Acne and Vitamins

You can help alliviate and even Eliminate Acne using Good Nutrition

The dictionary defines Acne as a skin disorder. Most of us have our own definitions but we all want clear skin, not pock marked or red and inflamed skin. Personally I would like to avoid even just a slight pimple.

But no matter how much we dream of clear skin, most of us have had acne at some time in our lives. Nearly all adolescents experience some form of acne during the teenage years and it is estimated half of all adults, ages 20 to 40 suffer from a persistent skin condition.

What Causes Acne?

Acne does have a genetic component, so you might just be one of those people that are blessed with less or burdened with more. But no matter what your genetics, environmental factors and nutrition can play a big role in turning acne switch on or off.

The problem is excess sebum production by the sebaceous glands found at the bottom of the hair follicles. The initial increase in sebum production is not completely understood but one significant trigger is an enzyme that is produced during hormonal changes in the body. This might help explain why acne breakouts happen most during puberty, at the start of the menstrual cycle, after or during pregnancy, and during the use of estrogen therapy.

What Can be Done?

Most people with a skin problem, Acne, believe the skin should be "dried out" with an alcohol based "toner", or scrub. When this is done, the skin tries to take care of itself and since it is so dried out, the body produces "oil", which creates the problem again and it becomes a non ending "circle".

Many acne treatment products rely on the active ingredients of high concentrations of salicylic acid or benzyl peroxide, their one big "gun". This is intended to "zap the existing blemishes quickly". What usually happens is the skin becomes irritated and the other factors that contribute to the cycle of acne troubled skin are not addressed.

A better choice would be a product with a lower concentration of Salicylic Acid while containing antioxidant vitamins and botanicals, which helps leave the skin smooth and healthy looking while the skin heals fast and future breakouts are prevented.

People who want both a gentle and effective "spot treatment" and are looking for a long term solution to the problem of acne troubled skin will have better luck with products and supplements that are intended to prevent unwanted acne instead of damage control after the fact. It comes down to treating the symptoms or creating a long term solution.

Vitamins and Nutrition to Combat Acne

Vitamin supplements play a major part in preventing and treating acne. Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Zinc and B5 (pantothenic acid – as part of a good B-complex ) all are beneficial in preventing and treating acne.

These vitamins and minerals can help to strengthen the body's immune system, which is vital in controlling skin disorders such as acne.

Zinc, a trace mineral and an antioxidant can boost the immune system and therefore help to reduce acne. Zinc is also known as a "clean up enzyme," as it cleans up damaged tissue caused by acne and other injuries.

All these nutrients should be taken through food or as food supplements to help reduce the onset of acne.

Drinking a minimum of 6 – 8 glasses of pure, non chlorinated water as well as keeping junk food at a minimum is a great help to healthy skin.

Other nutritional helpers include fiber, a good multi-vitamin, Vitamin C and a good source of protein. Vitamin C is needed to help rebuild collegen so the skin can rebuild itself. Omega-3 fatty acids and Lecithin can also help when it comes to achieving great looking and healthy skin.

To Wrap it All Up

We take our skin for granted just as we take our health for granted. Once again, the magic button is no magic at all. Our health takes our personal focus, a good nutritious diet, and GOOD supplementation.

Be sure to include:

1. Vitamin E
2. Vitamin A (BetaCarotene)
3. Vitamin B Complex
4. and Zinc

Other helpful supplements include:

1. Vitamin C
2. Fiber
3. Omega 3 Fatty Acids
4. Lecithin

Cut back on the highly processed, sugar filled junk foods and add in some better natural foods to your diet. Boost it all with the supplements mentioned above. Your skin will love you for it and will show it.

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