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Do You Still Suffer From Pimples?
By Tannis McLaren ND

Surprising, I still see many women who are having problems with blemishes beyond the years of adolescence. And, even if you are not directly experiencing acne or breakouts, the tips below can help promote beautiful looking skin.

If you can remember when you went through puberty, fluctuations in your hormones occurred. The male hormones (testosterone) increased which stimulated the production of sebum and keratin. These are two substances found in the skin and they lead to clogged pores. When the pores become plugged, it sets up an environment for bacteria to invade. The most common bacteria is P. acnes which contributes to pimples. So, you’ve gone through puberty and you are still having problems. This is often correlated to the female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and an imbalance between them. Another hormone we often forget about is insulin. This is secreted by the pancreas and is released into the system to gather up sugar after we eat. When there is a greater ratio of sugar to insulin, the sugar accumulates in the skin and acne can result.

Aside from hormones, we tend to forget that the skin is the largest organ of the body and one of its functions is to eliminate a portion of the body’s toxic waste products. Two other organs that play a role in filtering the system are the liver and the kidneys. If the body contains more toxins than the kidneys and liver can discharge, the skin takes over. As toxins escape through the skin, they disrupt the skin’s healthy balance. It is therefore, imperative to keep these filters clean and unplugged.

Go For It!

One minute they say chocolate and French fries do nothing to your skin and the next minute they do. It gets quite confusing for people. However, nutrition is the first place that I start with people because it does have an impact. Before we look at the good and the bad foods, it is important to eat regularly, every 2 – 3 hours. By doing this, blood sugar levels will remain more stable and not disrupt insulin.

The Good	The Bad, and Downright Ugly!
Good fats: Fish such as mackerel, sardines and wild salmon, raw nuts, seeds, and their oils (flax, sesame, almond, walnut, pecan, sunflower, etc.) are rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils. Due to our modern diets, these are most often lacking in the foods we eat. These fats are important for acne and the skin because they are one of the largest components in the skin.	Bad fats: Fried and greasy foods should be avoided. Included in the bad fats are also the hydrogenated fats (partially hydrogenated, margarine, vegetable oil) which are found in most prepared foods. This may include: breads, crackers, muffins, cereals, ice cream, frozen entrees, instant pasta, sauces, salad dressings, candy bars, etc. Be on the watch for these, for they are often ‘hidden’ in foods.
Water: The second most important component of the body next to oxygen. It is needed for every cell in the body and helps to flush out any unwanted wastes. It is absolutely beneficial to drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water per day. This is so simple it is almost ridiculous.	Coffee: Unfortunately, coffee can become a toxic burden on the body for it plugs up the liver. It should never be relied on for a daily beverage but rather drunk as a treat from time to time.
Acidophilus: In our bodies we all have a balance between the good and bad bacteria. If you have ever taken antibiotics, the birth control pill, been under stress, or eaten a highly refined diet, it is most likely that you are lacking in the ‘good’ bacteria. When we have too many of the ‘bad’ bacteria, we have more toxins being released into the body. To restore balance, certain foods such as organic plain yogurt or kefir and even naturally fermented sauerkraut help to increase our friendly bacteria. Often, people will need to supplement with good bacteria, this is called acidophilus.	Dairy: An important food for growth, but many people have good results when they abstain from dairy. Calcium-rich alternatives include green leafy vegetables, almonds, sesame seeds and broccoli. For other options, try goat’s milk, soy or rice beverages. However, be particularly cautious about many of the soy products for they often contain loads of sugar.
Beta-carotene/vitamin A: Carrots, squash, and leafy greens such as spinach and chard, contain high amounts of beta-carotene. This is beneficial because it aids in reducing sebum production. Vitamin E: Is needed to help vitamin A function properly. It is found in foods such as avocados, seeds and flaxseed oil. Fibre: A diet high in fibre helps to keep the colon clean and rid the body of harmful toxins. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains (not all bread products), and legumes are good choices. Vitamin B6: Women who tend to have acne flare-ups during PMS are often responsive to this vitamin. Good sources include whole grains, bananas, sunflower seeds and raw nuts. Vitamin C: An important vitamin to improve tissue healing. And it’s not only found in citrus. Such vegetables as broccoli and peppers also contain high amounts of this vitamin. Zinc: An important nutrient for local hormone activation, tissue regeneration and immune-system activity. Foods rich in zinc include soybeans and whole grains.	Sugar: Not only found in the obvious candy and desserts, sugar is also high in refined carbohydrates. Foods such as white-flour products, bagels and even muffins are not only high in sugar but also empty calories which rob the body of important nutrients. It also causes a disruption with blood sugar balance. "... it is important to eat regularly, every 2 – 3 hours. By doing this, blood sugar levels will remain more stable and not disrupt insulin."

To The Rescue!

Herbal support

Many herbs are beneficial to help to detoxify and cleanse the system – liver, kidneys and thus the skin. Specific herbs help to do this such as burdock, dandelion, nettle, red clover, or alfalfa. It is also important to combine hormonal herbs with these internal cleansing herbs. Chaste tree, dong quai, licorice, or black cohosh are all possibilities.

Lower Stress

In response to stress, the brain signals the production of several hormones. One of them is a stress hormone which sends the oil glands in the skin to go into overdrive. This results in more sebum and keratin and thus, more acne. If you think you are stress free because you don’t have a major upheaval in your life, sometimes we have to look at the day to day things. Going to work, getting kids ready, running around, preparing meals, and looking after parents are all little stressors. So I stress to you, take time for you and you alone. Whether that be joining a yoga class, taking a hot bath, going on a walk, or signing up for an art class, just try to do a little bit everyday for you.

Simple tips

Sometimes we look to the cosmetic counter for expensive, extravagant, promise you youth “magic potions”. Rather, take a look at these simple and inexpensive tips to help support your skin.

Over-washing and repetitive rubbing can make things worse.
Wash with castile or other pure soaps that do not contain detergents (available at a health food store).
Natural, water-based products are more beneficial than oil-based ones.
Always, use a fresh facecloth, not one that has been hanging wet overnight.
Keep makeup brushes and sponges clean to reduce the amount of bacteria.
Dip them in alcohol or wash them with warm water and soap.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice and water splashed on to the face makes a refreshing exfoliating treatment.
Soothing ointments of calendula, aloe-vera gel or comfrey are cleansing and antiseptic. They will also help heal the skin if scarring has occurred.
Tea-tree oil is beneficial because of its antibacterial properties.
Wash your face with warm water, then cold water alternating three times.

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About The Author:

Tannis McLaren ND - Practicing out of the West End Holistic Health Centre, Tannis McLaren ND offers complete naturopathic care with special interest in Women's & Children's health. Her naturopathic modalities include clinical nutrition, homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, herbal medicine, Bowen Therapy, hydrotherapy & lifestyle counseling.

Phone: 416-763-3211
Email: tannismclaren@sympatico.ca