Aggravating Acne

Causes and Treatment by Diet for Acne.

You could draw dot-to-dot on my face!

Causes of Acne.

What causes acne? It’s when tiny holes in the skin known as hair follicles become blocked. These follicles are attached to sebaceous glands which lubricate the hair and the skin to stop it drying out. To do this, they produce an oily substance called sebum.

These follicles can become blocked by too much sebum and dead skin cells. If the plugged follicle is close to the surface of the skin, it bulges outwards, creating a whitehead.

Teenage acne is caused by testosterone. The sebaceous glands are particularly sensitive to hormones. Increased levels of testosterone cause the glands to produce much more sebum than the skin needs.

Adult acne (my favourite!) can affect more than 80% of women; usually caused by the changes in the hormone levels.

Acne is NOT caused by a poor diet, or by having dirty skin and poor hygiene.

Risk factors for acne can be caused by genetics, the menstrual cycle, anxiety and stress, using oil based makeup and squeezing pimples. (I used to like seeing the pus ooze out!)

Foods that can be involved in causing acne.

Even though acne is not caused by a poor diet, some studies indicate that the following foods may worsen acne:-

• Carbohydate rich foods like bread, chips, pasta made from white flour.
• Sodas and other sugar sweetened drinks.

Refined carbohydrates are absorbed quickly into the bloodstream which rapidly increase blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels rise, insulin rises which puts the blood sugars out of the bloodstream and into our cells.

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Insulin makes androgen hormones more active. Skin cells grow more quickly and sebum production is boosted.

Foods that can help to treat Acne.

Foods, high in antioxidants like vitamins A & E, zinc and omega 3 fatty acids may help to reduce acne. Antioxidants can fight free radicals and oxidative stress within the body. The following foods contain these nutrients :-

• Salmon
• Avocados
• Walnuts
• Chia seeds
• Peppers
• Spinach
• Berries
• Most types of nuts

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My Own Experiences with Acne

When I was a teenager, I had very little acne. It was the odd spot on my face and forehead.

However, for some bizarre reason when I was 41, I developed acne which was so bad, you could play dot-to-dot on my face and see what picture you could draw!!

I felt embarrassed and I use to cover them with tons of makeup, when I had a night out. That was probably the worse thing I could have done!

So, how did I get rid of the little blighters? Well, I did the following –

• I stopped using the same towel on my face as my body.
• I stopped squeezing them.
• I used tea tree oil on them. ( I still do if one dares to make an appearance!)
• For some reason, I found suntan lotion on my face seems to help.
• I noticed a massive difference when I ate (and still do) hemp seeds on my breakfast.
• I cut down on refined carbs etc. and ate more fruit and vegetables.
• I use hemp oil on my face I’m impressed with how good my skin looks and feels.

Do you suffer with acne? Have you tried any of the above strategies?

Sources

nhs.uk, mayoclinic.org, healthline.com, medicalnewstoday.com, everydayhealth.com, rd.com, healwithfood.org