A Natural Approach To Managing Acne

 Almost everyone has suffered from acne at least once in their life. It is primarily a disease of the sebaceous glands (glands in the skin that secrete an oily substance) of the face, neck, and back. When the sebaceous glands become clogged with the oily substance they produce, the buildup leads to pimples. There are various forms of acne, but the most common is acne vulgaris, which occurs mainly in adolescents.

The exact cause of acne is unknown, but contributing factors to this condition include heredity, oily skin, and androgens. Additional factors include allergies, stress, use of certain medications, nutritional deficiencies, liver dysfunction, exposure to industrial pollutants, cosmetics, and the monthly menstrual cycle.

Also, the function of the skin is to remove some of the toxic waste products from the body through sweat. If the body contains more toxins than the kidneys or liver can effectively remove, the skin takes over. In fact, some doctors refer to the skin as the third kidney. As toxins are released through the skin, they can compromise the health and integrity of the skin, creating problems.

<B>Health recommendations</B>

Note. Some of these recommendations may take 2-4 weeks before results or improvements appear.

Apply white distilled vinegar (can be diluted if too strong) to face and affected areas. Leave on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off with cold water.

Lemon or any citrus fruit works great as a natural exfoliant as it removes dead skin cells that can clog secretions. As with white vinegar, apply lemon juice (or your preferred lemon juice) to your face. Let it dry for about 10 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water. You may feel a slight stinging or burning sensation when you apply the lemon juice. If so, then juice dilution is acceptable.

Increase your water intake. Water helps flush out toxins and helps transport nutrients throughout the body.

Eat a well-balanced diet to ensure adequate nutrition. Take a high-quality multivitamin and mineral supplement to make up for nutritional deficiencies in modern foods.

Echinacea or Oregon grapes can be used to boost the immune system and fight acne-causing bacteria.

Dandelion, burdock, or red clover can help protect the liver from toxic overload.

Herbal combinations such as Natures Sunshine Ayurvedic Skin Detox and BP-X can also be used to cleanse and detoxify the liver and reduce acne.

A large amount of vitamin A has been used successfully to treat severe forms of acne. However, large amounts can be toxic and should only be used when working with your healthcare professional.

Consider adding additional zinc to your diet. Zinc promotes tissue healing and helps prevent scarring. It is also important for the body in fighting infection and inflammation.

To clear up and heal your skin, try a homeopathic acne remedy. This can help dry out pimples and prevent future breakouts.