Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Natural and Dietary Therapies for Acne

by: Rachel Dayer

The typical modern medicine answer to outbreaks of acne include antibiotics, drying agents, skin peelers and in some cases a very toxic and strong drug Accutane TM. All of these will normally work for a short period of time, but eventually, if the original cause of the acne is not addressed and treated, the acne returns, usually stronger and more widespread than before.

Many of the common theories regarding the possible cause of acne point to the improper release of toxins. As the skin is the largest organ of the body, it helps to eliminate toxins and waste through sweating if the kidneys and liver are overburdened. When a person's diet is unhealthy, their hormones out of balance or their skin clogged, acne is usually one of the red flag symptoms.

In using natural therapies to treat acne, the focal points of treatment are to decrease the amount of toxins that need to be excreted, balance the hormones, and in general, bring the body back into balance. All of the above can be regulated through diet, herbs and other nutritional supplements.

Vitamin and mineral therapy is a good place to start in the quest to clear up a case of acne. Crucial additions to the diet include essential fatty acids, chromium picolinate, and zinc. A variety of vitamins such as Vitamin A, B complex with extra B3, Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, Vitamin D3, and Vitamin E are also helpful in supporting the body while it works to come back into balance.

Herbal therapy includes any herb that works to detoxify the liver and kidneys. Examples include burdock root, dandelion leaves, milk thistle and red clover. Burdock root and red clover also help in cleansing the blood which is another important part of the overall therapy to decrease acne outbreaks. For hormonal balancing many claim that chaste tree berry works very effectively.

Regardless of the type of treatment you decide to use, always check with your doctor first about the natural therapies you would like to try.

About the Author

Rachel Dayer runs and operates MustAsk Network , a health related portal.

How to Treat Acne for Black Skin

by: Dave Lavinsky

Acne treatment for black skin is the same as that for white skin, with some exceptions. Some treatments for acne scars may cause temporary lightening of dark skin. Very dark or black skin may be less well-moisturized than lighter skin, so topicals like benzoyl peroxide that have a drying effect on the skin should be used under the supervision of a dermatologist.

Darker skin has a tendency to develop excessive skin darkening at places where the skin was inflamed. Severe inflammatory acne (cysts and nodules) may result in dark spots. The spots disappear over time; a dermatologist may be able to recommend cosmetic measures to make the spots less apparent until they resolve. Some acne treatments, such as topical retinoids and azelaic acid, may also help fade the discoloration.

Alterations of melanin (dark pigments that give the skin its color) pigmentation such as vitiligo and melasma are not related to acne, but they may be present simultaneously with acne. The diagnosis and treatment of melanin pigmentation disorders such as vitiligo requires a dermatologist with knowledge and experience in treating these conditions.

Many doctors feel that laser resurfacing isn’t meant for dark skin because it alters the color of skin too dramatically and unpredictably. Others believe that in the hands of a very experienced surgeon, people with darker skin tones can benefit. Acne Treatment provides detailed information on the best acne treatments, including laser acne treatment, and scar treatment, as well as adult, natural, home treatment, and more. Acne Treatment is the sister site of Microdermabrasion Web.

How to Brush Your Skin to Relieve Acne

by: Rudy Silva

Brushing your skin with a brush or cloth is an excellent way to improve the appearance of your skin. If you have acne, this brushing will help to eliminate toxins through the skin and reduce the toxins that accumulate in your acne.

Brushing your skin while dry and just before taking a shower is a way to stimulate the flow of liquid through lymphatic system and increase the circulating of blood. It also has other benefits:

Removes and brushes away dry dead cells that can clog your skin
Opens pores to allow you to excrete more toxins safely
Activates the nerves near the top of your skin, making your skin work better
It stimulates the tiny blood vessels near your skin and brings more nutrients and acid neutralizing minerals to your skin
Improves your overall health since the skin must eliminate close to 2 pounds of waste through your pores.

If you practice dry or wet brushing your skin, you will see improved beauty and health in your skin.

You can also scrub your skin during your shower and this is the way I like to do it.

There are two different types of brushes that are designed for dry skin brushing.

A natural bristle brush
Loofah with a long handle

When you start bushing for the first time, do it softly and gentle until your skin gets use to the rough feeling. If you have not been brushing and scrubbing your skin, then you may have some side effects caused by stirring up toxins. Because skin brushing promotes release of toxins through the skin, you want to make sure you are not constipated, otherwise you will start to release to many toxins through the skin.

A word of caution: Brush only once a day and do not brush too hard. Excessive brushing over stimulates the skin and can produce unwanted side effects.

But, here is how to dry brush your skin before you take a shower,

Start with gentle light touch circular motions at your face. If you have severe acne do this gently massage with a clean hot face towel and do not brush your face.
Always brush only in the direction of your heart. From the feet upward, brush up toward the heart. At the neck, brush downward toward the heart.

After you finish brushing, about 5 minutes, take a shower to remove the dead and old skin.

What I do is use a loofa in the shower with soap and brush my skin as described above. It is a gentler way to brush your skin and you wash away the skin derby at the same time. Brushing your body decreases the amount of toxins that reach your face and can help you get rid of or prevent acne.

Copyright © 2005 Rudy Silva

About Rudy: Rudy Silva has a Physics degree from the University of San Jose California and is a Natural Nutritionist. He writes a newsletter called "Natural-Remedies-ThatWork.com." More acne hints and information on his acne e-book can be found at http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info