Alternative Healing for Acne: Vitamins & Herbs Treating Acne

Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder characterized by pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Acne affects about 80% of people between the ages of 12-35, to some degree. Acne can have severe effects on its sufferers, including emotional stress and low self-esteem.

Acne often arises at puberty, when hormone production go into overdrive. These hormones stimulate the production of oils which often become trapped in pores, causing blemishes. Sebum is an oily skin lubricant which is produces from these hormones. When sebum combine with skin pigments and block the pores, blackheads occur. Whiteheads appear when sebum fills scales below the surface of the skin.

Factors that contribute to acne include heredity, oily skin, monthly menstrual cycles, imbalance of hormones, and overabundance of yeast (candidiasis). Allergies, stress, use of certain drugs (steroids, oral contraceptives), and exposure to environmental pollutants can also be factors in acne.

The skin is the largest organ in the body. Eliminating toxic waste from the body through sweating is one of its major functions. An overly toxic body, due to improper functioning of the liver and/ or kidney, is often a major cause of acne.

Nutrients for Curing Acne

Acidophilus
Dosage: as recommended on label
Replenishes essential “good” bacteria to reduce outbreaks of acne.

Chromium picolinate
Dosage: as recommended on label
Helps to reduce infections of the skin and acne.

Flaxseed Oil or Evening Primrose Oil
Dosage: as recommended on label
Supplies needed gamma-lineolic acid to keep skin soft and smooth. Repairs tissues and dissolves fatty deposits that block pores and cause acne.

Potassium
Dosage: 99 mg daily
Acne has been associated with potassium deficiency.

Vitamin A with Betatine
Dosage: as recommended on label
Strengthens skin tissue and acts as an antioxidant.

Vitamin B Complex
Dosage: 100 mg of each major B vitamin 3 times daily
The anti-stress vitamin, aids in healthy skin tone.

Vitamin C with bioflavanoids
Dosage: as recommended on label
Enhances immune system and reduces inflammation.

Vitamin E
Dosage: 400 IU daily
An antioxidant that helps in tissue repair and skin healing.

Herbs for Treating Acne

–Burdock root and red clover are blood cleansers; burdock also contains inulin, which removes bacteria and improves quality of skin.

–Milk thistle aids the liver. Liver dysfuction can lead to acne.

–Lavender essential oil can be applied directly to blemishes and acts as an antibiotic and antiseptic.

–Chaste tree berry helps in preventing PMS-related breakouts.