sure no allergies to soy and/or dairy present in the formula are worsening the acne.
Teens
As a teen, it can be really tempting to indulge in junk food. And many teens have those amazing metabolisms that allow them to eat pizza and nachos three times a day and not gain weight! But nutritional tips for acne healing still apply to teens.
These include a recommendation to eat low-glycemic foods.
Some interesting studies have shown a connection between insulin levels and acne - higher insulin correlating with increased acne. If you eat lots of sugar and refined grains, your insulin levels will increase in order to keep blood sugar levels stable in the midst of an influx of sugar. The increased insulin levels may worsen acne. So in a very real sense, sugar may make your acne worse.
Low-glycemic foods include lean protein, whole grains, and vegetables. Whole fruits have a lower glycemic level than juice.
Here are some specific ways you can incorporate or substitute high-glycemic foods with low-glycemic ones:
* Homemade popcorn instead of potato chips or corn chips
* Granola instead of sugary cereal
* Naturally-sweetened beverages instead of sugary drinks like colas
* Whole grain pasta instead of refined semolina pasta
* Whole grain breads (homemade if possible) instead of white
Adults
Many of the dietary guidelines for teens apply to adults, too - insulin may still play a role in adult acne. So switching to low-glycemic foods might be a good idea (it's considered a healthier diet anyway). Other tips for adults include:
* Include healthy fats in the diet
* Take a high-quality multi-vitamin supplement
* Limit sugar and refined grains
* Emphasize high-fiber foods
Friday, December 26, 2014
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Acne Is Not Just A Teenage Problem
Some dermatologists have noticed an increase in the incidence of adult acne. And newborn babies can also develop acne. While teens are still subject to this skin problem, they are definitely not the only demographic to experience acne.
Acne forms as a result of clogged pores - just how and why those pores get clogged remains something of a mystery. Although people with dry skin can get acne, too, it's usually attributed to excess oil being produced by the sebaceous glands. Hormones also play a role, with hormone imbalances and changes often accompanying break-outs.
Teenagers
Because of the hormonal changes that are occurring in teenagers' bodies, acne is considered a normal part of teen development. That doesn't make it any easier to deal with, though, and despite the fact that acne is considered normal, teenagers may find that many of their peers don't have acne, making them feel "freakish." In fact, acne is implicated in social problems, depression, and anxiety in teenagers.
Treatment for teen acne may involve topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, retinoid creams (Retin-A), oral medications, or medicated cleansers. Sometimes, a teenager's doctor or health professional will suggest supplements that are intended to regulate hormones, or may suggest dietary modifications.
Babies
This is one group of acne sufferers that doesn't suffer any negative social effects from acne! Newborn babies do sometimes develop pimples shortly after birth, usually around 2-3 weeks of age. While worrisome to parents, baby acne is considered a normal developmental phase and is not usually cause for concern.
Experts warn that putting lotions, oils, or over-the-counter topical acne treatments on babies is not a good idea, and can worsen the acne or cause other problems. Scrubbing baby's skin, especially with harsh soap, may also exacerbate the problem. Generally, washing baby's face with a mild soap once a day and keeping his or her skin dry and clean are sufficient. Baby acne clears up on its own over time.
Adults
You were hoping to outgrow your acne...but instead, here you are in your 20s, 30s, or 40s and still experiencing break-outs. Adults can be just as embarrassed and emotionally affected by their acne as teens.
Dermatologists agree, though, that acne - including adult acne - is highly treatable. Doctors who are treating adults with acne may be more inclined to look to balancing the hormones as a treatment. Retinoid creams or topical benzoyl peroxide may also be prescribed or purchased over-the-counter. Adults who see alternative or natural health professionals may make dietary and lifestyle changes as well.
Acne forms as a result of clogged pores - just how and why those pores get clogged remains something of a mystery. Although people with dry skin can get acne, too, it's usually attributed to excess oil being produced by the sebaceous glands. Hormones also play a role, with hormone imbalances and changes often accompanying break-outs.
Teenagers
Because of the hormonal changes that are occurring in teenagers' bodies, acne is considered a normal part of teen development. That doesn't make it any easier to deal with, though, and despite the fact that acne is considered normal, teenagers may find that many of their peers don't have acne, making them feel "freakish." In fact, acne is implicated in social problems, depression, and anxiety in teenagers.
Treatment for teen acne may involve topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, retinoid creams (Retin-A), oral medications, or medicated cleansers. Sometimes, a teenager's doctor or health professional will suggest supplements that are intended to regulate hormones, or may suggest dietary modifications.
Babies
This is one group of acne sufferers that doesn't suffer any negative social effects from acne! Newborn babies do sometimes develop pimples shortly after birth, usually around 2-3 weeks of age. While worrisome to parents, baby acne is considered a normal developmental phase and is not usually cause for concern.
Experts warn that putting lotions, oils, or over-the-counter topical acne treatments on babies is not a good idea, and can worsen the acne or cause other problems. Scrubbing baby's skin, especially with harsh soap, may also exacerbate the problem. Generally, washing baby's face with a mild soap once a day and keeping his or her skin dry and clean are sufficient. Baby acne clears up on its own over time.
Adults
You were hoping to outgrow your acne...but instead, here you are in your 20s, 30s, or 40s and still experiencing break-outs. Adults can be just as embarrassed and emotionally affected by their acne as teens.
Dermatologists agree, though, that acne - including adult acne - is highly treatable. Doctors who are treating adults with acne may be more inclined to look to balancing the hormones as a treatment. Retinoid creams or topical benzoyl peroxide may also be prescribed or purchased over-the-counter. Adults who see alternative or natural health professionals may make dietary and lifestyle changes as well.
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Managing Acne - Tips for Healing and Concealing
If you have acne, you probably just want it to go away - and in the meantime, you may be trying to cover it up with various types of make-up. However, the wrong techniques or combination of techniques could worsen the condition. Here are some tips on how to help heal and conceal your acne.
Healing
First, you'll want to embark on a healing regimen for your acne. You and your dermatologist can work together to formulate a plan that may involve topical lotions, cleansers, or oral medications. You may decide to go with a combination of these. Or, you may choose a natural, at-home approach and work on healing your acne with homemade cleansers, topical treatments, and nutrition.
Concealing - Can You Wear Make-Up over Acne?
Some people worry that wearing make-up will make their acne worse - and, depending on the individual, some substances can indeed worsen acne. As a general rule, choose make-up that is hypo-allergenic, fragrance-free, and oil-free. However, for those whose acne accompanies dry skin, a moisturizing make-up may be of benefit. It should allow your skin to "breathe" and not be a thick, mask-like cover. Your dermatologist can recommend make-up for your skin type, too.
For concealers, you can choose between liquid and stick-type concealers (the latter looks like flesh-colored lipstick). There are also "healing" concealers available that contain substances that are supposed to help heal acne. Generally, if you have large areas to conceal, a thick, liquid type concealer might work better than a stick. For those with a few blemishes, sticks can give excellent coverage.
What's the Best Technique for Concealing?
To conceal your acne effectively, you'll need a light base and a concealer. Powder is not necessarily essential, although some people like to use it.
The first step is to cleanse your skin with whatever cleansing product you use to heal your acne. Pat, don't rub your face dry.
Next, gently apply your base make-up in a thin layer, taking care not to scratch or rub your acne in the process.
Now comes the concealer. If you are using a stick-type concealer, some sources recommend going with a green-colored one (since green is the opposite of the red-colored pimples you're trying to conceal). If you use a greenish concealer, apply it first.
Then, dab concealer on the blemishes. Don't rub it in; instead, blend it into your skin tone by gently patting or dabbing with your fingertip.
If desired, finish with a light layer of translucent powder.
Healing
First, you'll want to embark on a healing regimen for your acne. You and your dermatologist can work together to formulate a plan that may involve topical lotions, cleansers, or oral medications. You may decide to go with a combination of these. Or, you may choose a natural, at-home approach and work on healing your acne with homemade cleansers, topical treatments, and nutrition.
Concealing - Can You Wear Make-Up over Acne?
Some people worry that wearing make-up will make their acne worse - and, depending on the individual, some substances can indeed worsen acne. As a general rule, choose make-up that is hypo-allergenic, fragrance-free, and oil-free. However, for those whose acne accompanies dry skin, a moisturizing make-up may be of benefit. It should allow your skin to "breathe" and not be a thick, mask-like cover. Your dermatologist can recommend make-up for your skin type, too.
For concealers, you can choose between liquid and stick-type concealers (the latter looks like flesh-colored lipstick). There are also "healing" concealers available that contain substances that are supposed to help heal acne. Generally, if you have large areas to conceal, a thick, liquid type concealer might work better than a stick. For those with a few blemishes, sticks can give excellent coverage.
What's the Best Technique for Concealing?
To conceal your acne effectively, you'll need a light base and a concealer. Powder is not necessarily essential, although some people like to use it.
The first step is to cleanse your skin with whatever cleansing product you use to heal your acne. Pat, don't rub your face dry.
Next, gently apply your base make-up in a thin layer, taking care not to scratch or rub your acne in the process.
Now comes the concealer. If you are using a stick-type concealer, some sources recommend going with a green-colored one (since green is the opposite of the red-colored pimples you're trying to conceal). If you use a greenish concealer, apply it first.
Then, dab concealer on the blemishes. Don't rub it in; instead, blend it into your skin tone by gently patting or dabbing with your fingertip.
If desired, finish with a light layer of translucent powder.
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Natural Treatments and Cures for Acne
For some acne sufferers, it feels like you've done everything the doctor says and you still don't see results. Maybe you have tried multiple prescription medications or tried lots of different topical treatments, and you still have more pimples than you like. Thankfully, there are some natural treatments you can try, even if you feel like you've tried everything. Here are some suggestions.
Natural Cleansers
You can make your own natural cleansers to help treat your acne, or you can buy them at your local health food store. If you want to make your own, here are some suggestions.
* Mix 1/4 cup plain yogurt, strained or Greek style, with 1 teaspoon raw honey (plain yogurt and raw honey are star ingredients in homemade acne cleansers). Mix in 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. Apply as a cleanser, gently working your way over your whole face and rinsing with lukewarm water.
* Pineapple juice and enough baking soda to make a thin paste can be used as a facial cleanser. Pineapple juice is said to contain enzymes that help treat acne.
Topical Treatments
After cleansing, there are some natural topical treatments you can employ as well. These are not intended to be rinsed off. Here are some to try.
* Aloe vera juice can be applied to skin using a cotton ball.
* Gently rub a slice of cucumber over acne-prone areas before bed.
* Combine 3 parts filtered water with 1 part apple cider vinegar; mix well and apply with a cotton ball.
Masks
Masks are reputed to promote deep healing. They are left on the face for a period of time, and then rinsed off. You can make your own if you like. Here are some ideas.
* Crush an aspirin tablet and mix it with a tablespoon or so of Greek style or strained yogurt. If you like, mix in 1/4 teaspoon raw honey as well. Apply to your face, leave on for 20 minutes or so, and rinse.
* Peel and seed a cucumber. Puree in a blender with enough milk or plain yogurt to make a thick liquid. Apply and leave on for about half an hour.
* Mix 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 tablespoon lemon or grapefruit juice. Apply and leave on for 20-30 minutes; rinse.
Store-Bought Natural Remedies
Some natural health companies have formulated their own acne treatments. They may be homeopathic, herbal, or both; they may be in supplement form to be taken orally, or they may be topical. Look for a formula that fits your age and stage in life, and which contains ingredients you're comfortable with.
Natural Cleansers
You can make your own natural cleansers to help treat your acne, or you can buy them at your local health food store. If you want to make your own, here are some suggestions.
* Mix 1/4 cup plain yogurt, strained or Greek style, with 1 teaspoon raw honey (plain yogurt and raw honey are star ingredients in homemade acne cleansers). Mix in 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. Apply as a cleanser, gently working your way over your whole face and rinsing with lukewarm water.
* Pineapple juice and enough baking soda to make a thin paste can be used as a facial cleanser. Pineapple juice is said to contain enzymes that help treat acne.
Topical Treatments
After cleansing, there are some natural topical treatments you can employ as well. These are not intended to be rinsed off. Here are some to try.
* Aloe vera juice can be applied to skin using a cotton ball.
* Gently rub a slice of cucumber over acne-prone areas before bed.
* Combine 3 parts filtered water with 1 part apple cider vinegar; mix well and apply with a cotton ball.
Masks
Masks are reputed to promote deep healing. They are left on the face for a period of time, and then rinsed off. You can make your own if you like. Here are some ideas.
* Crush an aspirin tablet and mix it with a tablespoon or so of Greek style or strained yogurt. If you like, mix in 1/4 teaspoon raw honey as well. Apply to your face, leave on for 20 minutes or so, and rinse.
* Peel and seed a cucumber. Puree in a blender with enough milk or plain yogurt to make a thick liquid. Apply and leave on for about half an hour.
* Mix 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 tablespoon lemon or grapefruit juice. Apply and leave on for 20-30 minutes; rinse.
Store-Bought Natural Remedies
Some natural health companies have formulated their own acne treatments. They may be homeopathic, herbal, or both; they may be in supplement form to be taken orally, or they may be topical. Look for a formula that fits your age and stage in life, and which contains ingredients you're comfortable with.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Can One Cure Acne?
For those who suffer from acne, the number one question that may be bothering you is, can it be cured? Because acne varies from individual to individual, the answer is generally yes - depending on the treatment approach and type of acne. Here are some of the possible "cures" for acne, from natural home remedies to more medical approaches.
Probiotics
Some proponents of natural health - particularly those who practice traditional Chinese medicine - believe that the skin reflects the state of the digestive organs.
According to this view, acne is evidence that the body is trying to rid itself of toxins that have accumulated due to poor digestion and elimination. For this reason, probiotics are sometimes suggested as a form of acne cure for those who take a more natural approach to health. Probiotics are said to improve digestive health, which is then reflected in the skin.
Diet
Some interesting evidence has come to light that connects diet and acne. Most notable is the possible role that insulin plays in skin health - studies show that high levels of insulin correlate with the presence of acne. Diets high in sugar and refined grains tend to increase the body's insulin levels (sometimes causing "spikes" in blood sugar followed by "crashes"). Thus, a diet that does not cause increased insulin - such as one that includes whole grains, lean protein, and little sugar - could help cure acne.
Nutrition
Some health experts point to vitamin and mineral deficiencies as causing or worsening acne. Vitamins A, B-complex vitamins (especially B6), E, and C are vitamins that are said to be especially important for skin health. Chromium and zinc are considered important minerals. So making sure you get these important nutrients via supplements or foods might prove to be a beneficial step toward curing your acne.
Homemade Cleansers
Some people have success treating their acne with homemade cleansers. Here are a couple of ideas.
* Mix 1/4 cup of Greek-style plain yogurt (or strained plain yogurt) with 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Gently massage into skin and rinse with lukewarm water.
* Crush an aspirin tablet and add it to 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt along with 1 teaspoon honey. Use as a cleanser twice a day or as an occasional mask.
OTC Cleansers and Treatments
There are some cleansers and topical treatments available over-the-counter (OTC) that may help cure acne. Experts recommend cleansers containing benzoyl peroxide.
Antibiotics
Sometimes, your dermatologist may feel that antibiotics are warranted to treat your acne. For some people, a course of antibiotics does act as a cure, because once the infection has cleared up, the skin can recover.
Steroids
For very inflammatory acne, such as cystic acne or nodules, doctors may prescribe steroids. These are either injected or applied topically. Steroids reduce inflammation and help stop the cycle of acne formation.
Probiotics
Some proponents of natural health - particularly those who practice traditional Chinese medicine - believe that the skin reflects the state of the digestive organs.
According to this view, acne is evidence that the body is trying to rid itself of toxins that have accumulated due to poor digestion and elimination. For this reason, probiotics are sometimes suggested as a form of acne cure for those who take a more natural approach to health. Probiotics are said to improve digestive health, which is then reflected in the skin.
Diet
Some interesting evidence has come to light that connects diet and acne. Most notable is the possible role that insulin plays in skin health - studies show that high levels of insulin correlate with the presence of acne. Diets high in sugar and refined grains tend to increase the body's insulin levels (sometimes causing "spikes" in blood sugar followed by "crashes"). Thus, a diet that does not cause increased insulin - such as one that includes whole grains, lean protein, and little sugar - could help cure acne.
Nutrition
Some health experts point to vitamin and mineral deficiencies as causing or worsening acne. Vitamins A, B-complex vitamins (especially B6), E, and C are vitamins that are said to be especially important for skin health. Chromium and zinc are considered important minerals. So making sure you get these important nutrients via supplements or foods might prove to be a beneficial step toward curing your acne.
Homemade Cleansers
Some people have success treating their acne with homemade cleansers. Here are a couple of ideas.
* Mix 1/4 cup of Greek-style plain yogurt (or strained plain yogurt) with 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Gently massage into skin and rinse with lukewarm water.
* Crush an aspirin tablet and add it to 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt along with 1 teaspoon honey. Use as a cleanser twice a day or as an occasional mask.
OTC Cleansers and Treatments
There are some cleansers and topical treatments available over-the-counter (OTC) that may help cure acne. Experts recommend cleansers containing benzoyl peroxide.
Antibiotics
Sometimes, your dermatologist may feel that antibiotics are warranted to treat your acne. For some people, a course of antibiotics does act as a cure, because once the infection has cleared up, the skin can recover.
Steroids
For very inflammatory acne, such as cystic acne or nodules, doctors may prescribe steroids. These are either injected or applied topically. Steroids reduce inflammation and help stop the cycle of acne formation.
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