ASK LORI - Acne Advice

QUESTION:

Hi, this is a nutritional question, regarding what natural remedies I could use internally or externally for my acne which I have had for many years, the result left me with scars/blemishes on my cheeks and chin, I cover these up during the day via make up.

If you have any nutritional advice I will appreciate it. Thanks

good luck with everything and continue to do what you’re doing.

regards,

Asking for Acne Advice

 ANSWER:

Hello Asking,

Acne is a complicated condition.  Hormones, diet, stress levels, genetics and hygiene all play a role in whether or not one has acne. 

Acne usually does not present itself before puberty and some people are fortunate enough never to have to deal with it.  But others of us are not as fortunate.

Women often deal with acne for a more prolonged period because of hormone fluctuation during different times of the month.

My advice to those suffering from ongoing acne is as follows.

Firstly, though hormones may be playing a major role, do not underestimate the power of diet.  The liver is responsible for flushing excess hormones after each menstrual cycle.  But it also is responsible for all of the other toxins in the body as well.  It has a big job!  If it is congested, as most are, it will have difficulty performing this task, leaving the body with excess hormones.  These hormones accumulate each month, paving way for PMS, headaches, acne, irritability or any other menstrual symptoms you may experience.

So, how to keep the liver clean and healthy so it can do its job….This is where your diet comes in.  Actually diet also helps regulate hormones to begin with.  But now it needs to keep the liver healthy as well.  A diet rich in greens, especially raw greens is of utmost importance in order to receive sufficient minerals.  Also, lots of fresh fruit should be consumed for the vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants.  It is important to note that organic, non-GMO foods will be beneficial, where GMO foods and pesticides are endocrine disrupters and will tamper with hormones.  Also, of great importance is that to receive the necessary nutrients from fruit, it should be consumed only alone or with raw vegetables; not with meat, dairy, grains, beans, processed foods, etc. 

Another dietary guideline to consider is what to leave out of the diet.  We always want to know what to take or eat to fix a problem.  But what we often fail to consider is what to leave out.  To have beautiful skin, avoid or reduce processed food.  Most processed food is filled with chemicals and even GMO’s.  Dairy is often a culprit in acne.  If you choose to consume dairy or meat, choose non-commercialized, grass-fed, non-GMO, organic (without hormones or antibiotics).  And avoid sugar and sugary foods.  Drink lots of purified water.  No sodas, juices, Gatorades, diet sodas, crystal light, etc! 

If you still would like a supplement to top it all off, try LifeGreens by a company called VP Nutrition.  You can find them online.  Google VP Nutrition.  It is a whole food green supplement also containing milk thistle which is helpful in cleansing the liver.  There is also a green food supplement from the Vibrant Health and Wealth book store called Organic Barley Green Juice Powder.  It is bursting with helpful minerals.

Have patience.  Your skin is only as healthy as the blood running beneath it.  It may take a little time to flush out the toxins.  If you find the dietary changes difficult, just remember, as you begin to see positive results, you will feel more motivated.

Best of luck & health to you!

-Lori