Acne
Acne is a skin inflammation affecting approximately 80% of those between
the ages of 12 and 24. Located in each hair follicle or tiny pit in the
skin, is a sebaceous gland that lubricates the skin. If some oil gets trapped,
bacteria multiply in the pit and the skin becomes inflamed. Most adolescents
have acne because the sebaceous glands are stimulated by a male hormone
at puberty. No exact cause is known, but contributing factors are heredity,
oily skin, androgens (male hormones) produced in increased amounts when
either a boy or girl reaches puberty. Other causes may include allergies,
stress, junk food, and oral contraceptives. Blackheads form when sebum
combines with skin pigments and plug the pores. If scales below the surface
of the skin become filled with sebum, whiteheads are formed. In severe
cases, whiteheads build up, spread under the skin and rupture, eventually
spreads the inflammation.
NUTRIENTS:
- Chromium (GTF) used as directed, aids in reducing infections
of the skin.
- Gerovital H-3 face cream (GH-3) used as directed on the label,
relieves inflammation. (Used in Europe with good results).
- Lecithin one capsule before meals, needed for better absorption
of the essential fatty acids.
- Primrose oil used as directed on the label, supplies the essential
gamma-linoleic acids needed for healing.
- Unsaturated fatty acids one tbsp. cold-pressed sesame or flaxseed
oil (linseed oil) or take in capsule form, needed to keep the skin smooth
and soft, and to repair damaged cells.
- Zinc gluconate 30-80 mg daily, aids in healing of tissue and
helps to prevent scarring.
ALSO HELPFUL:
- Vitamin A and E emulsion, 100,000 IU vitamin A and 400 IU vitamin
E, (use emulsion for easier assimilation), strengthens the protective epithelial
(skin) tissue.
- Accutane used as directed on the label, strengthens epithelial
tissue. (Caution: Do not use if pregnant. May cause birth defects).
- Chlorophyll liquid or tablets, used as directed on the label,
aids in cleansing the blood, preventing infections.
- Cod Liver Oil, used as directed on the label, is a good source
of vitamins A and D, which are needed for healing of skin tissue.
- Hydrochloric Acid (HCL) with digestive enzymes, taken with meals.
(Caution: Those with ulcers should not take digestive enzymes containing
HCL).
- Niacin, 100 mg with each meal, improves blood flow to the surface
of the skin.
- Proteolytic enzymes, 2 tablets between meals, will free radical
scavengers.
- Retin-A, (contains retinoic acid and a vitamin A derivative)
is taken by prescription only. Successfully used by dermatologists to treat
acne. (Caution: Do not use if pregnant. May cause birth defects).
- Vitamin B complex (high potency) with extra B6 and pantothenic acid,
take 50 mg 3 times a day, important for healthy skin tone.
- Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, 3,000-5,000 mg daily in divided
dosages, promotes immune function.
HERBS:
PREPARATIONS:
- Prepare a poultice using chaparral, dandelion,
and yellow dock root, and apply to the areas of skin with acne. (It is
best to grind the herbs to a powdered or granulated form. Add water until
the mixture is the consistency of a thick paste. If using a granulated
form, add a small amount of ground flaxseed or cornmeal and mix until the
consistency of thick paste. Spread this paste on a piece of fresh white
cotton so that it is a quarter inch thick, and cover the area completely.
Place a towel over the poultice to prevent heat loss. If you choose fresh
herbs for the poultice, simmer two ounces of the herb in half a pint of
water for approximately two minutes. Do not drain. Pour the entire mixture
into a cheesecloth. It is best to cleanse the area first with hydrogen
peroxide before applying the poultice. Apply the herb poultice directly
to the affected area, making sure that it covers the area completely. A
second layer should be added to retain heat. Do not reheat a poultice and
reuse. When poultice has cooled, remove and discard. Wash the skin thoroughly.
If acne spreads or worsens, discontinue use of poultices).
- Use red clover, lavender and strawberry
leaves as a steam sauna on the face. Lavender kills
germs and stimulates new cell growth.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Keep the affected area as free from oil as possible. Wash or pat with
lemon juice 3 times daily. Shampoo hair frequently.
- Increase your intake of raw vegetables. Avoid alcohol, butter, cream,
caffeine, cheese, chocolate, eggs, fat, fish, meat, poultry, sugar and
wheat. Do not use any dairy products for a month. Acne may develop due
to an allergic reaction to dairy products. The fat content of the dairy
products can worsen the condition. Add one dairy product at a time to see
if the acne returns.
CONSIDERATIONS:
An antibiotic cream or oral antibiotic is sometimes prescribed for acne.
If so, add acidophilus because antibiotics kill friendly as well as unfriendly
bacteria. Eat plenty of sour products, such as yogurt.
Benzoyl peroxide, an active ingredient in many acne products, helps
in mild cases.
All cosmetics should be water based, do not use oil-based products.
Blackheads should be removed only with a specially designed instrument.
Picking or scratching may cause scarring.
Keep hands clean and avoid touching the face.
Go to Nutramedical's Herb Finder Index