Acne, Pimples What Can you Do?

How Does Acne Develop?

Acne is a dermatological condition characterized by lesions that most often appear on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. Acne is a condition typified by inflammation of the pilosebaceous follicles in the skin. The pathogenesis of acne is an increase in circulating androgens (male sex hormone, such as testosterone) stimulating sebaceous gland activity, and the resulting sebum production triggering hyperkeratosis (abnormal thickening of the outer layer of the skin). This process blocks the follicle and results in dilation and the ultimate formation of a comedone. The transition from a comedone to a lesion such as a pustule, papule or nodule is believed to be due to bacterium colonizing the follicle and triggering an inflammatory response within the follicle wall. This cascade triggers the immune system involving the white blood cells which infiltrate the area. Once an inflammatory cascade has begun, hyperproliferation (an abnormally high rate of proliferation of cells by rapid division)of follicles can occur. As keratinized cells and sebum compact within the follicular lumen a plug is formed. This process ultimately results in the development of a comedone.

What Can Cause The Development Of Acne?

Acne is a multi-faceted inflammatory disease which requires us to look beyond the skin at other systems including nervous system, endocrine system, gastrointestinal system and hepatic system. As with all dis-ease states it is imperative to address the underlying root causes, such as:

• Increasing and supporting the body’s ability to detoxify
• Supporting a healthy gut microbiome
• Reducing oxidative load and improving antioxidant status
• Regulating blood sugar levels if imbalanced
• Reducing overall inflammation
• Regulating and supporting the nervous system (stress response)
• Balancing serum androgen levels
• Reducing sebum production
• Reducing bacteria load in the body

Stress

The symptoms of acne vulgaris are worse in times of psychological stress. Physiological adaptation to stress may be a contributing factor to acne vulgaris due to the hormonal cascade this produces. Furthermore, stress itself negatively effects all systems within the body, resulting in further imbalances.

How Can I Reduce Stress?

First and foremost is determining when and where you experience stress and then trying to lower or remove your stress triggers. Stress triggers may include factors such as working excessive hours, stressing about exams or assignments, not creating time for relaxation and maintaining toxic relationships etc.

• Consider support groups or counselling
• Determine what it is that allows you to relax. Find space in your life to do things that allows you to unwind naturally.
• Find something you really enjoy doing that could replace your unhealthy stress habit.
• Surround yourself with family and friends (especially those that influence you to be healthy and feel good about yourself), and try not to isolate yourself from your loved ones.

Androgen Metabolism & Clearance

The skin has an important role in detoxification, particularly through phase 2 enzymes. A compromised or stressed liver detoxification may place further burden on the skin, thereby aggravating dermal conditions such as acne vulgaris. Therefore, supporting the liver and detox pathways is important!

How Can I Support This?

Including herbs and spices into your daily diet such as turmeric, cumin, caraway and dill. Every day consumption of vegetables from the Brassicaceae family e.g. broccoli, kale, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussel sprouts. Additionally, incorporating beetroot into the diet. Beetroot’s are full of betaine, which is needed for methylation to take place. Beets are also packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, magnesium, calcium, folate, and phosphorous. Studies have also shown that beetroots protect the liver against damage and support phase 2 detoxification. Additionally, they support a healthy level of stomach acid which is necessary for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. A healthy consumption of dark green leafy veggies, citrus fruits, berries, carrots and organic nuts & seeds such as Brazil nuts, almonds, pecans,pumpkin seeds,hemp seeds among other things will provide a balanced source of nutrients. Eating liver from an organic, pasture-raised animal provides powerful nutritional support for liver health. Including grass-fed beef liver, fish liver, wild-game liver or pasture-raised chicken liver.  Pasture-raised eggs are also an incredible source of liver supportive nutrients such as sulfur compounds, methyl-donors and glutathione precursors.

Additional ways to support the liver and clearance of toxins include: Epsom salt baths, coffee enemas, oil pulling, dry skin brushing, and infrared sauna sessions.