Acne is a very embarrassing skin condition that can affect people of all ages, although it tends to be more common in teenagers and women. Most people suffer from spots and blocked pores at various times in their life: for the majority of us the occasional spot is unsightly, but something we can cope with. But acne is far worse than one or two spots and in the most severe of cases, the skin becomes one mass of infected cysts and lesions, which can cause significant psychological damage as well as long term physical scars.

What are the symptoms of acne?

The symptoms of acne are skin lesions caused by blocked and infected hair follicles. We usually associate spots with acne, but there are different types of skin lesion and acne is normally classified according to the severity of the skin problems.

Blackheads and whiteheads (or closed and open pores) are the least severe symptoms of acne. Blackheads are formed by an enlarged hair follicle that becomes blocked with dead skin cells, bacteria and excess sebum. Whiteheads are small white bumps under the surface of the skin.

Papules are small red spots caused by the infection from a burst whitehead. The body’s immune system responds to the bacterial infection, causing inflammation to spread into the surrounding skin tissues. When a spot fills with pus, it is then referred to as a pustule.

Nodules are hard lumps beneath the surface of the skin. They look nasty and are usually very painful to touch.

Cysts are the most serious form of acne skin lesions. Like a nodule, a cyst is a large spot that resembles a boil. Cysts are full of pus and can be excruciatingly painful. They are also the lesion that is most likely to cause permanent scarring in the acne patient.

Acne lesions can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most common on the face, shoulders, chest and back.

What are the different types of acne?

There are three different types of acne, depending on the severity of the skin lesions. Mild acne is characterized by blackheads and whiteheads, mostly on the face. Moderate acne is characterized by blackheads, whiteheads, papules and pustules on the face and possibly the back. Severe acne includes cysts and nodules and tends to cover a much more extensive area of the body.

What causes acne?

Acne is caused by too much sebum. Sebaceous glands in the skin produce sebum to keep the skin moisturized, but in a person with acne, an excess of sebum builds up and blocks the hair follicles. Blocked hair follicles become whiteheads and blackheads, and once infection sets in, papules, pustules, cysts and nodules.

Acne in teenagers is caused by increased levels of testosterone during puberty, which leads to an over production of sebum from the sebaceous glands and the symptoms of acne. Once puberty is over, teenagers usually find that their acne settles down and the spots clear up, but for some, acne can continue into their twenties and thirties and adult acne is a big problem.

Adult acne tends to affect women rather than men, mainly because the underlying cause is hormonal. Pregnancy can trigger adult acne, as can the monthly menstrual cycle—lots of women find that their skin erupts just before their period is due. Adult acne can also occur as a result of certain medications used to treat mental health conditions such as depression.

What is the treatment for acne?

Treatment for acne will normally depend on the severity of the acne, but if self help methods do not work, the first line of treatment would be to try over the counter remedies including face washes and topical lotions designed to help reduce the symptoms of acne. If these do not work, your doctor will be able to prescribe stronger medications, including antibiotics and topical creams to kill skin bacteria and reduce local inflammation.

Mild and moderate acne can usually be brought under control with the help of topical creams and lotions containing benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics, retinoids and azalaic acid. These all help to kill bacteria and reduce infection, dry out the excess sebum and unplug blocked hair follicles, and reduce inflammation.

Women suffering from hormonal related acne often find that their symptoms are reduced if they start taking an oral contraceptive. Certain brands can help to improve acne, although it can take several months before any significant improvement is noticed and the pill can cause other side effects including unwanted weight gain and mood changes.

More severe cases of acne may need to be referred to a specialist dermatologist for treatment. The patient will be prescribed longer courses of antibiotics in conjunction with topical treatments. Patients with severe acne may be prescribed isotretinoin by their dermatologist, but it can cause a number of serious side effects and should only be used with extreme caution.

Are there any complications caused by acne?

Severe acne can often leave visible scars on the skin, even after the lesions have faded. This can lead to psychological distress, but there are methods available to help reduce acne scarring in affected people. Treatments for acne scarring include dermabrasion, laser treatments, chemical peels, and surgical subcision to remove deep tissue scars.

The other main complication of acne is the psychological effect the condition can have. Acne can cause high levels of anxiety and upset in affected people, and over time this can lead to depression, which is why it is important to seek help for acne.

It will probably come as no great surprise to learn that despite the vast array of different foods on offer in supermarkets and food stores, cases of vitamin deficiencies are on the rise in the western world. Indeed, it has been estimated that as few as 20% of Americans consume the correct levels of vitamins and minerals in their daily diet, which can have a devastating effect on our health, and since the largest organ in the human body is our skin, skin conditions such as acne are exacerbated by these vitamin deficiencies. So which vitamins can you use to help alleviate the symptoms of acne?

There are lots of very important vitamins and minerals, all of which are essential to our metabolic functions, but modern diets often lack these essential ingredients. This is especially true if you eat a large amount of junk food packed full of trans-fats and sugar—aside from the token slice of pickle in your burger, most fast food is sorely lacking in essential vitamins and minerals.

Essential vitamins used to treat acne

There are several key vitamins that help improve the appearance of our skin and guard against the conditions that cause acne. Some vitamins act as antioxidants and play a role in removing the harmful toxins that accumulate in the body whereas others have antibacterial properties and prevent skin bacteria from forming and leading to the spots and skin lesions so typical of acne.

No one vitamin can be used to prevent or treat acne and in an ideal world you should aim to have a balanced diet that includes all of the recommended vitamins and minerals as this will improve your overall health, not just your skin health. But once you have a greater awareness of which vitamins have the most significant part to play in healthy skin function, you can make sure you include these important vitamins in your daily diet—or at the very least, start taking a vitamin supplement.

Vitamin A is vital to healthy skin as it stimulates new skin growth and helps our body to repair the damage caused by acne skin lesions, cysts and nodules. Vitamin A is found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, carrots, pumpkin and yellow squash. It can also be applied directly to the affected skin in the form of topical creams and lotions. Vitamin A is best taken with vitamin E so that the body can digest it properly.

B vitamins are crucial for healthy skin and a lack of vitamin B2 is a known cause of acne. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is an antioxidant and helps to flush out waste products from the skin. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B3 (niacin) are essential for healthy skin. Vitamin B5 can help to correct hormonal imbalances that are often the cause of acne in women and girls. Vitamin B6 is important for a healthy immune system and a vitamin B6 deficiency can cause acne.

Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system as it acts as an antioxidant. There are lots of foods that contain vitamin C, including citrus fruits, strawberries, blackcurrants, and green leafy vegetables.

Vitamin E has antioxidant properties and boosts the immune system. It can be found in green vegetables, sunflower seeds, almonds, papaya, and olives. Vitamin E also has useful anti-scarring properties, which is why it is used in skin care products, so try using vitamin E creams to reduce the scarring caused by severe acne.

Zinc is very important for healthy skin and there is lots of research to suggest that zinc is a powerful weapon in the fight against acne as it can help regulate the production of sebum (oil) in the skin. Zinc has antioxidant properties that actively support healthy skin. It also promotes healing, which is essential for acne scarred skin, plus it boosts the immune system and helps the body to fight bacterial infections that can cause acne lesions on the skin. Foods that are rich in zinc include veal, oysters, sesame seeds, shrimps, yoghurt, green peas and turkey.

Chromium is another essential mineral all acne sufferers should not go without. Chromium supplements can help to reduce the skin infections that cause acne to spread, but unfortunately a high sugar diet can prevent the body from absorbing enough of this essential mineral. To ensure you are ingesting enough chromium, it is a good idea to take a liquid chromium supplement.

Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish are a great way to help the body combat further breakouts of acne. Omega-3 fatty acids have powerful anti inflammatory properties and can help to bring the skin inflammation that is characteristic of acne under control. Omega-3 fatty acids also help to control the levels of androgens in the body, a major cause of too much skin oil production. In order to increase your consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, eat more oily fish such as sardines or salmon, or take a fish oil dietary supplement.

There is no doubt that taking a vitamin and mineral supplement is an excellent idea if you are suffering the effects of acne, but it is very important to be aware that some vitamins and minerals are toxic when taken to excess, so monitor how much you are ingesting and be aware of any symptoms that could be an indication you have taken too much of any one vitamin or mineral. If in doubt, always seek medical advice immediately.

Acne affects most people at some point in their life and it is one of the most common types of skin conditions. Acne can be mild, with only one or two spots, to severe, where large areas of skin are affected by spots, cysts and lesions. It can be an immensely distressing condition causing a great deal of emotional and psychological damage, particularly in teenagers, which is why it is important to seek medical help for your acne if you find that over the counter remedies are not working.

When should you get medical help for your acne?

Everyone gets spots occasionally, and for the majority of people, application of a topical cream of ointment is enough to dry the spot up and it disappears within a few days. It can be embarrassing, especially if a spot materializes the night before an important event, but not the end of the world. However, in more serious cases of acne, the condition can cause serious skin problems and lead to secondary infections and permanent scarring, so it is always a good idea to seek medical advice if you are concerned about your acne.

Years ago, acne was not taken so seriously and there were very few treatments that were readily available to treat the symptoms of the disorder. But today’s acne sufferers have access to a much wider range of treatments and nobody needs to suffer the effects of acne any longer than necessary.

Once the correct treatment has been identified, the outlook for acne sufferers is usually very good and most patients can expect to see a significant improvement within three months of starting a course of acne treatment. In the long term, some maintenance therapy may be required to keep the symptoms of acne under control, but the vast majority of people find that their symptoms slowly disappear as they get into their twenties.

At what point do I need to seek medical advice for my acne?

Mental health is a serious issue and many people suffering from chronic acne also suffer from associated feelings of low self esteem and depression, so if you are feeling so low that you don’t want to venture outside any more and you feel like nobody will ever want to be with you because of your bad skin, you have to accept that you cannot go it alone any more.

There is no specific point at which you should seek medical advice, but if your skin condition is making you feel depressed and is impacting on your life in a negative way, it is probably a good idea to pay a visit to your doctor for an assessment of how serious your acne is and what treatments he or she can recommend.

Doctors normally make an assessment on acne based on a visual examination of the extent of the condition and what types of lesion are present. Mild to moderate cases will be treated in the first instance with topical ointments and lotions containing ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics to treat the bacteria present on the skin. Severe cases of acne will probably be referred to a dermatologist for a secondary opinion to ensure a correct diagnosis and more effective treatment plan.

Can acne be a symptom of an underlying medical problem?

It is important to be aware that the symptoms of acne can sometimes be caused by conditions that require medical attention, so if you are experiencing any other symptoms as well as acne related skin problems, seek medical advice as soon as possible so you can receive a correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment.

Polycystic ovary syndrome in girls can lead to the symptoms of acne by causing excessive levels of testosterone to be made in the ovaries or adrenal gland. Aside from acne, other symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome include excess body hair and thinning hair on the scalp.

What is cystic acne and does it require medical attention?

Cystic acne is an especially severe form of acne that definitely requires medical treatment. The correct name for the condition is nodulocystic acne and it is the most serious form of acne. Deep blemishes affect the face and/or body and cause severe inflammation. Cysts and nodules develop under the skin that are painful and take a long time to heal.

The type of deeply inflamed nodular cysts seen in cystic acne are far more serious than regular acne and can cause long term damage to healthy skin tissue, which can lead to extensive scarring. Because of this, it is very important that a sufferer seeks medical advice promptly—immediate aggressive cystic acne treatment can significantly reduce the likelihood of scarring and improve the quality of life for the affected person.

Due to the severity of cystic acne, over the counter treatments and home remedies are not effective and a doctor or dermatologist must treat the condition. It can take a while to find the right treatment plan for an individual patient, but there are effective systemic treatments available and you do not need to suffer from the effects of cystic acne.

What treatments are used for cystic acne?

Oral antibiotics are normally prescribed to treat any underlying bacterial infections. Powerful anti acne drugs such as isotretinoin might also be prescribed, although they are not suitable for all patients. Some female patients also find that a course of oral contraceptives can help reduce their symptoms of cystic acne.

There are lots of over the counter and prescription acne treatments, but many of them contain harsh chemicals that can cause even more damage to inflamed skin. Because of these unwanted side effects, it can be helpful to try natural acne remedies instead, so learn how to treat acne naturally and effectively.

What is a natural acne treatment?

The definition of “natural” is a product that contains no artificial ingredients or chemicals and is created from all-natural things. Typical examples of natural acne skin treatments include face masks made from clay or mud and skin care products from retailers such as the Body Shop.

Why try natural remedies to treat acne?

Prescription medications can be very successful in treating acne, but long term use of antibiotics and topical ointments containing harsh chemicals such as benzoyl peroxide can cause all kinds of side effects, including digestive problems and dry, inflamed skin. Some people also suffer from allergic reactions to over the counter acne treatment, which makes it impossible for the person to continue using them, so their only option is to try treating the symptoms of acne with natural remedies instead.

How can natural acne remedies help?

In many cases, acne is caused by an imbalance of hormones and body chemistry and the external symptoms of spots, oily skin and lesions are a sign that your body is not working at its optimum level. Traditionally antibiotics are prescribed to try and kill the high levels of skin bacteria that cause the symptoms of acne, but it is sometimes better to treat acne from within as high levels of skin bacteria indicate that your body is creating the conditions that allow bacteria to develop.

What natural remedies can help treat acne?

If chemical treatments are not working for you, it is worth trying holistic remedies to reduce your symptoms of acne. Holistic medicines aim to treat the underlying problems from the inside out and they are often longer lasting and more effective than more traditional treatments such as antibiotics and topical creams. Chinese herbal medicine has several products aimed at treating the inflammation and pimples found in acne. They contain herbs and natural ingredients than can prove to be very effective when all else has failed, although you will achieve greater success if you address other issues such as a poor diet at the same time.

How to treat acne at home using natural remedies

Tea tree oil is known for its natural antibacterial properties, so try using natural tea tree oil cleansing products morning and night. Apple cider vinegar has lots of useful health applications, but when applied to the face and body following cleansing, it can help to dry up spots and reduce inflammation caused by acne. Witch hazel and rose water can work as a very effective natural astringent toner. Aloe vera and milk mixed together into a gel will reduce redness and inflammation.

Face scrubs and face masks are useful for drawing out bacteria and toxins from the skin, but many products available from drug stores contain harsh chemicals that leave the skin dry and sore after use, so instead of spending a fortune on expensive brands, make your own face scrubs and face masks using completely natural products. Honey is a great natural healer and is also very suitable for sensitive skin, so make a natural face mask with honey and oatmeal and use twice per weak for maximum effect.

Oatmeal is an excellent natural facial ingredient: mix some with water and microwave until soft. Leave to cool and then apply to the face and leave in place for ten minutes. Rinse off with cold water and the inflammation should be much reduced. Alternatively make a natural face scrub using sugar, lime or lemon juice and oatmeal. Rub the face scrub into your skin gently and then rinse off with clean water: the lime/lemon juice is a natural astringent that closes pores, dries up excess oil and kills bacteria.

Natural moor mud or Dead Sea mud is another proven natural ingredient that can help reduce the symptoms of acne. Natural mud contains high levels of nutrients and antioxidants. It promotes healing and reduces the inflammation caused by acne. When used regularly, results will be seen quickly.

Can natural diet supplements help cure acne?

There is a lot of evidence to suggest that diet plays a big part in reducing the symptoms of acne, so it makes sense to heal your body from the inside. Zinc is a very important ingredient in the diet of acne sufferers and a lack of zinc can lead to more skin outbreaks. Taking zinc supplements can reduce the amount of sebum your skin produces, which in turn helps to dry the skin out and prevent more spots and lesions from forming.

Vitamin A and B6 also play a key role in keeping the skin healthy, so if you are not sure whether your diet contains enough healthy nutrients, consider taking a diet supplement containing vitamin A and B6.

And finally, if your skin is problematic and you suffer from regular outbreaks of acne, make sure you are drinking enough fresh water every day. Water helps to flush out the toxins from our bodies and when we are dehydrated, it affects our skin and leads to further blemishes and spots forming. Drinking plenty of water is the best way to keep your skin clear and healthy, so consume between six and eight glasses of water per day.

Acne is a very distressing skin condition that affects people all over the world, but although there is lots of skin care products marketed at people suffering from acne, many of them contain harsh chemicals that cause unnecessary discomfort and unpleasant side effects. Consequently, many people choose to look for natural and herbal remedies for treating acne instead.

Natural and herbal remedies for treating acne contain no harsh chemicals and are usually made from naturally occurring plants, herbs and other healthy ingredients that are readily available. Unlike prescription medications and over the counter skin care acne products, natural and herbal acne remedies do not normally cause any side effects unless you are allergic to one of the ingredients, which makes them a safe alternative.

Are natural and herbal acne treatments expensive?

Cost is often a big factor when choosing acne treatments. Products made by the big skin care companies tend to be very expensive and you can easily spend a huge amount of money when buying the recommended selection of cleansers, toners, moisturizers and topical lotions and creams. Natural remedies can be much cheaper, especially if you make your own acne treatments using ingredients you already have.

What ingredients are used in natural and herbal acne treatments?

Tea tree oil is a common ingredient in natural acne remedies. Tea tree oil is distilled from the leaves of a plant that grows in Australia: Melaleuca alternifolia. Thanks to one of its key constituents, terpinen-4-ol, tea tree oil has powerful antibacterial properties and has been used in herbal medicine for thousands of years. When applied directly to the skin, tea tree oil can kill acne causing bacteria, and studies have shown that topical use of tea tree oil is just as effective as a common prescription acne remedy—benzoyl peroxide; it takes longer to work, but it causes far fewer side effects.

Undiluted tea tree oil can sometimes cause mild burning and irritation of the skin, but it can be diluted in water or added to aloe vera gel before applying to the affected areas. Tea tree oil can be found in natural over the counter acne treatments, where it is often combined with witch hazel.

Zinc is known to help reduce the inflammation associated with acne. Zinc is found in red meat, poultry, whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, some seafood, nuts and beans. It can also be taken as a dietary supplement, although you must take care not to exceed the recommended amount of zinc in your daily diet as too much zinc can cause all kinds of nasty side effects, including stomach cramps, nausea, headaches., and loss of appetite. You must also be careful not to take zinc supplements at the same time as antibiotics as one inhibits absorption of the other.

What herbal medicinal ingredients can be used to fight acne?

Herbal medicine can help improve the symptoms of acne. A commonly used Chinese herb called dong quai has been found to have similar benefits to antibiotics prescribed in the treatment of acne.

Licorice also has significant anti-acne properties and is often used in Chinese medicinal cures for acne and other skin complaints. Licorice has been used as an ingredient in herbal medicines since the Middle Ages and is known to stimulate the body’s adrenal system, which helps with the removal of bacteria and toxins that cause acne and its associated skin lesions.

Guggul is an herb used in traditional Indian herbal medicine and studies have shown that it can help to reduce the skin lesions experienced by acne sufferers when taken as a daily supplement for three months.

Green tea is a popular drink in Asian cultures. Green tea contains powerful antioxidant properties and can help lower excessive hormonal activity in the body, which is often a major cause of acne related skin conditions, particularly in pubescent teenagers and women.

Ginger is another powerful ingredient used in Chinese herbal medicine and can be taken to reduce the inflammation and redness associated with acne. Ginger can be infused in boiling water and drunk as a tea or it can be taken as a dietary supplement.

Echinacea is widely available in health food shops and can be used to boost the immune system when treating acne the natural way. Echinacea can be taken as a dietary supplement or included in herbal teas.

What natural ingredients can be applied as a topical remedy for the treatment of acne?

Oatmeal is very soothing for inflamed and sore skin and can be used as a natural face mask for calming inflammation and promoting healing of the skin. Mix some oatmeal with boiling water and leave to cool before applying it on the face and body. Leave it to soak in for around ten or fifteen minutes and then wash off. You should find that the itchy inflammation is soothed and your skin feels much softer.

Honey also has a similar effect. Honey contains natural antibacterial properties and can also be used as a topical face mask to promote healing and sooth inflammation of the affected skin.

Distilled white vinegar can be applied directly to the areas of skin affected by acne lesions. It helps to deep cleanse the pores and promote healing by way of its natural antibacterial qualities.

Citrus juices have natural antibacterial properties and can be included in home made face masks and facial cleansing scrubs. They help to deep cleanse clogged pores and exfoliate the dead skin cells, which can reduce the appearance of skin lesions and promote healing.

Everyone suffers from the occasional spot or blemish. They typically appear the night before a hot date or on the morning of an important job interview, but although one or two spots might be hugely embarrassing for a few days, they soon disappear and you are free to go out in daylight without massive amounts of concealer all over your face. But acne is not the same, so if you suffer from this distressing skin condition, start looking at ways to prevent the causes of acne before the spots and blemishes threaten to ruin your life.

What causes acne?

Acne can be caused by a variety of different problems. It is a common skin complaint in teenagers due to the effects of fluctuating hormones during puberty, but acne can also affect older men and women—even people in their forties can sometimes suffer from severe acne.

Stress and a poor diet can all play their part to create the right conditions for a flare up of acne, but there are also some underlying medical conditions known to cause acne related skin conditions, so if acne is blighting your life, it is always a good idea to seek medical advice to rule out the possibility of hormone related health problems such as polycystic ovaries.

How can I reduce my risk of developing acne?

There are lots of self help methods you can use to reduce the number of outbreaks of spots and blemishes you are suffering from. Small changes in lifestyle can make a huge difference and following an effective skincare routine can also help to keep the skin free from excess oils and less susceptible to eruptions of spots and blemishes.

Diet

There is a great deal of evidence to suggest an unhealthy diet can cause skin outbreaks and acne. We have all been there: we ate too much rich food over Christmas and by the time New Year comes around, our face resembles a pepperoni pizza. The sad truth is that if you eat too much fatty foods laden with sugar and additives, toxins slowly build up in the body and start to excrete through the pores of the skin, which inevitably leads to spots and blemishes.

So the best way to beat spots and acne is to ensure you are eating a healthy diet packed full of fruit, vegetables, and essential nutrients. Stay away from the sugar laden carbohydrates as these trap oil and harmful bacteria in the skin, which is a major cause of acne related spots and blemishes. Try to eat foods containing vitamin A, E and B6 as these all help to keep your skin healthy and clear. Carrots are a good source of vitamin A and B6, plus they contain lots of antioxidants, which help to keep skin cells in top condition.

Vitamin A slows down the production of sebum in the skin: too much oil in the skin is a major cause of blocked pores and blackheads. Vitamin B6 supplements are useful for women who suffer from premenstrual skin problems as they reduce the effect of testosterone on the skin. Zinc is another useful supplement for acne prone skin: zinc helps to neutralize the effects of fluctuating hormone levels.

Drinking lots of water is good for the skin. Water helps to flush out the toxins and keep skin fresh and clear. Staying hydrated also allows the body to sweat more efficiently, which removes toxins and improves the complexion. However, only drink pure water and not sugary drinks, as these do not count towards your daily fluid intake.

Can exercise help to prevent acne?

Regular exercise is good for the mind and body and ideally you should partake in some form of exercise at least three times per week. Aim to get your heart rate up enough to make you sweat—this helps to improve blood flow to the skin, which in turn oxygenates the skin cells. Sweating flushes toxins out of the skin, thus helping to prevent spots and blemishes—although you must take a shower after exercise to wash away the sweat and dirt before your pores become blocked and bacteria builds up on the skin.

Skin care

Skin care is very important if you are prone to acne. It is not enough to wash your face with a bit of soap and water once per day—you must spend time cleaning and moisturizing your skin to keep it free from harmful bacteria and prevent blocked pores leading to spots.

There are lots of skin care products formulated for acne sufferers on the market. Most of them contain chemicals that dry out oily skin and clear blocked pores, but not all of them are very effective. If you have sensitive skin, wash twice daily with a mild antibacterial soap and clean water, followed by an application of moisturizer, and then once or twice per week, use a deep cleansing face mask made from natural mud or clay.

Other ways to help prevent acne

If you have long hair, try and keep it off your face as much as possible. Most hair products contain irritating oils that cause inflammation on the skin, so stick to water based hair styling products if you have to style your hair.

Acne on the back, shoulders and chest can be a real problem for some people, so if this is affecting you, avoid wearing tight clothes as these can rub and lead to further irritation, which in turn causes spots to form.

We are what we eat—and this is especially true if skin problems are causing you grief. Eating a bad diet full of fast food and sugary starchy foods is unhealthy for anyone, which is why millions of Americans are dangerously obese. But is there a definite scientific link between diet and acne? Will changing your diet for a healthier one really have a positive effect on your skin problems?

Although previous generations did not believe that diet played a significant role in the development of acne, the causal link between diet and acne has been scientifically proven in recent years. It might seem obvious that eating too much greasy foods and sugary snacks is bound to cause spots, but there are many foods that can play havoc with our complexions, so if acne is blighting your life, it is very important that you look at what you eat in any given day so you can eliminate the problem ingredients that could be inadvertently making your skin problems worse.

How does diet affect acne?

High glycemic foods have a negative effect on skin conditions such as acne. Every time you snack on sugary starchy foods your body experiences a sharp spike in insulin and glucose, which is why you feel a buzz when you wash down a burger with a large cup of coke at a fast food restaurant.

Studies have shown that when subjects are asked to eat a low glycemic diet based on whole grains and protein rich foods, they showed a 50% reduction of their acne when compared to another study group given a diet based on sugary snacks, white bread and potatoes. Such research indicates that acne can be significantly improved by eating low glycemic whole foods and cutting back on high glycemic starchy foods such white bread and potatoes.

What low glycemic foods should I eat?

Instead of snacking on high calorie, low value food such as white bread, chips, fries, junk food, cakes and biscuits, try and include a greater amount of brown rice, wholemeal pasta, brown or wholegrain bread, oatmeal, whole grains, legumes, pulses and of course lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. You can still eat and drink some sweet food items, but limit them where possible and you will soon begin to notice an improvement in your skin.

The link between dairy products and acne

Dairy products are thought to make acne worse in some people, although the results from scientific studies remain fairly inconclusive to date. However, dairy products contain a hormone called IGF-1 which has been linked to an increased production of sebum in the skin, and since acne is invariably caused by an over production of oil (sebum) that causes blocked pores and eventually spots, it is possible that dairy foods can make acne worse.

Dairy products also contain male hormone precursors, also known as androgens. These are converted to hormones in the body by way of enzymes in the skin, and just like the IGF-1 hormone, androgens have been linked to an over production of skin cell and sebum production, both of which lead to blemishes and spots symptomatic of acne.

The link between omega 3 fatty acids and acne

We hear a lot about omega 3 fatty acids. They are much touted as a wonder-food and are included in lots of health food supplements as a result, but can aside from the fact that omega 3 fatty acids are good for us in a variety of different ways, can they really help improve the skin of acne sufferers?

Omega 3 fatty acids are found in oily fish and some whole grain foods such as flax seeds and nuts. Along with omega 6 fatty acids, omega 3 helps to fight inflammation in the body, which is very important for acne sufferers since skin inflammation is a major part of the acne condition. Other studies have also indicated that inclusion of omega 3 rich foods can help keep IGF-1 levels under control, which helps to prevent an over production of skin sebum and reduce outbreaks of acne.

The best way to ensure your diet contains enough omega 3 fatty acids is to eat a few portions of oily fish every week. Tuna, mackerel, salmon, and herrings are all good sources of omega 3, but you can also add chia seed, flax seed, and hemp into your diet as these are all healthy whole grains.

The link between zinc and acne

There is lots of scientific evidence showing a link between zinc and acne. Zinc helps to reduce inflammation and kill skin bacteria, so taking an over the counter zinc supplement can help relieve the symptoms of acne.

Will a low calorie diet help acne?

Starving yourself is never going to be a sustainable cure for acne, but there is some evidence to suggest that eating a low calorie diet can help reduce outbreaks of acne. High calorie diets tend to be full of unhealthy sugar and starch, which leads to higher levels of skin oil—a major cause of acne. Reducing the number of calories you consume (particularly empty calories from sugar and starches) will help your general health and in turn improve your skin.

Should I stop eating chocolate?

There is some evidence to suggest that milk chocolate causes a spike in insulin levels, which can exacerbate acne symptoms. On the other hand, a small amount of chocolate is not going to make a massive difference, so if you can’t bear the thought of cutting out chocolate from your diet, eat it in moderation and stick to dark chocolate instead.

Acne can often be treated with a combination of good skincare regimes and a healthy diet, but in more serious cases your doctor may prescribe medications to treat the underlying infection and heal your problem skin from the inside out. So what acne treatment prescription drugs are commonly used to treat severe acne outbreaks?

Over the counter medications for acne treatment can be very effective and are always the first line of treatment. For a lot of people, over the counter treatments can help to improve the appearance of blemishes and spots seen in mild cases of acne, but if your skin does not improve with regular use of over the counter acne medications for at least one month, it is advisable to seek further medical advice since nobody has to suffer from severe acne in this day and age.

Prescription drugs for acne treatment come in two different forms: oral and topical. Oral drugs such as antibiotics can be used to treat any underlying infections that might be causing the frequent outbreaks on the skin, whereas topical creams and ointments are useful for controlling the local inflammation and soothe the visible effects of acne.

Prescription drugs used to treat acne are often very similar to over the counter medications, except that they are stronger. Topical acne lotions and creams are designed to dry out oily skin, prevent the blocked pores that can lead to skin blemishes, and encourage the production of new skin cells. Antibiotics used to treat acne attack the underlying bacterial infections that are usually found in severe cases of acne.

What acne treatment prescription drugs are available?

Benzoyl peroxide is a common treatment in acne medications. It is used in some over the counter medications, but stronger doses are found in prescription acne drugs. Benzyl peroxide is applied as a topical cream or lotion. It dries out the affected skin and encourages dead skin cells to slough away, but it can cause a number of side effects, including peeling skin, local redness and inflammation. For maximum effectiveness it should be prescribed in conjunction with a course of low grade antibiotics.

A combination of acne treatments is normally the most effective way of treating the condition and benzoyl peroxide is often used in conjunction with antibiotics to achieve the maximum results. You may also need to experiment with different combinations of drugs to find the right medications that work for you. What works for one patient might not have the same effect on another and different doses can also play a significant role. You might also experience side effects with some prescription drugs used to treat acne, so it is very important that you report any unwanted symptoms to your doctor or dermatologist immediately as some prescription acne medications can cause serious long term problems.

There are several combination prescription medications available to treat the symptoms of acne. Benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin are prescribed in different doses depending on the severity of the symptoms and patients suffering from inflammatory acne should soon begin to see a noticeable improvement.

Antibiotics can be very useful in treating moderate to severe cases of acne and if you suffer from persistent or recurrent acne, a short course of oral prescription antibiotics may be prescribed to help clear up any underlying bacterial infection. Tetracycline is the most common antibiotic used in the treatment of acne, but like all oral antibiotics, drug resistance is becoming an increasing problem, so long term use is no longer recommended.

Patients can experience side effects when using antibiotics to treat acne: skin upsets and an increased sensitivity to the sun are common. Women taking oral contraceptives for the prevention of pregnancy should also be made aware that antibiotics reduce the effectiveness of the pill and alternative methods of contraception must be used for the duration of the treatment. Women may also notice an increase in vaginal thrush infections whilst taking prescription antibiotics since the drug kills off the good bacteria as well as the bad bacteria.

What prescription medications can I try if antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide treatments are not working?

Isotretinoin can be used to treat in very cases severe cystic scarring acne, but it should be used with extreme caution as it can cause serious side effects including dry skin, itching, aching muscles, increased sensitivity to the sun, increased blood cholesterol levels, and liver problems. It is also known to cause serious birth defects and should not be taken by women who are pregnant or at risk of pregnancy—two forms of birth control should be used whilst taking the medication. There is also thought to be a possible link between isotretinoin and an increased risk of suicide, so it is important to be aware of feelings of depression whilst taking the drug.

Oral contraceptives can often help reduce the symptoms of severe acne in women, particularly if the acne is caused by fluctuating hormone levels or too much testosterone. However, oral contraceptives are not suitable for all women and can cause unwanted side effects such as breast tenderness, sickness, and depression.

Acne can blight your life in every sense of the word, but with such a wide range of over the counter and prescription medications now available, you no longer need to suffer the effects of this debilitating skin condition, so if acne is a major problem, visit your doctor and ask for some acne prescription treatments.

Not everyone is unlucky enough to suffer from acne at some point in their life, but the fact is most of us do have to deal with bad skin from time to time, but the important thing to remember is that acne can be treated as long, so do not lose heart. There are lots of different acne treatments out there. Some are simple lifestyle changes to boost your overall health, whereas others require a bit more time and effort, but with the right approach, acne need not ruin your teenage years or even your adult ones—so read on for five useful tips on getting rid of acne.

Tip #1 – Give your lifestyle an overhaul

Lots of us can admit to eating too much junk food and not getting enough exercise, but if you are suffering from acne and your skin is a mess, the time has come to start looking at making some positive lifestyle changes. Eating healthily and exercising regularly will not miraculously cure your acne, but it will improve your overall health, and a healthy body and immune system give your skin a fighting chance to recover from acne.

Aim to eat a better diet and cut out the junk food and excess alcohol. Too much fat and sugary food is proven to irritate the sebum glands in the skin, which is a major cause of acne. Once you start eating more fresh fruit and vegetables, you should notice a difference in your complexion. Concentrate on snacking on healthy foods full of vitamins and minerals instead of laying waste to a bag of donuts at coffee time. Your skin will thank you for your self restraint.

Tip #2 – Go natural in your skin care routine

Harsh cleansers and skin care products containing chemicals and addictives are not always good for acne prone skin. Many of them strip the skin of its natural oils, which only causes the sebum glands to over compensate by producing even more oil. This becomes a vicious circle and the more you cleanse the skin the more spots you get. So rather than use harsh skin cleaners, try using skincare products made from natural ingredients instead.

Natural skincare products are a lot kinder to the skin. They do not contain strong chemicals and are less likely to cause further irritation on skin already stressed and inflamed from the acne. Skin products containing natural ingredients such as tea tree oil can help treat the bacterial infection and settle the inflammation down, while store cupboard staples such as honey and oatmeal can deep cleanse the pores and remove blackheads.

It is worth experimenting with natural ingredients and making your own face masks using citrus and antibacterial tea tree oil. See what works for you and have fun at the same time—natural products are safe to use and very effective for mild to moderate cases of acne, so give it a go.

Tip #3 – Probiotics

If your doctor has prescribed antibiotics to help treat your acne, it is a good idea to add probiotics to your diet. Antibiotics are not terribly discriminating and kill all bacteria in the body, including the good bacteria that populate the digestive system. So although antibiotics are very helpful at controlling the skin infections that cause acne, they play havoc with your gut and in the long term can make your acne worse.

Good bacteria in the gut help the body to effectively process waste and remove the toxins. When the delicate balance of flora in the digestive system is disturbed, the body is unable to get rid of toxic waste products and it all accumulates, eventually oozing out through the skin instead, causing acne to worsen.

Taking a probiotic supplement can help to restore the natural levels of good bacteria in your system. Alternatively, try eating probiotic foods such as natural live yoghurts. These are a tasty way of ensuring your good bacteria stay nice and healthy, even if you need to take a long term course of antibiotics.

Tip #4 – Do not stress about things!

Keep an eye on your stress levels if you want to keep your acne under control. It is easy to stress out about acne, but stress is incredibly bad for your health. Stress can cause all kinds of long term health problems (including making your acne worse) and many cases of adult acne are triggered by stress.

Once you recognize that stress is affecting you, try and do something positive to keep your stress under control. If work is stressing you out, delegate some responsibilities to junior personnel or consider changing jobs. If relationships are the stress point, take a good look at where changes can be made.

Try yoga or Pilates to help manage your stress levels in a healthy way, or join the gym and start burning off some excess energy doing exercise—the harder you work, the more effectively your metabolism gets rid of waste and increases healing blood flow to the skin.

Tip #5 – Do not suffer in silence

Acne can be very depressing, no matter how old you are, but always remember, there are lots of help and resources for acne sufferers available if you ask for it. If over the counter acne treatments are not working, seek medical advice. Doctors and dermatologists have lots of treatments for acne, so there is no need to suffer in silence any longer.

Acne affects most people at one time or another. Some of us suffer from the horror of acne during our teenage years whereas some enjoy clear skin right up until their forties before the blight of acne strikes, so how can you prevent acne from occurring in the first place and what acne treatment tips are there to help you keep problem skin under control and minimize the effects of this distressing skin condition?

Tip #1 – Diet

Never underestimate the importance of eating a healthy diet. The old adage, you are what you eat, is very true when it comes to problem skin. Our skin is the window to the rest of the body and if we eat a poor diet lacking in essential nutritional building blocks, our skin tends to look grey and unhealthy. So the best way to improve the appearance of your skin is to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, plus drink lots of water to flush those toxins out from your system.

Eating a healthy diet cannot prevent the underlying causes of acne, but it can give your body’s immune system a boost, plus there are certain vitamins and nutrients that actively promote skin healing and regeneration.

Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin and helps the skin to repair and heal. Eat lots of carrots, sweet potatoes, peppers and liver for vitamin A. Vitamin B improves skin circulation and promotes healing. The B vitamins can be found in oily fish, whole grains, nuts, white meat and liver. Zinc is a well known acne treatment and many people swear by zinc supplements to help improve their acne.

Tip #2 – Exercise

As well as eating a healthy diet, it is a good idea to partake in regular exercise. You might not feel like venturing out when you have acne, but exercising the body can have a very positive effect on your mental and physical wellbeing. Vigorous exercise gets the heart pumping and the blood flowing around the body, which helps to improve circulation to the skin and remove toxins when you sweat. Regular exercise also helps to keep stress at bay, which is good for your skin and emotional happiness.

However, even though exercise is very good for you, if you suffer from acne on your back and chest, avoid tight lycra clothing as it has a tendency to trap moisture close to your skin and encourage bacterial growth. Stick to loose cotton clothing instead as it allows your skin to breathe better and always take a shower immediately after a tough exercise session to prevent any further irritation.

Tip #3 – Cosmetics

Wearing makeup will not give you acne, but it can exacerbate an existing skin problem if you are not careful. Some types of makeup contain lots of oils and grease, which tend to clog pores and make acne worse, so if you are prone to acne, consider investing in oil free make up especially designed for acne prone skin. It is also a good idea to avoid makeup containing shimmering colors as these contain a mineral ingredient called “mica” that is known to cause skin irritation and clog the pores. Make up can also contain additives such as carmine and coal tar, which can irritate sensitive skin and lead to further outbreaks of spots and blemishes.

There are lots of products on the market that are called “non-acnegenic”, which means that they are good for acne prone skin. Shop around and buy the best quality makeup you can afford. It is perfectly acceptable to want to cover up your spots when you head out the door, but try and give your skin a rest from makeup for some of the time—your skin needs time to breathe so it can heal.

Tip #4 – hygiene

Acne is not caused by a lack of personal hygiene, although a failure to wash is not going to help matters! Regular washing is important because it helps to keep the level of skin bacteria lower and reduce the possibility of infection setting in, but you must be careful not to overdo the cleaning or you run the risk of encouraging more sebum to be produced, which in turn leads to further spots and blemishes.

Gentle cleansing using an antibacterial soap is the best way to cleanse acne prone skin. Try and avoid harsh cleansers containing alcohol as these strip the natural oils from the skin and encourage the body to over compensate with too much oil, which clogs the pores and creates further acne blemishes.

Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, but you must be very careful not to scrub away at your face and irritate the area. Only use gentle products and do not exfoliate more than twice per week. Deep cleansing face masks can help, but again, use gentle products containing natural ingredients such as tea tree oil or Dead Sea mud to promote healing and kill residual bacteria in the skin.

Tip #5 – shaving

Shaving is often impossible when you are suffering from a bad case of acne, but it can actually be very helpful for the skin if your acne is not too severe. Shaving scrapes the skin and helps to remove the dead cells and clear blocked pores. However, avoid shaving in areas that ate heavily inflamed and covered in open acne lesions as this will only spread the infection further. Either leave the hair to grow for a few days or use a depilatory cream designed for sensitive skin.