Skin is the largest organ of the human body. It protects all of its structures and regulates body temperature and eliminates toxins by way of perspiration.
When skin is healthy, we reap its benefits without much applause, however, when pimples, blackheads and blemishes show up, we appear unwell and scramble to correct it. Acne can be unsightly, uncomfortable and a mystery to treat. While most consider acne a problem plagued by only teenagers, it can be triggered at any age, causing emotional stress and negative impact on one’s self esteem.
9 Acne causes
- Hormonal imbalances
- Puberty
- Premenstrual acne
- Oral contraceptives
- Candida
- Allergies
- Stress
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Drugs-including over the counter, prescription and others
3 Myths Versus Facts
1. Myth: “Chocolate and coffee aggravate acne-because they contain caffeine”
Fact: There’s no reason to throw chocolate and coffee ‘under the bus’. Caffeine is not the culprit. Stay away from sugary foods and refined carbs cause your insulin levels to spike, which leads to increased sebum production. Essentially any food with a high glycemic index will increase blood cortisol levels and worsen acne.
2. Myth: “Moisturizers cause acne”
Fact: Dehydrated skin produces more pore-clogging oil than hydrated skin. So if you apply a lightweight moisturizer every day, your skin won’t need to take hydration into its own (oily) hands.
3. Myth: “Acne is caused by not keeping your skin clean”
Fact: Acne is caused by an interruption of the skin’s natural processes. Acne or skin blemishes can range from a thinly scattered area of pimples and blackheads to an area covered with large cysts. Blemishes occur in the skin’s hair follicles that are connected to the oil-producing sebaceous glands. At its onset, it means the body isn’t performing two jobs necessary for healthy skin, namely: the hair follicles aren’t getting rid of dead cells fast enough and the sebaceous glands are working overtime. When dead cells stick to a hair follicle full of sebum, it provides a breeding ground for the growth of bacteria which produces blemishes. Over washing your face can actually exacerbate the problem.
10 Ways to Care for your Skin
No matter what’s causing your acne, there are steps that can help maintain your skin.
1) Avoid foods such as sugar, soft drinks, artificial sweeteners and processed foods.
2) Eat more foods rich in zinc such as shellfish and sunflower seeds. A diet low in zinc may trigger skin flare-ups.
3) Drink 2-3 liters of water daily
4) Limit dairy products. Today’s dairy contains hormones & steroids that can play havoc with hormones causing or increasing breakouts.
5) Regular exercise boosts endorphin levels, bringing blood to the underlying layers of the skin and flush out impurities through perspiration of the skin.
6) Use a mild soap that contains sulphur. Wash with your fingertips, not a washcloth.
7) Between washing, oiliness can be minimized by wiping skin with a mild astringent, such as witch hazel. Apply a few drops to a cotton ball and gently wipe skin.
8) Steaming the face will open the pores and sooth irritated skin. Try tossing in chamomile tea to sooth the discomfort of cyst type blemishes. Steam face 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
9) Avoid wearing heavy, oily foundation makeup, which can clog pores and worsen acne.
10) To avoid spreading acne and acne scarring don’t pick or rub pimples or blackheads.
Consider these 8 supplements at the recommended dosage:
- Beta carotene 50,000-100,000 IU/day
- Vitamin C 1,000-2,000 mg/day
- Zinc 45 mg/day
- Brewers yeast 1 tbsp. 2x/day
- Vitamin B6 250 mg/day
- Lecithin 1 capsule before meals
- Echinacea & Goldenseal or Chamomile Tea mixture
How does Chiropractic help Acne?
Chiropractic can help treat acne by providing the necessary nerve function of the organs that affect the skin. The thoracic spine, specifically T-9 through T-11 vertebrae correspond with central nerves that control the function of the kidneys, ureters, adrenals and other hormones. Correcting any form of nerve interference in those segments will enable the full function of those nerves and the organs they affect.
Chiropractors remove this nerve interference by adjusting the spine and freeing up the affected nerves so that they can perform the communication function between the brain and the body.
If you or your loved one suffer from acne, ask your doctor of chiropractic if he or she has experience and training to treat patients with the condition.
