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How to Care for Acne Prone Skin
Acne prone skin can be helped by lifestyle changes. If you find out what triggers yours, it should be possible to cure. People who eat a “Stone Age Diet” do not get acne!
CAUSES
1: Incorrect nutrition (Allergens, Poor digestion)
2: Stress
3: Hormones
4: Medication
5: Products
FIXES:
1: Correct nutrition. Do not be afraid of fats.
• Make sure you get enough healthy fats: butter (YES!), extra virgin cold pressed olive oil, Omega 3 fish oils (Krill oil is very good as it is low in food chain so cleaner). Flax oil if vegetarian, but please note not all people are able to make conversion.
• Eat the rainbow: i.e. eat from as many different types of foods, with as many different colours as possible every day. Variety is key and provides lots of anti-oxidants!
• Avoid at all cost: Margarine, hydrogenated fats, fried vegetable oils.
• Get the right nutrients. Vitamin A (Butter), Vitamin E (avocado) and Zinc are especially important for the skin. (Many people are deficient in zinc; white flecks on nails indicate this).
• Take a multivitamin/mineral to cover bases.
• Eat good quality protein. Fish, meat. (Organic if poss.)
• Avoid coffee, sugar, tobacco, alcohol
• Stop smoking
• Get enough sleep and exercise.
• Get enough liquids.
• Avoid burnt/BBQ foods.
• Allergens: Find out of any foods trigger your acne and avoid this. Common triggers are chocolate, dairy products, wheat and gluten.
• Poor digestion: Correct your diet. Support your digestion with digestive enzymes, probiotics. Try taking apple cider vinegar before every meal to balance stomach acid. Take zinc supplements.
2: Stress: Get enough sleep, rest and exercise. This will also help balance hormones. Go for a walk daily around noon to get sunshine and bright light into your eyes.
3: Hormones: A balanced diet rich in correct fats will help your hormones balance. Avoid alcohol (raises testosterone levels). Cut out hormone based medication, but discuss with GP first. Get enough sleep and rest.
4: Medication: Stop taking medication that aggravates acne if possible (The pill, antibiotics). Do always discuss any changes with GP first.
5: Products: Stop using acne products that contain degreasers and harsh ingredients. They irritate the skin, causing overproduction of sebum and sensitive skin. Use gentle products, wash with water.
For doses of vitamins and minerals and other nutritional support, please check Dr Myhill's website, or see a nutritionist for advice. Check with your GP before making any major changes.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your doctor before making any changes.