To treat acne successfully we have to look at the skin as a reflection of the health of the inside of your body. Simply using topical treatments will help control the symptoms but will not cure your acne. The underlying causes of acne are due to one or more of these factors: your nutritional status, stress, toxicity, inflammation, hormonal or digestive imbalances. All of these imbalances can be treated naturally by a Naturopathic Doctor but to get you started here are some suggestions:

 

1. Milk and dairy consumption is closely linked to acne, so try an elimination diet of these items for a month. Other foods that cause inflammation of the skin and contribute to acne include gluten, eggs, yeast, and sugar.
2. Teens who eat more fruit and vegetables have less acne due to the anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants present in these foods. Aim for 4 cups of veggies and 2 fruits a day.
3. Ensure you are having 1 bowel movement a day by eating enough fibre and drinking enough water. Two tablespoons of ground flaxseed a day and drinking fresh lemon in water can also help.
4. Taking supplements like probiotics (eg. Lactobacillus), omega-3 fatty acids, and a green powder drink provide key nutrients that most teens are deficient in.
5. Use natural, chemical-free, topical cleansers to treat bacterial overgrowth and clogged pores. Cleansers and toners with anti-bacterial essential oils that are specific for that individual’s skin type can be very helpful. Perilla oil in particular can be very effective for inflammatory or cystic acne.

Remember good skin comes from the inside out!

And now I would love to hear from you! Is there anything you have removed from your diet that has left people commenting on how good your skin looks? Leave me a comment below and share this article with any family members or friends you think might benefit. I look forward to next week where I’ll have a new article for you on Doctor as Teacher Tuesdays!