Acne treatment

Any chronic skin disorder is a reflection of some internal imbalance. Diet, lifestyle, hormones, stress, and toxicity all play a role. Naturopathic treatment typically produces excellent results in this otherwise resistant condition.

Use the product links to the right for information and purchases.
Click here for a list of products relating to Acne treatment products.

Typically there are two distinct types of acne, Acne Rosacea and Acne Vulgaris. While both types of acne are similar inflammatory skin disorders, acne rosacea usually begins at middle age or later, while acne vulgaris is largely seen in young adults. The exact cause of acne is not known, but certain factors have been implicated. These range from poor digestion and bowel congestion, hereditary causes, oily skin and hormonal imbalances. Allergies, stress, bowel toxicity, food sensitivities, hydrogenated fats, long term antibiotic therapy, oral contraceptives and nutritional deficiencies have all been contributing factors.

From a natural health point of view, our skin largely reflects our inner health. The skin is a channel of elimination, as are our bowels, kidneys, lungs etc. As the skin is the largest organ in the body, both types of acne may respond to a detoxification program, thus improving digestion, cleansing the bowel and improving the functioning of the liver. We stock a number of excellent formulations that can help with not only acne, but also to work on the underlying cause of this problem. One exceptional programme is the Internal Cleansing Programme. If the bowel is irregular, a reabsorption of waste matter can overload the body, contributing to skin problems, such as acne. Taking Primadophilus and Colostrum will help here.

The skin also 'breathes'. If the pores become clogged, the microbes that are involved in causing acne flourish because they are protected against the bacteriostatic action of sunshine. This gives rise to the need for pure, chemical free, cleansing products. We think the best products for this are New Zealand's own Living Nature skin care products. In their range they have a purifying cleansing gel, and deep cleansing mask for oily acne skin. You can also purchase the Living Nature Acne Pack. This contains 5 separate products specifically to treat acne - Makes a wonderful gift.

Having a high water intake is essential for helping with any skin problem. Toxicity levels will be higher if water intake is low. We all need approximately 8 glasses or 2 litres of water a day. This amount is just for our normal bodily functions - just for the body to function properly. If you are overweight, if you exercise, are in pain, are in air conditioning, stressed or eat junk food, all of these factors increase your fluid requirements over and above 2 litres a day.

Nutritional and Herbal support for Acne Treatment include:

AKN skin care - a herbal blood purifier specifically for treating acne.

Burdock - a herb that is specific for liver cleansing and is used with acne.

Essential fatty acids and Vitamin E - A deficiency of EFA's can contribute to any skin problem. Supplementation is important for any health complaint.

Vitamin A - Often prescribed in different forms and strengths. Vitamin A can help with healing, speeding up wound healing. Studies have shown that this needs to be taken for at least 3 months.

Zinc - supplementation contributes to rapid healing of both internal and external wounds. Most people are deficient in this mineral as it is depleted in NZ soils. Particularly useful in conjunction with Vitamin C.

Multipower - A daily supply of essential vitamins and minerals is very important not only for good skin, but for your general health too. These multivitamins can help ensure you are getting these, regardless of your diet.

Clay Friction Peel - removes dead skin cells from the skin, thus unclogging pores.

Some important points about Acne:

It is definitely stress related, so you are more likely to have a flare-up when you are under any sort of physical or emotional strain.

Avoid picking and squeezing, which may force more sebum into deep skin layers, causing increased inflammation. Fingers may also introduce infection.

You won't see the benefit of any treatment for at least six weeks, so persevere and be patient.

Controversy exists over whether diet plays any role in the pathology of acne. Natural health practitioners believe that food sensitivities, saturated and hydrogenated fats, a lack of friendly bowel flora, bowel toxicity and poor elimination, nutritional deficiencies and hormonal imbalance's can all contribute to causing problems such as Acne. Because of this, a healthy diet is essential. A diet high in healthy fats, water, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, fresh fruits and vegetables is essential to help avoid any further problems.

Acne has been referred to as "Skin Diabetes", reflecting the skin's inability to metabolise sugar correctly. Reducing sugar and refined carbohydrate consumption may help.

The mineral Zinc promotes healing, reduces scarring, inhibits growth of acne-producing micro-organisms and is required for maximal immune activity.

The sebum of individuals with acne has been found to be low in essential fatty acids such as Omega 3.

Moderate exposure to sunlight usually helps acne.

Don't scrub. Scrubbing stimulates overgrowth of skin cells, aggravating the condition. Wash twice a day with plain soap and dry gently.

Disguising an unsightly spot with a water-based cover cream won't aggravate the condition and is good for your morale.

Wearing you hair in a fringe does not cause acne on the brow.

Drink no less than 2 litres of water a day.

Avoid sugary or fatty foods as these interrupt hormonal signalling.

Be aware of any allergic reactions to foods (particularly dairy products) which can make the condition worse.

Seek advice from you heatlh care professional if your bowels are inefficient.