Can acne be caused by the food we eat? It is suggested that sensitivity to progesterone can cause flare ups when certain products are consumed. The foods, such as dairy, organ meats and wheat germs are known to contain male hormones. Would these people need to avoid such foods for the rest of their lives?
Other possibly hazardous or potentially problem foods include several that are high in iodine – such as leafy veg like cabbage and spinach, peanuts and shellfish. The best way to determine what works well for helping manage your acne is to experiment with your diet – but only make small changes at a time, otherwise you won’t know which change had the impact. If a particular food makes your acne flare up, you’ll know to steer clear of it in the future.
This can be difficult if you are particularly fond of a certain food product like chocolate for instance. Remember that small amounts are unlikely to make much difference.
Another acne myth is that it is caused by dirt. However, since it is usually associated with oily skin, washing your face with soap and hot water three or four times a day assists in controlling oiliness. Many physicians believe the only way to decrease bacteria on the skin’s surface is by using an antiseptic soap. Also important is frequent shampooing because your hair is often excessively oily.
Acne is actually the second biggest skin condition, only being pipped at the post by premature aging or wrinkles. If you’re anything like me, you’ll notice new pimples appearing right before an important engagement or meeting you have to attend – or worse still a job interview or even a date. In this case, the culprit is usually testosterone (at least in males) which is produced by the adrenal glands, and when you’re under any form of stress (such as the conditions I just listed above) your adrenal glands go into overdrive. There are treatments for this as well, so if this applies to you, make sure you tell your dermatologist about it.
The bad news is that acne cannot be cured, but the good news is that it can be treated. If you’re suffering with only mild acne, then some form of non prescription (over the counter) acne medication will no doubt have a positive impact for you. If you have bad or severe acne you will definitely need to see a doctor to get some professional advice.
A vitamin A deficiency can lead to skin problems. Not all cases of acne call for professional attention. An occasional blemish or pimple could be called “drugstore acne”. Topical antibiotics prevent about fifty per cent of blemishes, and are a significant breakthrough for treating average acne. However, if an acne sufferer misuses the over-the-counter medications, it may not work. You have to follow instructions carefully and not switch from one product to the other until after a six-week trial. Only then will you be able to decide the degree of any one product’s effectiveness.
Depending on how severe your acne is, you may also want to consider some form of acne lazer surgery. This treatment opens and cleans the spots directly. It can work on blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and cysts and can prove to be very effective. One thing you should never do, no matter how tempting, is to squeeze or pick your spots and acne lesions. This will definitely inflame the skin and make it worse, and may also mean you cannot apply any topical treatments until they are healed. Some final tips – stay away from greasy facial cleanser, and stick with soaps and/or cleansers with warm water.
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