Acne…How to get rid of it?

Acne is an infection of the oil glands, located just under the skin. Depending on the depth and stage of the infection, the severity, this infection may range from mild, red patches to severe, painful cysts.

Symptoms may include:

• Redness
• Pain
• Swelling
• Or pus (white blood cells)

The different stages of infection are:

• Mild blackheads or small red patches
• Red bumps to medium pustules (“pimples” or “zits”)
• Medium to large sized pustules
• Large cysts or cystic acne which may scar

Contributing factors that may cause acne:

• Bacterial infection
• Oil glands overactive
• Oil glands or hair follicles may become blocked
• Immune response of the body

Acne occurs mostly on the face, neck, and shoulders, but may occur on other parts of the body as well.

To treat acne:

• Good hygiene is your best defense! Wash your face twice daily with a mild soap or gentle facial cleanser, especially after exercise and to remove makeup or dirt.
• If you must “pop” your “zits,” be sure to use sterile hands, tissue, or instruments and clean and sterilize the area before and after.
• Avoid scrubbing your skin or using harsh, drying products, especially on your face.
• Shampoo your hair on a daily basis using a mild shampoo.
• Comb or pull back your hair to keep if off of your face.

Good habits are the key to prevent reoccurring acne:

• Avoid wearing caps, hats, and headbands. If you must, be sure to wash them frequently to avoid retaining oils or dirt and re-infecting your skin.
• Avoid squeezing, scratching, picking, or rubbing the acne to prevent further infection and scarring.
• Avoid touching your face—your fingers and fingernails may increase the infection.
• Avoid greasy and oily cosmetics that may clog your pores.
• Avoid greasy foods, chocolate, nuts, fried foods, and foods containing refined sugar.
• Visit a cosmetician for regular skin cleanings and treatments.

Foods to avoid:

• Greasy, fried foods
• Refined sugar
• Nuts
• Chocolate
• Alcohol
• coffee

Herbs that may help soothe acne:

• Tea Tree Oil—for external use only!—may reduce bacteria, inflammation, redness, and improve overall symptoms. Never apply in full strength directly to the skin.
• Guggul—taken orally—may reduce bacteria.
• Burdock—boiled and applied with hot compresses directly to the affected areas—may soothe the skin.
• Calendula—either in an herbal tea form or applied directly to the face—may be used as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory face wash.
• Cleavers, Dandelion, Figwort, Red Clover, and Yellow Dock—may be made into a tea and applied as a hot compress or used as a face wash.

Diet or a cleanse may also help since the skin is one of the body’s five elimination organs, cleansing the colon, liver, lungs, kidneys, and especially the skin will not only improve your overall health and organ function, it may also assist in clearing up some of the underlying causes of acne.

A healthier diet is always a good idea because improving the integrity of your intestinal tract (70%+ of your immune function) will improve your health, including your skin.

Foods that will improve your intestinal health and skin health include:

• Leafy green vegetables
• Cruciferous vegetables
• Fresh fruits
• Whole grains
• Lean proteins

And, WATER, lots of water! At least half your body weight as a baseline for your water intake each day. Add additional water for exercise, hot days, high altitude, or diuretics such as coffee or sodas.

For more information on cleansing strategies or healthy food choices, purchase Intestinal Health ~ A Practical Guide To Complete Abdominal Comfort. Available in either hardbound or Ebook. www.intestinalhealthbook.com

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