From the Herald Sun Australia Acne Causes and Solutions
EVERYONE suffers from acne at some point, and the finger has been pointed at everything from too much chocolate and too much sex, to too much make-up, not enough exercise, poor hygiene or using the wrong brand of facial products.
But the primary causes of acne are a combination of genes and hormones.
In some cases, lifestyle factors may play a role. When it comes to food, all things are fine in moderation and a well-balanced diet is important for everyone.
Sex does not cause acne, but getting hot and sweaty may tend to exacerbate it in some people.
Hot, humid climates tend to be worse for acne sufferers, too. Wash regularly with a mild cleanser, but avoid excessive scrubbing with abrasive products. Your doctor can assess the severity of your acne and determine whether there is an underlying condition causing the problem.
Treatments may range from lotions and creams to oral medications and are designed to dry out pimples, decrease inflammation and sebum production and rebalance hormones. There are a variety of products, each with their pros and cons. Your doctor can tailor an approach to suit you.
Dr Cindy Pan has had over 10 years of clinical practice. Her books include Pandora’s Box: Lifting The Lid On Life’s Little Nasties (HarperCollins) and Playing Hard To Get (HarperCollins). Her latest book, 100 Little Head Starts, will be published by Allen & Unwin.
The naturopath Leah Hechtman
While most commonly experienced during adolescence, acne is not restricted to the teenage years.
In naturopathy, we look at the location of the pimples to determine the cause. For example, spots on the chin indicate hormonal imbalance, while those on the back indicate a build-up of toxins.
The body tries to eliminate unwanted substances through the bowel, bladder or skin, so it is important to encourage elimination. Poor diets, dehydration and deodorants can restrict these channels.
Simple tactics such as increasing water intake, promoting regular bowel movements and exercise or saunas to encourage sweating can all help. Useful treatments include herbal medicines such as calendula, sasparilla, nettle leaf, burdock and dandelion and chaste tree for women, particularly if the acne is hormonal.
Nutritional supplements such as zinc, vitamins A, C, D and E and essential fatty acids also help. Keep skin clean, use natural make-up and skincare products and wash make-up brushes regularly.
Leah Hechtman is a naturopath and fertility specialist. She is a lecturer, author, researcher and industry consultant and has her own clinical practice in Sydney, NSW. She specialises in fertility, reproductive and psychological health. For more information visit http://www.naturalhealthfertility.com/
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