Acne Treatment

woman with acne squeezing her pimples

Many of us are disappointed to learn that we didn’t leave acne behind after high school. Yes, it is a cruel joke, but it is possible to have pimples and wrinkles at the same time. In fact, 54 percent of women over the age of 25 experience some acne. And the numbers are expected to increase. Some skin care experts call the increase in acne outbreaks in adults “an epidemic.”

Why is there an increase in adult acne?

We tend to associate acne with the angst-ridden teenage years. In actuality, many of the factors that contribute to acne in your teens are still present later in your life too. In particular, stress and hormonal fluctuations wreak havoc on your skin. Many of us do continue to experience that nasty combination of hormonal changes and lifestyle stress.

Stress and acne: a vicious cycle

The relationship between stress and pimples becomes a vicious cycle. When we feel stressed, our adrenal glands respond by producing more of the stress hormone cortisol. They also make small amounts of testosterone. These cause the oil glands in your skin to produce more oil or sebum. This raises your risk of skin infections and pimples. Of course then, when we notice outbreaks appearing, we feel more stressed. Add to that the fact that many of us can’t resist the temptation to pick at pimples. This spreads the bacteria on your skin. Voila! You have the perfect formula for ongoing acne outbreaks.

The emotional and financial burden of adult acne

Finding acne solutions can feel like a quest for the impossible. Consider this: Acne costs Americans an astonishing $15 billion a year in acne-related products and services. Ironically, we are surrounded by skin care product marketing that promises to clear up skin problems. These all claim to provide you with a flawless, youthful glow. But, many of these products actually worsen inflammation.

It all adds up to frustration for you, the consumer. It’s no wonder that 95 percent of people with acne say that the skin condition negatively affects their lives. 63 percent of acne sufferers cite lower self-confidence due to acne as a major issue.

How to treat adult acne

Since hormones are the root cause of acne, the simple truth is that treatment has to start from within. There is no “magic bullet” skin product. It is best to start with a bit of self-examination. For example, try tracking outbreaks to see if they coincide with your menstrual cycle. See if outbreaks occur along with other symptoms, with eating specific foods, or with stressful periods in your life.

Reduce stress

Think of ways you can reduce the stressors around you. Yoga and meditation are proven methods to reduce stress. Ayurvedic tradition holds that many yoga poses help with acne.

In addition, don’t forget one of the most essential parts of stress management: getting enough sleep! To prevent rubbing your face in bacteria while you sleep, change your pillow cases regularly.

How Diet Affects Your Skin

Much research remains to be done on the impact of diet on acne. But we know that the quality of the food we eat is reflected in our overall health as well as on our skin. Ultimately, you are the best test subject for which foods affect your complexion. People react differently to various foods. Even healthy foods may trigger a reaction for you. Keep a food diary and review it with your naturopathic doctor or dietitian.

A sensible approach is to eat a healthy, whole-foods diet rich in vegetables, legumes, fruit, nuts and seeds, unprocessed grains and healthy protein. Opt for antioxidant-rich foods whenever possible like berries, good dark chocolate and spices like cinnamon. Antioxidants reduce inflammation and destroy harmful free radicals.

Acne Supplements

In addition, research proves that the following nutrients have a positive effect on the health of your skin:

Zinc

The anti-inflammatory properties of zinc relieves the irritation of acne. Studies show that taking a zinc supplement reduces acne scars. Zinc is also used topically, but it isn’t as effective as taking it orally. From your diet, zinc-rich foods include beef and shellfish, especially oysters, and vegetarian sources like hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, beans, nuts, and whole grains.

Omega-3 Fats

Not only do these healthy fats soothe your skin thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties, but they also help regulate hormones. Omega-3’s are found in nuts, flax, hemp seeds, and many types of fish. The Omega 3s in fish are much easier for your body to use compared to the ones in nuts and seeds. Fatty, cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines are excellent sources of Omega 3’s. Supplements containing fish oil or vegan Omega 3’s are also an excellent way to benefit from the acne-fighting powers of Omega-3. Even though they are healthy fats, Omega 3’s will sometimes make acne worse. Fats, even healthy ones, can interfere with insulin function. That increases insulin which throws off hormone balance. If you find that adding fats or fish oil makes your skin worse, by all means listen to your body and reduce them.

High fiber foods

Eating food with lots of fiber controls your blood sugar. It does so by slowing down sugar absorption and keeping you feeling full longer. This curbs acne breakouts because healthy blood sugar levels influence hormone production. Aim for plenty of fibrous green veggies with each meal like kale and broccoli!

Stay Hydrated

You may have noticed that your skin loses some luster when you’re dehydrated. It is important to drink plenty of water to keep your skin cells healthy and nourished.

Green Tea

In addition to water, don’t hesitate to pour yourself a cup of green tea. Studies show green tea can decrease oil or sebum production. Plus, this delicious beverage is high in antioxidants! Green tea also has some estrogen balancing properties.

Topical antibiotics for acne

The bacteria that causes acne, Propionibacterium acnes, is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. As a result, focusing on acne treatment that addresses the reason that this bacteria overgrows is more important than ever.

Topical acne treatments that work

A more natural approach to moisturizing and nourishing your skin may be helpful. Many people react to the chemicals, perfumes and preservatives in skin creams. This creates more redness and inflammation. Natural oils such as Rosehips oil helps acne-prone skin. It contains a high concentration of vitamin A, omegas and lycopene. These heal and regenerate your skin. They encourage healthy cell growth and dramatically reduce scarring. Rosehips oil will be kinder to your skin than the very drying benzoyl peroxide.

Talk to your naturopathic doctor for guidance if you are having difficulty finding the right skincare solution. A number of effective natural acne remedies are available. We can help you find a solution that is right for your particular skin type.

Adult Hormonal Acne

Treating adult acne at the root cause helps you deal with this frustrating problem in a more permanent way. The more persistent cases we’ve seen usually come down to a hormonal imbalance. Whether you are in your 20’s or firmly in perimenopause, working with our Naturopaths helps you examine your full hormonal profile. Then we will find the right plan to bring your hormones, and your skin, back in balance.

If you have done what you can and are ready for professional analysis and guidance on skin-friendly treatments, come into the clinic! Together we can thoroughly measure your hormones, and look at your diet, vitamin and mineral levels, coping mechanisms, and other possible contributors. Adult acne can be treated naturally without harsh drugs or chemicals.

By Dr Pamela Frank, BSc(Hons), ND

Call the clinic at 416-481-0222 or book online here.

Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5384166/

http://jddonline.com/articles/dermatology/S1545961614P0692X#close

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308187676_The_Psychosocial_Impact_of_Acne_Vulgaris

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4884775/

http://time.com/5014072/stress-pimples-acne/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5029236/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27529209

Dry Skin

woman with dry skin

Healthier Skin from the Inside Out: Natural Solutions for Dry Skin

By Dr. Pamela Frank, BSc(Hons), ND

You’ve applied a ton of moisturizer and still you have dry skin? That’s because the health of your skin is determined by internal factors as well as external factors like cold, dry winter air. Maintaining healthy, soft skin means addressing the internal and external factors that affect your skin.

Water

Water moisturizes your skin from the inside out.  Every one of your skin cells is like a little bag of water.  If you don’t take in enough water, your skin cells may look more like dry, shriveled up raisins instead of plump, moist grapes.

EFA’s

The shell of  your skin cells is an oily layer that helps hold water in and selects what is allowed to enter and exit your cells. Taking in healthy fats, called essential fatty acids, helps build a healthy shell that keeps moisture in. Eating Omega 3 fatty acids from whole foods like eggs, nuts and seeds and fish are especially important when dry winter air hits.

Vitamin A, C & E

Because of their antioxidant value, vitamins A, C and E are important for healthy skin. The antioxidant effect helps fight free radicals and oxidative stress that can damage your skin. Topical vitamin C cream has also been shown to improve skin quality and fight aging.

Make it edible

I always recommend that you only use products on your skin that you would put in your belly. At least 25% of the chemicals that you apply to your skin are absorbed into your blood stream and the liver must then detoxify them and remove them. The chemicals in moisturizers can have unwanted estrogen like effects.  I like extra virgin organic coconut oil to protect my face and lips from winter’s dryness and wind because it’s edible (hello, it’s going on my lips!) and it has anti-inflammatory effects.

Exfoliation

Scrubbing your skin can damage it because it strips off protective oils that keep moisture in, creating redness and inflammation. Exfoliation also removes superficial layers of skin before the underneath layers are ready, exposing tender new skin cells to the elements before their time.  Gently cleaning your skin with a washcloth and water and following that with an edible moisturizer is more soothing and gentle on your skin.

Collagen

man straining to open pickle jar with prominent tendons made from collagen

Anti-aging & Collagen

What is collagen?

It is a protein, also called an extracellular matrix protein (ECM). It’s the most abundant protein in the human body and helps hold the whole works together. Think of it like a scaffolding that provides support and structure.

Why is it important?

Collagen is found in your bones, muscles, skin and tendons. There are more than 25 different types in your body. It makes up one third of your body’s protein and three quarters of the dry weight of your skin. It’s important because without good collagen production, your skin sags, muscles become weak and poorly defined, bones can develop osteoporosis and tendons can break more easily. Osteoporosis isn’t only about calcium.

What do I need to build it?

All proteins are built from amino acids. The key amino acids in making collagen are proline, glycine and lysine. The enzymes that aid in building it also require vitamin C  and copper as co-factors in its production.

What about taking it as a supplement?

Intact collagen is too large to be absorbed in the gut. In the hydrolyzed form, it has been broken down or digested by enzymes into smaller amino acid chains called peptides. These can be absorbed and have been shown in at least one study to be absorbed into the blood stream and bone of mice. Another study found that oral supplementation of marine collagen peptides with antioxidants (CoQ10, resveratrol luteolin + selenium) remarkably improved skin elasticity, sebum production, and skin ultrasound markers.

Collagen and Hypertension

Changes in the walls of the arteries and collagen function are involved in arterial stiffening in several disease states, including hypertension (high blood pressure). Maintaining healthy collagen, may help lower hypertension and maintain a healthy heart and blood vessels. One study from Oregon State University found that after 1 month of taking 500 mg of vitamin C per day, systolic (the top number, for example in 120/80 blood pressure, systolic is 120), diastolic (the bottom number) and mean blood pressures all declined about 9 percent.

By Dr Pamela Frank, BSc(Hons), Naturopath

For help with anti-aging, maintaining healthy skin, bones, arteries and veins, and any other health issue, book a consultation with our naturopathic doctors.

References:

Matthew D. Shoulders and Ronald T. Raines. COLLAGEN STRUCTURE AND STABILITY, Annu Rev Biochem. 2009; 78: 929–958.

De Luca C, Mikhal’chik EV, Suprun MV, Papacharalambous M, Truhanov AI, Korkina LG. Skin Anti-aging and Systemic Redox Effects of Supplementation with Marine Collagen Peptides and Plant-Derived Antioxidants: A Single-Blind Case-Control Clinical Study. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016;2016:4389410. doi: 10.1155/2016/4389410. Epub 2016 Jan 19.

Watanabe-Kamiyama M, Shimizu M, Kamiyama S, Taguchi Y, Sone H, Morimatsu F, Shirakawa H, Furukawa Y, Komai M. Absorption and effectiveness of orally administered low molecular weight collagen hydrolysate in rats. J Agric Food Chem. 2010 Jan 27;58(2):835-41. doi: 10.1021/jf9031487.

Oregon State University. “Vitamin C Can Reduce High Blood Pressure, Study Finds.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 21 December 1999.