Why Body Acne Is Harder To Treat Than Facial Acne

Author: Kathlene Capelle
Source: isnare.com

According to older beliefs, acne can be caused by excessive consumption of greasy foods and chocolate. Many dermatologists and other skin professionals now say that there is no proven scientific connection between food and acne.

However, I prefer to believe that what you choose to put in your body will have a definite effect on your health, including your skin condition. Sugary foods, excessive caffeine, and greasy, fatty snacks?all have a negative effect on our bodies and overall health. Not drinking enough water also does not help in skin repair and formation of new tissue. If your skin is particularly susceptible to acne, having a poor diet will definitely not help the situation.

It is known that eating too much sugar and refined carbohydrates can lead to a surge in insulin. This in turn may create a condition referred to as IGF-1, where an increase in insulin creates the production of excess male hormones. Excessive male hormones can create an excess of sebum, the greasy stuff that can clog pores, attract bacteria, and create monster zits. IGF-1 is also believed to cause keratinocytes to multiply, which can wreak havoc on skin.

Doctors have consistently warned of the health dangers of consuming saturated fats and trans fats. Saturated fats have an overall negative effect on the body, weakening the immune system, promoting inflammation, and for acne sufferers, perhaps raising the skin’s oil production level. To have the best complexion possible, keep your body healthy and filled with good, health-promoting nutrients. You should strive to reduce saturated fats because they promote inflammation, and will not help you in your battle against acne.

Certain oils are, however, absolutely essential to your health. These essential fatty acids reduce inflammation, and help promote healthy skin, nails and hairs. Examples here include flax oil, olive oil, and fish oil.

You should also ensure that you have an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals on a regular basis. Vitamin A is paramount for promoting healthy skin. Avocados and carrots are excellent sources of Vitamin A. Vitamin B-6, Vitamin C, and Zinc are other important nutrients for promoting a good complexion.

Another aspect to consider in terms of diet is your food allergies. Sometimes, people experience severe cases of acne, even if they lead a very healthy diet and have never suffered from severe acne before. In these cases, the cause may be a potential food allergy.

If you suspect your acne is caused by a food allergy, begin by increasing your daily amount of water consumption. Then try to rule out the root cause of your potential acne. Common causes of food allergies include dairy products, excess sugar, and certain refined flours and grains. Also, avoid foods rich in iodine, which have been linked to acne. Iodine-rich foods may include salt, liver, cheese, crabs, shellfish, clams, and kelp products. If you consume iodized salt, make the switch to sea salt. If you find dairy products worsening your acne, consider switching to soy or rice milk and cheese products.

The only way to prove whether there is a link between your acne and food is first by making definite changes to your diet. Observe carefully and see if you are better able to control your acne through the diet changes. Even if your acne is not caused by diet, you gain in terms of having a healthier and well nourished body. It is likely that your physical appearance will benefit from a body that is not filled with junk food!

Author: Marcia
Source: isnare.com

Acne is one of the most – or maybe the most – common diseases, and one of the oldest one as well. Ayurveda, an ancient healing system, has long discussed acne in its teachings and has treated acne successfully in natural ways.

What is Ayurveda and how does it relate to skin care?

Ayurveda is an ancient complex healing system from India, which is thousands of years old. Its goal is to provide guidance regarding food and lifestyle to improve the health of people.

The skin is practically the mirror of one?s health. One myth about acne is that it?s a contagious, being an external problem. Indeed, it is shown externally in the skin, however acne is an internal problem. If the skin is not cared properly and neglected it suffers from premature aging, becomes dull and blemished. Ayurveda occupies itself quite a lot with skin types, skin problems and skin care, all through natural means. Acne in ayurveda is called Yauvan Pidika (the eruptions of youth).

As acne, or yauvan pidika is an internal disorder of your body, the cause is usually connected with the person?s constitution.

Based on the Ayurveda teachings, the main acne cause is an increase in vata and kapa dosha, as well as an increase in the rakta and medha dhatu. Wjat this means, is that based on ayurveda, acne is caused by improper diet and other internal factors.

1. Improper diet
2. Increased sexual arousal, particularly in teens (which might explain the high rate of acne among teenagers)
3. Lack of Vitamin A (retinol)
4. Women with menstrual problems

Also there is a bacteria that normally lives on the skin called Propionibacterium acnes. This bacteria lives on the sebum produced by the skin oil glands. At times, this bacteria multiplies and causes inflammation and acne.
Particular foods generally do not cause acne. However, in some people, certain foods will make acne worse. The most common ones are chocolate, nuts, carbonated beverages, and milk. Nevertheless most people’s acne is not aggravated by these foods.

So what solutions does Ayurveda propose to cure acne naturally?

First of all, a change in diet. – do not confuse a change in diet with my comment above on foods that do not cause acne. It is not about a particular food, it is about changing your diet style, so your body can process the food in a more effective and efficient way.

1. Try to avoid eating cold food
2. Eat a lot of green vegetables, fresh fruits
3. Drink plenty of water – 7-8 glasses of water a day are optimal. Your skin is the largest organ of your body and is the first to lose moisture and become dehydrated.
4. Eat compatible food together
5. Use hot wet towel compresses are the best treatment for localized infections, as heat dilates blood vessels, followed by a cold compress, which has the opposite effect.

This is a basic overview of how Ayurveda can help with the acne problem. You can find more free information on my blog.

Check out my articles for more information on acne, and on naturally fighting it, such as with using ayurveda, at: http://www.acne-natural-treatment.criticdust.com/acne-natural-treatment-and-ayurveda-part4.html, or visit my blog