Acne

These suggestions are not intended to replace appropriate professional advice. Please check labels and consult your pharmacist if you take medication.

Acne is a frustrating condition that, while common, often causes feelings of insecurity. Whether experienced in teenage years or as an adult, acne can be caused by many different things such as an accumulation of acid waste in the body. This diet and basic supplement suggestions form a foundation for the maintenance of good health and glowing skin from head to toe. Of the many suggestions, try what appeals to you!  Make a few changes at a time until you achieve your desired outcome.

Diet

• Drink 7-10 glasses of filtered or spring water. Chlorine destroys gut flora which can disrupt skin balance.
  
  
• Go organic. Pesticides contribute to hormone imbalances and toxicity.
  
  
• Create a diet that is 75-80% alkaline forming with antioxidant rich fruits, veggies, raw seeds and nuts, legumes, and whole grains. A chart is available.

• Animal products are a source of hormones and are extremely condenses, and are therefore most acid forming. Eat them in moderation.

• Avoid heavy protein after lunch for better assimilation of amino acids.
  
  
• 1-2 tsp apple cider vinegar and honey (optional) in water with meals improves digestion and corrects pH.
  
  
• Have 1-3 tbsp ground flax daily.  The lignans in flax slow the conversion of healthy hormones into harmful pseudo hormones associated with acne.
  
  
• Replace salt with Herbamare for all the flavour but 1/3 the sodium.  High sodium intake can cause acne. Iodine in Herbamare supports thyroid function.
  
  
• Eliminate alcohol, deep fried, processed, sugary or salty foods.
  
  
• Cook gently. High heat generates acrylamides & advanced glycation end products.

Basic Supplements - Elevate nutrition from adequate to optimum

• Bio-Strath – provides B vitamins and numerous other vital nutrients for digestion of fats, carbs and protein, stress tolerance, and immunity.

• Vitamin C - necessary for healing the skin and for the formation of collagen.
  
  
• Vitamin D – anti-inflammatory, a deficiency is associated with acne.
  
  
• Chlorophyll (a source of magnesium) – blood cleanser, hydrates colon.
  
  
• Essential fatty acids – hormone balance, anti-inflammatory, skin health.
  
  
• Probiotics – intermittent use to correct pH, digestion, benefits overall health.

Special Help for Acne

• Zinc – 10-30 mg – promotes healing of the skin, antibacterial properties.
  
  
• Perform a detox for at least 30 days (unless you are feeling enervated). When your detox is done, your new alkalizing diet will ensure there is never a waste buildup in your system again. Choose a product that includes liver cleansing ingredients like Milk Thistle and/or Dandelion.

Topical Treatments - Any or all of the following can be used to promote healing

• Castor oil is an effective cleanser for troubled skin. Many customers have reported skin improvements.
  
  
• An apple cider vinegar compress for 10-15 minutes reduces redness and kills bacteria. 
  
  
• Unless skin is very irritated, exfoliate every 2nd day. 

• A vitamin C serum promotes healing and reduce the appearance of scars.
  
  
• A few drops of food grade vitamin E oil makes a healing moisturizer for inflamed skin and promotes healing of scars.

Additional Suggestions

• Brush your scalp and dry body brush a few times a week to keep the lymphatic system flowing and your skin glowing.
  
  
• It is important for skin to receive a steady supply of rich, oxygenated blood.  Get lots of fresh air, sunshine, and exercise.  Breathe deeply, exhale completely. 
  
  
• “Oil pulling” is an effective way to clear skin conditions on the face or scalp.  Take one scant tbsp of coconut oil in your mouth.  Once it liquifies swish it around using a sucking action on sides and roof of your mouth and on the tongue.  Continue for up to 20 minutes.  Spit the oil into the garbage (not down the drain) and rinse your mouth with water. 
  
  
• Make sure your bowels move regularly – twice a day is the goal.  There is adequate fluid and fiber in the dietary suggestions but if your bowels are initially sluggish increase your chlorophyll and vitamin C to get things moving, then decrease as needed.

• If you wear makeup, consider switching to natural cosmetics. Traditional products often include harmful hormone-disrupting and carcinogenic ingredients that do not benefit your skin. Our Wellness on Purpose Podcast has a great episode about making the switch to natural cosmetics!

Keep a journal to track your progress for 6-8 weeks.  By following as many of the suggestions as possible you may see improvements in other areas of your health as well!

Remember, you’re meant to be healthy, happy, and comfortable in your own skin.

*Revised December 2024