Best Foods To Include In Your Diet If You Have Acne Prone Skin

Best Foods To Include In Your Diet If You Have Acne Prone Skin

If you’re an acne sufferer, you’re probably desperate to find any kind of treatment that will resolve your problems and improve your skin. If so, the key could lie in what you eat.

There are numerous foods which have been heralded for generations for their ability to clear the skin, and if you add these into your regular diet, you could well find that your complexion improves.

When paired with exercise, good hydration and an effective cleaning regime, these foods could improve your skin quality exponentially.

So, which foods should you add into your regime?

Kefir

If your gut is unhappy, it can show up in your skin. Kefir is known to be very rich in probiotics which are vital to aid digestive problems.

Since poor digestion can result in skin inflammation, it’s definitely worth seeking out some kefir and eating some daily.

Moringa

Not only does moringa contain minerals and vitamin C, it also contains carotenoids which accumulate in the skin to protect it from UV damage.

Moringa powder is able to be added to juices and smoothies or used as a baking ingredient.

Nettles

You may not like the idea of eating nettles however they can be taken in capsule or tea form.

They have an anti-inflammatory effect, calming down the skin to improve acne. Also, they have detoxifying effects due to their high antioxidant levels.

Dark Berries

Berries don’t just contain antioxidants which clear the skin, they’re also full of fiber which staves off hunger and regulates insulin production.

This helps to reduce acne which is aggravated by excess insulin.

Peppermint

Peppermint tea doesn’t just have calming and healing properties, it is know for its digestion-improving and stress-relieving properties.

Since stress and digestive problems are linked to acne, it’s worth drinking a cup a day.

Nuts

A selenium or zinc deficiency could cause acne in some people, so eating Brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds can help.

Selenium increases white blood cells, strengthening their ability to combat infection while vitamin E, magnesium, copper, manganese, calcium, iron and potassium all have beneficial properties for the skin.

Tomatoes

Vitamin C, in which tomatoes are rich, keeps the skin taut and firm by boosting collagen production. Also, they contain lycopene which boosts blood circulation to improve the skin.

Watercress

Leafy watercress is packed with antioxidants, potassium, carotene and manganese which help to nourish the skin and flush out excess fluids and toxins.

Water

Clear skin begins inside the body, so hydrating yourself with plenty of water is always a good idea. Try to drink 8 glasses every day and more if you’re exercising.

Fennel

Fennel aids digestion, flushes out excess toxins and fluids and reduces swelling. This helps your hair and skin.

Oat Milk

Some people find that if they eliminate dairy from their diet, their acne is improved. Try oat milk instead of cow’s milk to see if it makes any difference.

Oat milk is lactose free, high in fiber, folic acid and vitamin E which support healthy skin.

Red Grapes

Red grapes have natural antioxidants and chemicals which treat inflammation in the skin. Grapes are also natural antihistamines which control allergic reactions.

Beetroot

Beetroots have excellent skin-clearing properties and are packed with vitamin A, sodium, potassium, vitamin E, magnesium and calcium, all of which help skin health.

They also make a very powerful cleanser to eliminate toxins from your body.

Tofu

Tofu is made from the soya bean and is an ideal source of calcium, vegetable protein and unsaturated fats. All of which combat skin problems.

Tofu is also rich in antioxidants, copper, manganese and iron, all of which can improve the skin.

Brown Rice

Having steady levels of blood sugar helps to improve skin health. Brown rice has a low glycemic index so it can help to stabilize your blood sugars.

Brown rice also provides B vitamins, selenium, magnesium and protein together with antioxidants which all benefit your skin.

Legumes

Legumes like lentils, beans and peas are packed with minerals and vitamins as well as fiber which assists detoxification and improves the natural digestive processes. All of these combine to clear your skin.

Kale

Kale is packed with vitamins K, E, C, B and A together with phosphorus, folate, protein, magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium and manganese. All of these can benefit your skin.

Avocado

Avocados are full of vitamin E which can boost the luminosity and vitality of the skin.

They also have plenty vitamin C which can reduce inflammation in the skin. Avocado oil stimulates collagen production which improves the texture and tone of the skin.

Garlic

Every garlic clove contains allicin, a natural chemical which reacts with blood to kill viruses and bacteria in the body.

This includes bacteria and viruses which cause acne. Garlic also contains antioxidants which improve skin health.

Alfalfa Sprouts

Alfalfa sprouts contain skin-clearing nutrients like folic acid, calcium, manganese, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, silicon, zinc and sodium as well as vitam A, B, C, E and K.

Broccoli

Broccoli is full of antioxidants such as vitamin A, B, C, E and K which improve the skin’s luminosity while reviving damaged tissues.

It also contains folate, calcium and omega 3 fatty acid which improves the process of skin healing.

Artichoke

Artichokes improve the luminosity of the skin thanks to their high antioxidant levels. They also aid digestion, lower cholesterol and aid the immune system.

Eggs

Egg yolk is full of selenium, protein, vitamins and zinc which clear the skin.

Burdock

Burdock boasts impressive antifungal and antibacterial properties to protect against the spread of acne. It also improves digestion.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a selenium packed, high-protein food which clears the skin.

Green Tea

Green tea is rich in antioxidants which improve the skin. (For more on the effects of green tea on acne read here)

Sweet Potato

High levels of cortisone in the body could cause breakouts so regulating blood sugar could be beneficial in reducing acne.

Sweet potato releases sugar slowly, so stabilizes the blood sugar levels. Also, sweet potato contains beta-carotene. This converts into vitamin A during digestion to improve oxygen circulation in the blood.

Acai

Acai berries are potent antioxidants which improve skin help by eliminating free radicals and toxins from the body.

Mackerel/Salmon

Oily fish such as mackerel and salmon helps to reduce acne and improve the complexion thanks to their DHA and EPA content . Their high protein content also speeds up healing of the skin.

Oysters

Thanks to the skin-clearing nutrients that oysters contain, they are excellent for combating acne. They are also full of vitamin A, selenium and zinc, which are all good for the skin.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds have a high level of vitamin E, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and zinc. These are all beneficial in clearing the skin.

Spinach

Like kale, spinach is packed with iron, protein and vitamin E for better blood flow, reduced inflammation and boosted collagen levels for a fresh and youthful glow.

Spinach is also full of iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium and vitamins for healthy, beautiful skin as well as beta-carotene which combats the signs of aging.

Cucumber

As cucumbers are 95% water, they contain excellent hydrating benefits as well as anti-inflammatory flavonols, phytonutrients and polyphenols and antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C.

Cucumber skin contains silica to keep the skin looking youthful and healthy while also keeping it free from acne.

Bell Pepper

Bell peppers in all colors are great for the skin thanks to their vitamin C content which boosts collagen to keep the skin healthy and growing well.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is packed with beta-carotene which is converted into vitamin A inside the body. Vitamin A helps skin cells to grow, leaving the skin wrinkle-free and soft.

Coconut

Coconut oil is very beneficial for the skin since it moisturizes it well. Packed with vitamins K and E as well as minerals and healthy fats, it improves skin health while coconut water contains potassium while also boosting hydration.

Oats

Wholegrain oatmeal has plenty of zinc in it as well as biotin, magnesium and potassium – all nutrients which promote healthy skin.

Kiwi

Kiwi fruits may be small but they are full of antioxidants and vitamin C to prevent skin aging through collagen synthesis.

Carrots

Carrots are full of vitamin A which is known to promote healthy skin.

Yogurt

Yogurt contains calcium, but it is also packed with protein as well as vitamins B2, B6 and B12. All of these detoxify the skin and keep it healthy. Plain yogurt contains no sugar and is therefore best for the skin.

Adding these foods to your daily diet is a great way to improve the condition and health of your skin. With their high mineral and vitamin content as well as their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, they are the ideal way to boost your overall health and wellness while allowing your skin to be the very best it can be. Combine these foods with plenty of water and a healthy lifestyle and enjoy all the benefits of beautiful skin. Your acne problems could be a thing of the past.

R. Vasquez

Raymonde is the main content creator here at max-wellness.com. She is a actively analyses newest acne studies and has been an acne sufferer herself. Raymonde believes that she can help others feel more confident in their own skin.

Acne Types and How To Treat Them

Although we might think of acne as being a singular problem, in fact there are several types of acne. Here, we take a look at some of the different forms of the condition that exist and how best to treat them.

Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne is the most frequently-seen kind of acne seen in adult women. It is caused by imbalances in the estrogen and androgen levels in the body. Androgens encourage oil production in the skin cells. This results in clogging of the pores, inflammation and, inevitably, acne. Hormonal acne is aggravated by dairy products, carbohydrates and foods which spike levels of insulin in the body.

If you suffer from this type of acne, you should control your intake of foods which are known to have an aggravating effect. Some women find that taking a birth control pill can help to balance their hormones effectively to minimize their chances of developing acne.

Inflammatory Acne

Excessive inflammation is known to deplete stores of antioxidants in the body leaving the skin at risk of inflammatory damage from air pollution and UV radiation among other sources. Inflammatory acne can cause pitting or scarring and produces lesions or blemishes which are swollen, red and inflamed.

Some of the blemishes associated with inflammatory acne include:

Papules – solid, raised, pink bumps under the surface of the skin
Pustules – tender, large bumps that are filled with pus
Nodules – inflamed, painful hard lumps deep inside the skin
Cysts – large, painful, soft white or red lumps deep inside the skin that are pus-filled.

Pustules and papules can be treated with several over the counter medications and home remedies.

Some treatment tips include:

Washing twice daily with soap and water
Applying warm cloths or compresses for 15 minutes
Using a benzoyl peroxide product to combat the bacteria
Using a salicylic acid product to remove debris and dead skin cells

In the case of cysts or nodules, a dermatologist or doctor will be required to prescribe a treatment. They may require one or more of the following treatments:

Antibiotics like amoxicillin, doxycycline or tetracycline
Topical corticosteroids
Systematic retinoids like isotretinoin
Steroid injections
Photodynamic therapy
Chemical peels
Drainage and extraction of cysts

Stress Acne

People suffering from stress-related anxiety are trapped in a vicious cycle. They feel emotional and anxious because of their acne, but the acne is aggravated by that stress and anxiety. Finding more effective ways to calm down is vital in this form of the condition. Learning relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation could prove to be beneficial in breaking the cycle of stress-related acne.

Irritant Acne

Acne is occasionally simply a skin problem. In such cases, it is caused by comedogenic or harsh chemicals or rubbing of the skin. In such cases, eliminating contact with the irritant is key to eliminating acne.

Infectious Acne

Strictly speaking, this isn’t a true form of acne, it merely looks similar. This occurs when pathogens cause a skin infection with a very similar appearance to acne. Malassezia Folliculitis is one such condition. If this form of the condition is experienced, a doctor can help to prescribe a treatment to clear the infection.

Acneiform

This is a reaction to drugs which looks like acne. Some potential causes could be halogens like fluoride, iodine and chlorine as well as corticosteroids, some chemotherapy treatments and immune system suppressants as well as vitamin B12. Again, this form of acne can be ceasing use of the drug in question.

Non-Inflammatory Acne

Blackheads and whiteheads are both forms of non-inflammatory acne lesions. Usually, these don’t result in swelling and cause minimal pain.

Whiteheads are white or flesh-colored small bumps or spots which are surrounded with a red halo possibly with wrinkled or tight skin. Blackheads are black, small spots which may be slightly raised. Around the blackhead will usually look normal.

Blackheads and whiteheads aren’t serious forms of acne. They can often be treated by over the counter treatments like gels, moisturizers, toners, rinses and creams, often containing several active ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol and sulfur. Washing with soap and water twice per day, reducing stress, staying hydrated and eating healthily may also help. Sufferers should also avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen if they go outdoors. Popping acne blemishes should also be avoided.

Which Type Of Acne Do I Have?

While some people can easily pinpoint the type of acne they have, many sufferers find that they have two or more forms of the condition. Therefore, it may take a little trial and error to find the best treatment to resolve your problem. However, if your acne is extremely severe, seeking help from a physician or dermatologist is always the best course of action to minimize any scarring and skin damage due to the blemishes.

R. Vasquez

Acne Face Map – What Are Your Breakouts Telling You?

Acne Face Map - What Are Your Breakouts Telling You?

Nobody likes having an acne breakout. How often have you woken up in the morning, looked in the mirror and then experienced the despair and shock of seeing a huge zit on your previously flawless complexion.

It happens to all of us.

However, there might be more to your breakouts than you imagined. The location of your breakouts on your face might be telling you something. Knowing what they’re telling you could help to stop them happening for good.

With that in mind, here’s your acne face map – use it to find out what your breakouts have to say about your lifestyle.

Hairline

If you’re experiencing acne around your hairline it could be a phenomenon called “pomade acne”. Often, these are caused by a build-up of beauty products.

Chemicals and oils in shampoos and conditioners as well as residue from make-up tends to accumulate on the surface of your skin, clogging up your pores and resulting in spots.

What you can do:

If you regularly experience acne around your hairline, there are a few things to try.

First, switch to a natural shampoo and conditioner then add a double cleanse into your skincare regime. First, remove all your make-up using an effective cleansing oil. Next, use a high-quality cleanser to cleanse your face even more deeply.

By cleaning the skin around your hairline twice, all the residue will definitely be removed from the pores of your skin.

Forehead

The forehead is linked with the nervous and digestive systems and this makes this particular area of your face more susceptible to breakouts relating to stress and poor diet.

If spots are regularly breaking out in this area, you could be struggling to digest particular foods. You may also be suffering from a liver problem or irregular sleep patterns.

Other causes of spots in this area, and especially between the eyebrows, is greasy and fatty food. Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause breakouts in this area, and if you regularly spot zits here after a big night out, this could be the reason why.

What you can do:

You can minimize the problem of forehead pimples by switching to healthier diet.

If your diet is over-heavy with unhealthy greasy and fatty foods, switch to eating more fruit and vegetables and stick to grilled and baked foods rather than fried ones.

Eat less sugar as well as less processed foods and make sure to drink sufficient water so that you stay well-hydrated.

Whenever possible try to get your full 8 hours’ sleep every night and cut down on your alcohol intake.

Papaya, bromelain and bitter herbs are useful additions to your diet, and if you include them before every meal you may find that your digestive system can break down foods more easily.

Try including more onions and garlic in your daily diet and drink dandelion tea or hot water and lemon every morning as this too may clear your digestive system.

If you have any especially troublesome areas, applying a salicylic acid and tea tree oil skin treatment will help to shrink large pores to create a clearer complexion.

Cheeks

A major cause of acne on the cheeks is bacteria from your pillowcase and cell phone.

It may sound strange, but think about it – over the course of the average day, your cell phone will accumulate bacteria which is very bad for your skin. Wiping it regularly is absolutely essential – just because it appears to be clean doesn’t mean that it is!

Pillowcases too are bacteria magnets. This is why pillowcases are often responsible for a form of acne known as “acne mechanica”, which is caused by materials touching the face. Oil and dirt are transferred over time to the skin, clogging your pores and resulting in blemishes.

Another cause could be polluted air in city environments or allergies which are affecting your respiratory system.

This is especially the case if you talk on the phone regularly, transferring germs from your mouth to your phone and then onto your skin.

Also, acne on the cheeks could be a sign that you’re eating excessive amounts of sugar.

What you can do:

Minimizing acne on the cheeks can be achieved in several ways.

Firstly, always choose pillowcases which are made from natural fabrics, and take care to launder your pillowcases every couple of days so both they and your facial skin will stay clean and bacteria free.

If pollution in the air is the problem, adding some houseplants to your home could make a big difference. Plants remove contaminants from the air, leaving it cleaner and healthier.

Make sure to take the time to wash your facial skin thoroughly before you go to bed to make sure that all trace contaminants are removed before sleeping.

If you think excess sugar in your diet could be the problem, cut back on the amount you consume for a couple of days to see if you notice the difference.

Chin & Jaw

The jawline and chin are two very common areas for breakouts to occur, however the culprit could be your hormones.

Hormonal acne is a result of excessive hormones because of pregnancy, menstruation or high levels of androgen.

Fluctuations in hormone levels cause excessive production of oil, inflammation and clogged up skin cells as well as excessive production of bacteria.

During puberty, acne usually appears across the T-zone, but in adults, hormonal acne usually forms along the jawline and chin.

What you can do:

To minimize acne breakouts on the jawline and chin, you may want to try eliminating dairy products from your diet and adding some probiotics instead. This could calm down the inflammation while reducing the number of hormones you intake which could result in pimples.

If you’re experiencing more spots in this area around your period, try paying more attention to your skincare regime at this time of the month. Try to include more foods in your diet which are known to regulate the natural hormonal cycle.

Targeting the affected area with a skincare product which is infused with whole seeds and plants which are high in natural antioxidants and phytoestrogens could also improve the appearance of your problem skin.

Another thing to watch out for is resting your chin on your hands if you’re tired or bored – this transfers oil from your hands onto the chin, and this can result in pimples.

Final Thoughts

Although breakouts are never any fun, knowing the possible reasons why they are occurring could be the key to resolving your problem for good.

This acne face map will help you to pinpoint to possible causes of your problem skin so you can take steps to address the issues which are causing your spots and zits.

R. Vasquez

Side Effects Of Isotretinoin (Accutane)

Accutane is a name which is often used to refer to the drug Isotretinoin, however the drug known as Accutane was actually withdrawn from sale several years ago.

Isotretinoin is still available, however, and is prescribed to treat very severe cases of acne which have proven to be unresponsive to any other form of treatment. It is also prescribed for some other uses too, including some forms of cancer and other skin conditions.

The amount prescribed varies between individuals, with the length of treatment usually being between 4-5 months.

There are several brand names of Isotretinoin drugs available today, and while Accutane can no longer be found, Sotret, Myorisan, Calravis, Amnesteem and Absorica are other versions which are in common use.

Isotretinoin is a drug which is derived from Reinoid (or vitamin A). This means that the human body reacts to Isotretinoin in almost the same way as it would to vitamin A.

As this vitamin builds up in the tissues of the body it can become problematic. This means that if you’re taking Isotretinoin you should avoid taking any vitamin A supplements.

While this drug can help to clear the skin of acne, there are a number of unwanted side effects associated with its use. Most, however, will fade in a couple of weeks after you stop using it.

Possible Effects When Taking Isotretinoin (Accutane)

When taking Isotretinoin, you may experience side effects which affect several areas of your body. These include the following:

Skin & Hair

As you may imagine, since Isotretinoin has been prescribed to combat acne, it will have a clear effect on your skin.

It treats severe acne by targeting bacteria, clogged pores, oil production and inflammation.

However, in the early days of use, you may experience worsening of your acne problem before you see any improvement.

Chapped lips are another common side effect, together with other dry areas of skin.

You may discover that your nasal passages become dry which may lead to an increase chance of nosebleeds.

Isotretinoin makes skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays, so using tanning devices and going out in the sun without any sunscreen on should be avoided.

Some people who use this drug also develop peeling skin, rashes or fragile skin on the soles of their feet and palms of their hands.

Some also experience yellowing of their skin.

When it comes to hair, some users report that their hair becomes thinner, while the increased fragility of the skin means that hair removal techniques such as dermabrasion, laser treatments and waxing could cause scarring. This means that any of these forms of hair removal should be avoided for at least 6 months after ceasing treatment.

Reproductive Issues

Isotretinoin has been proven to be dangerous for use in pregnant women. This is because it can damage the developing fetus.

Women who are prescribed this medication should ensure that they aren’t pregnant before beginning using this medication and should always use birth control while taking Isotretinoin. This should be continued for at least 4 weeks after stopping taking the medication, and should you accidentally become pregnant while taking the drug you should cease its use immediately and let your doctor know.

Isotretinoin use by pregnant women can result in miscarriage, fetus death or a premature birth.

It could also cause birth defects and deformities such as hearing loss, missing or small ears, missing or small eyes, missing or small thymus gland, microcephaly, congenital heart defects, hydrocephalus and cleft palates.

Men who are taking Isotretinoin must also be very careful about using birth control as the drug may be found in their semen.

As yet, it has not been proven whether or not this may result in birth defects.

It may also pass through to the baby in breast milk, so breastfeeding while using Isotretinoin should be avoided.

Anyone who is prescribed Isotretinoin must be registered with iPLEDGE, a restricted distribution FDA-approved program which informs people about birth defect risks and helps prevent pregnancies.

Central Nervous System Problems

Isotretinoin may affect the central nervous system resulting in side effects such as tiredness, headaches, dry eyes, difficulty in seeing in dark conditions, hearing loss or ringing in the ears.

Pressure inside the brain can also be caused by Isotretinoin.

This can be life-threatening and the symptoms include blurred vision, severe headaches, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, strokes and seizures.

Mood changes are also common, with many users experiencing sadness and irritability and some suffering from serious mental health disorders like suicidal thoughts, psychosis and depression.

Allergic Reactions

All medications have the possibility of causing allergic reactions. The symptoms may include swelling of the face or mouth, breathing problems and hives.

If you experience any form of allergic reactions you should consult your doctor.

Excretory And Digestive System Problems

Isotretinoin may cause digestive tract problems.

The symptoms can include poor appetite, stomach pains, bleeding gums, heartburn, dark urine, bowel pains, nausea, rectal bleeding, diarrhea and vomiting. These symptoms may suggest damage has been caused to the intestines, liver, pancreas or esophagus.

Your cholesterol and liver levels may need to be monitored when you take this medication.

Bone, Muscle And Blood Problems

When you take Isotretinoin, your white and red blood cell count may drop. This can result in symptoms like difficulty in breathing and fainting.

As Isotretinoin builds in the bloodstream it’s possible to develop problems with lipid and blood sugar levels.

You should not donate blood either while taking Isotretinoin or for a month after stopping taking it since it can represent a danger to pregnant women.

You may also experience pain your joints, bones, ligaments and muscles. Some users also experience stiffness is the muscles and joints.

Conclusion

Although Accutane as a brand isn’t being sold today, there are still lots of other brands which are selling generic forms of Isotretinoin. They can all cause the side effects mentioned above.

While Isotretinoin is known to be an effective way to treat severe and treatment resistant acne, there are a number of potentially serious side effects including mental health disorders and digestive problems.

Also, if Isotretinoin is taken by a pregnant woman, there are other dangers such as birth defects and miscarriages.

Therefore, care needs to be taken if you’re planning on taking this medication to make sure that you are aware of the possible risks.

R. Vasquez

Why You Shouldn’t Use Antibiotics For Treating Acne

Why You Shouldn’t Use Antibiotics For Treating Acne

At one time, antibiotics were the go-to treatment for acne.

However, these days, it has been recognized that the condition isn’t actually caused by bacterial infections, and when this knowledge is paired with the fact that there is an increase in antimicrobial resistance which is rendering antibiotic treatments useless, it makes sense to avoid using them as an acne treatment.

While it’s true that antibiotic treatments may reduce the severity of acne, there are numerous reasons why you should avoid using them whenever possible.

Antibiotics Can’t Treat The Causes Of Acne

Bacteria isn’t actually responsible for causing acne. That means that when you take an antibiotic to treat acne, it’s only treating one of the symptoms instead of the cause.

Some of the causes of acne include genetics, environment, diet and stress.

All of these factors can damage the fatty acids of the skin and result in overproduction of the protein which sticks dead skin cells together. This causes blocking of the pores which produces pimples. None of these elements can be addressed by antibiotics.

An Ineffective Treatment

Even in the days when antibiotics were the first line of treatment for acne, they had a very poor success rate.

One study carried out in the UK showed that as many as 82% of patients saw little or no improvement in their acne even after several courses of antibiotics.

Acne has actually become more resistant to antibiotics over the last forty years and this creates a further problem.

Bacteria Becomes Stronger

The more antibiotics are used by patients, the more bacteria will evolve and become resistant. This is a serious public health problem which is worrying medical experts today.

The treatment of drug-resistant infections is very difficult and even impossible and therefore avoiding over-prescribing antibiotics is vital.

Antibiotics Can Have Unpleasant Side Effects

When people take antibiotics to treat acne, they can develop unwanted side effects. Some of these can be serious and may be long-lasting or permanent.

While some are merely irritating and unpleasant such as teeth staining, heartburn and nausea, others can be life-changing.

There are many kinds of bacteria which live in the gut and intestines however antibiotic use harms some of these bacteria types while it may also encourage others to grow excessively. The result of this can be colon and gut problems.

People who are taking antibiotics for acne also have lowered immunity which makes them more vulnerable to a host of other conditions from the common cold to much more serious conditions.

This can lead to long-term health problems, especially as patients who are taking antibiotics for acne usually take them for extended periods – often several years.

There are also other worrying studies which have linked long-term antibiotic use to an increased risk of developing breast cancer, which is obviously something which is better avoided.

More Effective Treatments Exist

There are a number of other treatments in existence today for acne which have proven to be very promising.

For example, there is evidence to show that those suffering from acne often have a zinc deficiency. Patients who take zinc supplements often see a great improvement in their skin without any side effects or antibiotic resistance.

Many patients also find that dietary changes can be helpful while benzoyl peroxide and antioxidant supplements and topical creams are other viable alternatives.

Women who are acne sufferers can also often benefit from oral contraceptives and spironolactone to address the condition.

Is It Ever Right To Take Antibiotics For Acne?

Although there are many other options available these days to acne sufferers instead of relying on antibiotics, for some patients they may be the best option.

However, other treatments should always be tried first.

Also, when patients use antibiotics for acne, they should always use benzoyl peroxide too as this can reduce the incidence of antibiotic resistance in sufferers.

For most acne sufferers, trying an alternative treatment such as zinc supplements and topical creams will be more likely to achieve long term success in reducing or eradicating their acne than using antibiotics.

Also, as there are no unwanted side-effects and no antibiotic resistance, patients are much less likely to experience health problems in the future.

R. Vasquez

How Can Green Tea Treat Acne?

How Can Green Tea Treat Acne?

If you suffer from acne breakouts, it’s only natural to question if natural remedies could be any help.

One household remedy which has received some attention as a natural acne treatment is green tea.

Some people claim green tea can combat breakouts, as well as offering a host of other health benefits such as promoting weight loss and protecting against heart disease.

So, is there any truth in the claims?

The Link Between Green Tea And Acne

There have been many purported links between beverages and foods and acne. Some people claim that alcohol and chocolate can exacerbate the problem, while green tea has been linked with a reduction in breakouts.

There have been numerous studies carried out into whether green tea can offer any benefits to skin health, and the results have been very positive.

Green tea reduces inflammation which can help to clear the skin and reduce the severity and frequency of breakouts. Since green tea is also packed with antioxidants which combat free radicals and repair damaged skin, it can also be beneficial in relieving the symptoms associated with acne.

High blood sugar and insulin levels are linked to worse acne, and therefore keeping levels stable is key to ensuring skin stays looking clear. Green tea can actually help in this.

A Japanese study proved that people who drank over six cups of green tea every day have a lower incidence of diabetes. This is because green tea can reduce insulin resistance and lower blood sugar levels.

For this reason, green tea also promotes weight loss and this too can improve skin health.

Since green tea also has anti-inflammatory benefits it can make skin feel better and look better too.

Green Tea Benefits for Acne

Green tea offers a host of possible benefits for the skin and overall well-being too.

Green tea helps to reduce the amount of sebum produced by the skin while also giving the immune system a boost and reducing inflammation levels.

These three things, in conjunction, help massively to combat acne.

Green tea contains an antioxidant polyphenol called EGCG. This polyphenol is responsible for many of the benefits of green tea.

Here, we look at how green tea can help people who suffer from acne.

Lower androgen levels – EGCG reduces the levels of androgen in the body. This is beneficial for acne sufferers since high levels of androgens causes increased sebum production and this clogs pores and worsens inflammation, resulting in worse acne.
Combats candida albicans – people who have an overgrowth of candida in their gut suffer from all kinds of problems including acne. However EGCG combats candida on its own while also boosting “azole” antifungal treatments to make them even more effective.
Lowers blood sugar levels – EGCG lowers blood glucose and insulin levels, improving insulin resistance. Most acne sufferers are insulin resistant, and this causes excessive sebum production, worsened inflammation, swelling and redness and clogged pores. The EGCG in green tea reduces insulin resistance and improves blood sugar level control to reduce acne breakouts.
Combats skin UV damage – EGCG can repair DNA which has been damaged by UV ray exposure. This could help to combat acne since it’s possible that DNA damage due to UV exposure could suppress the immune system which could lead to worsened acne.

How to Use Green Tea To Treat Acne

If you’re interested in trying to use green tea to treat your acne problem there are two possible ways in which it could be used. You can either use it internally by drinking it, or externally by applying it topically onto your skin.

Let’s take a look at some of the different ways in which green tea can be used to treat your acne problem.

Treating it from the outside

There are numerous preparations which can be used externally to treat acne-prone skin. Here are just a few:

1.Green Tea On Its Own

Brew yourself some green tea. Allow it to cool down completely then pour into a spray bottle. Make sure your face is thoroughly clean and dry then spray the green tea on your face and allow it to dry naturally.

Use cold water to rinse your face and pat dry gently using a clean towel. Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer. Repeat this treatment twice daily for the best results.

2.Honey And Green Tea

Put a green tea bag into a cup of boiling hot water for three minutes. Take out the tea bag and allow it to cool completely.

Once it is cold, cut the tea bag open and take out the leaves. Add a large spoonful of honey to the tea leaves. Apply the mixture to a clean and dry face and leave for twenty minutes.

Rinse away using cool water, then gently pat dry. You should repeat this four times per week for the best results.

3.Apple Cider Vinegar And Green Tea

Brew a cup of green tea and allow to completely cool. Add a spoonful of apple cider vinegar to the cool tea and put in a glass jar. Store in the fridge.

Dampen a cotton ball with the vinegar and green tea mixture and dab it onto a clean, dry face. Allow to dry naturally then apply moisturizer. Repeat twice daily for the best results.

4.Tea Tree Oil And Green Tea

Brew a cup of green tea and allow to completely cool. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with the cold green tea and store in a glass jar inside your fridge.

Wet a cotton wool ball with the mix and dab gently onto a clean, dry face. Allow to dry completely then apply moisturizer. Repeat twice daily for the best results.

5.Aloe Vera And Green Tea

Pour a cup of boiling hot water and put two green tea bags into it. Let the tea cool. Squeeze in some aloe vera gel and combine well.

Soak a cotton wool ball in the mix and dab gently onto a clean, dry face. Allow it to dry naturally then apply moisturizer. Repeat this twice daily for the best results.

6.Lemon And Green Tea

Brew one quarter of a cup of green tea and allow to completely cool. Add the juice of one lemon to the cold tea and mix well.

Dip a cotton wool ball into the mix and gently dab onto a clean, dry face. Allow to dry completely before applying moisturizer. Repeat twice daily for the best results.

7. Olive Oil And Green Tea

Brew a cup of green tea and allow to completely cool down. When it is cold, pour into a spray bottle and spritz onto a clean, dry face. Allow it to naturally dry and then rinse away using cold water.

Pat your face dry using a clean towel then apply two tablespoons of olive oil onto your clean fingertips and massage into your facial skin for two minutes. Wash away with a facial cleanser and pat dry. Repeat daily for the best results.

Drink It

Drinking green tea is also an effective way to improve the condition of acne-prone skin. Drink one cup per day at least to see the best effects.

Consuming green tea as a beverage helps to reduce skin inflammation thanks to the powerful antioxidants it contains while reducing the level of insulin in the body and balancing hormones.

You can use any type of green tea. Simply boil some water and pour into a cup. Steep a green tea bag in the water for up to five minutes. Take out the tea bag and drink the tea.

You can even add fresh orange juice, mint leaves, lemon juice or a spoonful of honey to improve the flavor if you wish. Alternatively, you can add ice cubes to make iced green tea.

Begin by drinking a single cup daily and then progress to three per day. It’s wise to avoid drinking more than this amount since green tea contains caffeine. You should notice results in around 3 weeks. While you’re drinking green tea, remember to eat a healthy diet too for the best results.

Avoid excess sugar in your diet to limit the amount of breakouts you’ll experience.

Conclusion

Although green tea won’t be a miracle cure for acne, it does contain beneficial properties which mean that it can help to improve the condition of your skin.

It’s certainly worth giving green tea a try by both drinking it and applying it externally to your skin to see if it will make a difference to your breakouts. If you already drink hot beverages, it certainly makes sense to switch one of them for a cup of hot green tea, while including green tea applications to your beauty regime can be both pleasurable and beneficial for your skin.

As green tea is a natural substance it won’t cause you any unpleasant reactions or side-effects, and there’s a good chance that you will experience at least some positive results if you’re patient and wait for the recommended two or three weeks.

R. Vasquez

How Can Zinc Help With Acne?

How Can Zinc Help With Acne?

Over the many years that acne has plagued humanity there have been countless attempts at curing it. From different sorts of medication to ancient Oriental practises, there has never been a lack of acne treatment.

But how do you sort the effective treatments from that ones that just leave you looking ridiculous?

Well, I am here to tell you about a treatment for acne that you may not be aware of. Zinc.

What does zinc have to do with acne?

There are two possible zinc treatments for acne; either via a cream or serum that is administered onto the skin or taken orally in the form of a supplement.

The zinc oxide within the serum has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that greatly reduce the severity of acne breakouts. The anti-inflammatory nature of the zinc treatment can calm even the most severe of acne breakouts and can greatly reduce the pain or irritation caused by acne.

The anti-inflammatory qualities of the treatment will also reduce the physical appearance of acne on the skin, reducing the visible redness and encouraging the scars to heal much faster than they naturally would. The antibacterial properties associated with zinc will help to keep the open pores clean, making sure that the natural oils aren’t blocked by bacteria thus reducing the likelihood that another severe acne breakout will occur.

These inherent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties are able to be spread around the body as zinc sulfate, oxide or acetate is able to inhibit specific enzymes within the skin that would otherwise cause the growth of acne-causing bacteria.

Due to its inhibition via zinc these enzymes cannot produce the bacteria that would cause the onset of acne.

How can your acne prone skin benefit the most from zinc?

As previously mentioned, there are two different primary ways to treat acne via zinc.

One of those ways is by taking a supplement of zinc. This method is very simple, just take a supplement with a meal and you’re done! This, naturally, requires very little time and effort and can be managed easily.

This is generally considered the more effective type of treatment as the zinc can immediately begin to be spread around your body and affects your entire body, not just the area to which it has been administered.

The other type of zinc treatment is via a serum or cream that can be easily applied to the face, neck and any other areas of the body affected by acne. This method is slightly more time consuming than the supplement method and takes a great deal more effort.

However, this method does allow you to directly target the most severe areas of affected skin.

Some possible side effects of taking zinc supplements include; headaches, a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

How much zinc to take?

These are the recommended amounts of zinc that should be taken depending on life stage:

Birth to 6 months 2 mg
Infants 7-12 months 3 mg
Children 1-3 years 3 mg
Children 4-8 years 5 mg
Children 9-13 years 8 mg
Teens 14-18 years (boys) 11 mg
Teens 14-18 years (girls) 9 mg
Adults (men) 11 mg
Adults (women) 8 mg
Pregnant teens 12 mg
Pregnant women 11 mg
Breastfeeding teens 13 mg
Breastfeeding women 12 mg

The amount of zinc taken daily must be noted as it is very possible to ingest too much zinc.

The maximum amount zinc that adults should be taking daily is 40mg. Too much zinc within the body can cause issues with the cholesterol levels within the body.

The recommended maximum amount of daily zinc for teenagers is 34mg.

Include it in your diet

A very viable strategy to naturally treating acne is to eat food products that contain high levels of zinc.

Some of these foods include dairy products, poultry, oysters, nuts, whole grains and beans.

Changing your diet is an easy way to get zinc into your body without having to go out of your way and pick up supplements or cream.

Should you try it?

Due to the very low risk of side effects and their lack of severity I would highly recommend using zinc products, whether it be supplements or creams, if you are suffering from severe acne. Just one supplement daily or a few splashes of cream on your face can drastically change how you look and feel.

It really requires very little effort overall and the results are definitive.

There is no real reason why you shouldn’t try zinc out as a treatment for acne.

If you have any questions about zinc as a treatment for acne or if you are looking to try it out, then seek out a medical professional. I am sure that they will recommend it.

R. Vasquez