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"Patients are deluded into thinking that their health can somehow be mysteriously harmed by something in their diet."
This is a quote from an article published in 1971 in American Family Physician.
That's not all.
The major textbook of dermatology for acne published in 1975 claimed that parents and doctors used the threat of depriving teens of "tempting delights" like candy and junk food only as a way to "keep these imminent sinners in check," not because diet had any connection to acne.
In fact, most of us tend to believe that pimples are for kids!
Not true.
The average age of acne patients has now increased from 20 to 26 years old.
Millions of adults are experiencing acne for the first time.
And acne rates are rising -- contradicting the belief that this condition is caused by genes.
Eight million people see the dermatologist every year for acne and millions more rely on infomercial products hawked by celebrities or over-the-counter products that total $100 million in sales every year.
And healthcare costs for prescription acne treatment exceed $1 billion a year.
Clearly, this problem, like so many chronic diseases in the 21st century, is increasing.
Why?
Let me tell you about a book that I just finished reading.
It's called The Clear Skin Diet. It's written by renowned dermatologist Val Trelor, MD and Alan Logan, ND, a naturopath.
This book gives us real answers to why pimples are popping up all over!
For the first time, this book links many of the imbalances in the underlying keys to health ( The 7 Key of UltraWellness) to the real causes of acne -- including your nutritional status, stress, toxicity, inflammation, and hormonal and gut imbalances.
If you've been reading my blogs, you know by now what I'm going to say next.
No matter what condition, disease, or health problem you face, the root causes can be traced back to the same underlying factors, because the body is one whole integrated system.
This includes your skin.
The key to healthy skin isn't just dealing with the symptoms -- like lathering on potions and lotions, popping and pricking pimples, or taking antibiotics or strong liver-damaging medication.
There's a better way.
Good Skin Comes from the Inside Out, Not the Outside In!
Before I explain these connections in more detail, and what you can do about it, I want to tell you my own experience with acne.
I never had it.
That is, until I got sick with chronic fatigue syndrome.
This is a disease of toxicity, gut damage, inflammation, hormonal imbalances and stress, among other things.
I have told the story of my illness and recovery many times, but I don't usually talk about the skin problems I had.
The trigger that tipped me over the edge -- on a load of mercury and stress -- was a severe intestinal infection.
Right away, my skin changed.
My skin color turned gray and I developed dark circles under my eyes.
I started getting pimples all over my face (a new adventure for me at age 36), and strange rashes around my eyes whenever I ate certain foods.
I even developed itchy red patches on different parts of my body.
The skin symptoms completely correlated with a worsening of my gut symptoms and the irritable bowel syndrome that I had developed.
So what did I do?
Well, I didn't need creams, gels, or lotions such as benzoyl peroxide, retinoid acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid peels, or topical antibiotics (all of which might help symptoms a little bit).
I certainly didn't need oral antibiotics (which can cause long-term gut complications, immune problems, and yeast overgrowth) or Accutane (which can cause liver damage and increase the risk of depression and suicide), or oral contraceptives (which I would have been offered had I been a woman).
These are the tools of modern dermatology -- but they overlook the role of overall health in the health of your skin.
I didn't need any of these things.
Instead, what I needed was to heal my leaky gut, correct my food allergies and nutritional deficiencies, detoxify from mercury, reduce inflammation, and rebalance my stress hormones.
That's just what I did.
And my pimples vanished, my eyes cleared up, and my rashes went away (along with my chronic diarrhea, disabling fatigue, brain fog, mouth sores, muscle pain, and more).
A miracle? Hardly!
I have seen this happen in so many of my patients.
Beauty and vibrant, clear, healthy skin come from the inside out, not from the outside in.
The only partial exceptions to this are wrinkles and skin cancers, which come from sun damage. But even these, too, are worsened by internal inflammation and oxidative stress caused by things like smoking and poor diet.
Now let's look a little at the problem of acne (many other skin problems also respond to this approach, which I will cover in later blogs).
Here are some things that I have learned over the years and that have been very well reviewed and summarized in The Clear Skin Diet:
A Poor Diet is Bad for Your Skin
-
• Skin health, and acne in particular, are tied strongly to diet.
• Acne is caused by inflammation and oxidative stress (two keys of UltraWellness).
• Traditional indigenous cultures have little acne, but as soon as they adopt a Western diet or SAD (standard American diet), they see increasing levels of acne.
• Sugar raises insulin levels, which promotes the production of testosterone in women, and inflammation in general, causing acne.
• Saturated and processed fats increase arachidonic acid levels and compete with omega-3 fats in the body, leading to more inflammation and acne.
• Milk and dairy consumption is closely linked with acne (and many other skin and health problems) in part because of the hormones (including growth hormone) in dairy and because of the saturated fats.
• High-sugar milk chocolate can increase acne by increasing inflammation, but dark chocolate does the opposite.
Nutritional Deficiencies Promote Acne
-
• Widespread nutritional deficiencies of zinc, omega-3 fats, and some anti-inflammatory omega-6 fats like evening-primrose oil promote acne, while supplementing with them can help boost immunity and reduce inflammation and acne.
• A topical form of vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) can reduce inflammation and help acne.
• Antioxidant levels are low in acne patients -- especially vitamins A and E, which are critical for skin health.
• People who eat more fruits and vegetables (containing more antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds) have less acne.
• Certain foods have been linked to improvements in many of the underlying causes of acne and can help correct it, including fish oil, turmeric, ginger, green tea, nuts, dark purple and red foods such as berries, green foods like dark green leafy vegetables, and eggs.
Hormonal Imbalances Cause Skin Problems
-
• Hormonal imbalances trigger acne -- and diet influences hormones like testosterone, IGF-1 (insulin-like growth hormone), and insulin, which promote acne.
• The biggest factor affecting your hormones is the glycemic load of your diet (how quickly the food increases your blood sugar and insulin levels).
• Eating omega-3 fats and fiber (to reduce testosterone in women), cutting out sugar (to reduce insulin), and using soy foods (to reduce toxic testosterone levels) help balance hormones. Exercise also helps improve insulin function.
Leaky Gut and Food Allergies Cause Acne
• Delayed food allergies are among the most common causes of acne. Foods like gluten, dairy, yeast, and eggs can be problems if you have a leaky gut.
• Taking probiotics (such as lactobacillus) can improve acne.
• Good bacteria from probiotics also take up residence on the skin, helping with acne.
• I have seen serious cystic acne resulting from gut imbalances and parasites that resolve when the gut is fixed.
Your Brain Can Cause Acne
-
• Stress causes acne flare-ups.
• Stress does this by causing increased inflammation and oxidative stress, raising cortisol, and depleting zinc, magnesium, and selenium, which help control acne.
• Stress causes poor dietary choices.
• You can manage stress through meditation, yoga, saunas, massage, biofeedback, aromatherapy, and more.
So getting healthy skin and clearing up acne truly depend on the optimal function of many of the core systems of the body -- your nutritional status, your immune system, your gut, your hormones and your mind-body health.
I may seem like a broken record, but it's true -- Biology is biology.
I hope you've learned more today about how getting to the roots of illness via the 7 Key to UltraWellness can help you uncover the source of your health problem, wherever you may find it -- even in a pimple on your nose!!
Now I'd like to hear from you...
Do you suffer from acne?
Have you noticed if your skin looks better or worse when you eat certain foods?
What steps have you taken to keep your skin healthy?
Please let me know your thoughts by adding a comment below.
To your good health,
Mark Hyman, M.D.
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re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
I have had a recurring problem with hives or rashes over the past 20 years. They show up like clockwork every 2 years. They last anywhere between 6 to 9 months and then they disappear for another 18 months or so. I haven't been able to figure out the cause so all I've done is throw antihistamines at the problem with few or no results. I'm due for another round later this year, so I'll keep an eye on my diet and other systems to see if these annoying things can be prevented. Thanks!
The acne condition is
The acne condition is common in puberty as a result of an abnormal
response to normal levels of the male hormone testosterone. Acne is
occurred when the hormones are increased due to excess of oil in the
body. There is however no way to predict how long acne will take to
disappear completely or that it will ever recur again. But you can of
course regulate the acne growth with Acnezine, the natural scientific
treatment product for acne treatment.
Thanks,
organic skin care
How Should People With Acne
How Should People With Acne Care for Their Skin?
Thanks,
Mens Cologne
The key to good skin care
The key to good skin care is to cleanse, (exfoliate depending on skin
type), tone, moisturize and never leave home without a sunscreen on.
Taking care of your skin while young will reduce aging signs in the
future. For instance, brown spots from the sun will usually not show up
until you get in the 40 year old range.
Thanks,
facial skin care
Re: How should people with Acne
Minirose, your query is not that clear but i think you want to know that what should people do if they already have acne problems!
For that, I would suggest you to go for a blue light therapay. It's affective and safe because it cures the skin in a more natural way very quickly.
Good Luck.
What skin product has
What skin product has helped you the most with acne?
General Practitioner Melbourne
I’ve heard in several
I’ve heard in several places about articles such as this, and they seem to make so much more sense than all of those other detox fads hawked by celebrities. You’re absolutely right: it’s all about helping yourself from the outside in, not the inside out. At the same time, however, it’s also pertinent to know that overzealous amounts of fatty foods can clog pores, so it’s a pretty good idea to try and stay healthy anyway. Heck, if it keeps you from gaining a few pounds, why not? There are also other alternatives. One is to use a HPV treatment on areas other than your face. This can assist with the detoxification of that specific area of skin. This can work for areas like the back or the chest (many people think that pimples are just a facial thing… They’re not). Other than that, great article!
Thanks for sharing realy
Thanks for sharing realy good to read about skin care.......
laser vein removal
nice post
You’re absolutely right: it’s all about helping yourself from the outside in, not the inside out. At the same time, however, it’s also pertinent to know that overzealous amounts of fatty foods can clog pores, so it’s a pretty good idea to try and stay healthy anyway. True Religion | True Religion Jeans
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
I read Ultramatabolism last year and have changed the way I eat. I've lost over fifty pounds and have felt pretty good. The last couple of months I started getting acne right before my period and I'm 47 years old. I have been under an extreme amount of stress though, going through a divorce. It was ironic that this article came out when it did. Only yesterday I was looking up natural ways to help with acne, never thinking it could be from stress.
Good skin care practices can
Good skin care practices can help to maintain firm, smooth, and healthy skin. Eventually, though, time and sun exposure take a toll on the skin's appearance. Facial skin problems and skin problems on other areas of the body can occur because of age, exposure to environmental elements, and a host of other factors. Some common skin flaws are the result of genetics, viruses, and other causes. A cosmetic dermatologist has the advanced training and expertise necessary to effectively treat skin problems.
Acne
One of the most common facial skin problems for adolescents is acne, a troubling skin condition that can affect confidence and self-esteem. As sebaceous glands become overactive and produce excess oil, follicles become plugged, resulting in blackheads and whiteheads. These plugged follicles can then become inflamed, causing pimples, nodules and cysts. Although acne is not harmful to health and will usually go away after time, moderate to severe acne can leave scars. There are several acne treatment options available that can effectively treat acne and eliminate or reduce the scarring it causes.
Age Spots
Age spots are brownish patches that appear on the skin as a person ages, due to either sun damage or genetics. Sometimes known as "liver spots," these benign patches resemble large freckles and usually appear on the face, neck, hands, feet or legs. Although they are not harmful, many people wish to have them removed for cosmetic reasons. A cosmetic dermatologist can effectively remove or reduce the appearance of age spots on the skin.
Birth Marks
Birth marks are areas of pigmented skin that are present at birth or that appear shortly after birth. They vary in color and form and can be classified as either pigmented or vascular. Some types of birth marks are permanent, while others are temporary. Most birth marks are harmless, although some may pose skin problems and require treatment. A pediatric or cosmetic dermatologist can diagnose different types of birth marks and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.
Large Pores
Pores are the tiny openings in the surface of the skin through which moisturizing oils are released. When pores on the face are large enough to be visible, they can cause frustration as well as facial skin problems. To some degree, pore size is hereditary, but pores also appear larger when they contain trapped oil and skin cells. A dermatologist can recommend effective treatments for improving the appearance of large pores.
Moles
Moles are raised, round, usually dark brown spots on the skin that may be present at birth or develop over time. Most moles are harmless, but some may develop into skin cancer. Any mole that has an irregular edge, uneven coloring, or is larger than a pencil eraser should be evaluated by a dermatologist. Most moles are not cancerous, but they may pose cosmetic skin problems, so many people elect to have their skin moles removed.
Rosacea
Characterized by facial redness and swelling, rosacea is a facial skin problem that usually afflicts adults with fair skin. It can appear at any age. Rosacea usually develops slowly at first, appearing periodically as a facial flush. The condition worsens over time and rarely resolves on its own. A cosmetic dermatologist can effectively treat rosacea with topical or oral medications, as well as facial skin treatments, such as laser therapy, to provide generally excellent results.
Scars
A scar is an area of skin that is a different color or texture from surrounding skin that results after an injury heals. Although most scars fade over time, certain types and those that occur in noticeable areas may remain apparent for a lifetime. Scars are cosmetic skin problems that do not require medical treatment, but their presence can be frustrating. Scar treatments available from a cosmetic dermatologist can help reduce the appearance of scars dramatically.
Skin Texture
A wide variety of skin conditions and environmental factors can make the skin feel rough, bumpy, papery, wrinkled, dry, scaly, or leathery. Generally, determining the source of skin problems is the first step to finding effective treatments. A dermatologist can examine the problem and provide effective treatments to improve skin texture and resolve most skin conditions.
Sun Damage
Long-term exposure to the sun is the single biggest factor contributing to visible signs of aging and other facial skin problems. Sun damage can lead to uneven pigmentation, deep wrinkles, leathery skin, and skin cancer. The best defense against sun damage is by preventing exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays through the use of sunscreen and protective clothing. A cosmetic dermatologist can provide highly effective treatments to minimize the visible signs of sun damage and restore smoother, healthier looking skin.
Undereye Circles
Darkened skin beneath the eyes is a common skin problem caused by factors such as heredity, lack of sleep, allergies, diet, and sun exposure. In many cases, the darkened circles can be reversed by resolving the underlying cause, or they can be concealed with cosmetics. A cosmetic dermatologist can provide treatments that can reduce or eliminate the discoloration of persistent and very dark undereye circles.
Warts
Warts are benign growths that are caused by a virus. Although warts are generally raised, rough, and skin-colored, they can manifest in many forms and hues. Warts can appear almost anywhere on the body and can be an unsightly and sometimes painful skin problem. Although warts will usually disappear over time, the discomfort and cosmetic imposition they cause often motivates patients to seek effective wart removal treatment from a cosmetic dermatologist. Wart removal is a generally painless process that can be performed in a quick office visit.
Wrinkles
Wrinkles and lines on the skin are among the most common facial skin problems for women and men as they age. Lines and wrinkles appear where skin naturally folds and creases, becoming more and more permanent as time goes on. Sun exposure, smoking, and extreme dieting can hasten this effect, making skin look older than it is. A cosmetic dermatologist can prescribe professional skin care products and perform a wide variety of very effective procedures to smooth and rejuvenate skin.
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How much does hair
How much does hair replacement surgery cost?
Thanks,
healthy ageing
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
I love the information, it reminds me of your book. I have found that daily products seem to correlate with the amount of acne on my face. Also, I have pimps in other areas on my body (back, chest, inner thighs and arms) what else can I do (now I exercise atleast 4 times and week and eat whole foods and drink soy milk) to help clear up this condition?
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
Good Morning....Just love all the valuable info.I'd like to know if there are any other specific treatments for eczema. My daughter has been dealing with this since she was 9 months and is now 19years young.She has been a vegetarian for 3years and this has helped tremendously.She has been allergy tested and candida tested. Few allergies to certain foods and no candida.The topical steroids help when there is a flair up, but we know thats not the answer.Thank you for all you do and any info would be greatly appreciated.
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
Dear Dr. Hyman,
Do you know why scientific tests have so far suggested that diet does not affect acne? I believe I know what variable they are not holding for, but I am curious if you have any ideas on what this may be.
What anti bacterial acne
What anti bacterial acne wash is good for butt acne?
Thanks,
Perfume Online
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
Dr. Hyman I really enjoyed this and all the others blogs that I have had time to read. I have vision issues and have to copy and make the print larger to read so I don't always get to read them all. I too have developed acne vulgaris at 58! I'm sure it is due to some chronic issues which I am trying to minimize by starting the ultrametobolism regime. My dermatologist ran some test to see what was going on with the acne and some recent general hair loss and my DHEA test was low (I looked it up and the MD website said that it was Adrenal Stress. SO MY QUESTION IS Where in your book or this website do you talk about Adrenal Stress? I would appreciate anyone who might be reading this and could direct me to Dr. Hyman's answer. Thank You
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
Dr. Hyman I really enjoyed this and all the others blogs that I have had time to read. I have vision issues and have to copy and make the print larger to read so I don't always get to read them all. I too have developed acne vulgaris at 58! I'm sure it is due to some chronic issues which I am trying to minimize by starting the ultrametobolism regime. My dermatologist ran some test to see what was going on with the acne and some recent general hair loss and my DHEA test was low (I looked it up and the MD website said that it was Adrenal Stress. SO MY QUESTION IS Where in your book or this website do you talk about Adrenal Stress? I would appreciate anyone who might be reading this and could direct me to Dr. Hyman's answer. Thank You
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
I 110% agree with everything in todays blog...from my own personal experience. At about age 18 I developed severe ulcerative colitis (it took until age 19 before they could give me that diagnoses) and I suffered until about the age of 30 while on conventional medication to keep it somewhat "under control". At age 31 I became pregnant w/my first child and all symptoms disapeared...only to return a month after my daughter was born. About 6 mos later I was fed up....and had read an article about probiotics and decided to give it a try. Within two weeks my symptoms had vanished. I called my doctor to tell him about this miracle cure...only to have him say "oh ya, that works for some people, but I didn't mention it because it is over the counter and insurance wouldn't cover it". I was shocked. How could he not even give me the option? After reading your blog and looking at my own situation it all matches up. I had perfect skin in my teens when all the other kids were going to the dermatologist. Then, at about age 20 the acne started and didn't stop until I was on the probiotics for about 6 mos. Now I am mostly acne free and colitis free....thanks to a little research on my part and wonderful wonderful probiotics!!!
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
I never had much skin problems but at one point when I was a lot younger I had a big zit on my cheek next to my mouth. Doctors tried, I tried over the counter stuff, nothing worked. I went to a Shaklee meeting and they recommended some stuff made from Apricot seeds, I applied it, the zit went away never to return. They said it was caused by a nutritional deficiency of something in the seeds. I munch on those seeds all the time nowadays, have to be careful about how many you eat, FDA says up to 2 per hour, I do half that at most.
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
Thank you very much for the blog on skin care. A skin problem my sister & I are plagued with is Rosacea. Both of us have visited our local Dermatologists and have been prescribed topical treatments that only suppress/mask the red inflamed skin. My sister has changed her diet but has not seem much improvement. I am working to clean up my diet but my case is not as severe as hers. Can your next article on skin problems address this issue as I know of several other friends who experience this problem as we both do. Thank you.
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
Since participating in the ultra simple diet and continuing to follow the protocols (May 15th 2007) I have lost 10 pounds and my skin is much improved ,previously it was dry and on the arms and legs wrinkled it is 100% better, my facial skin has also improved.Definately I can see we are what we eat.
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
How do you see diet affecting similar skin problems/viruses such as HPV.
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
While I would agree that diet plays the most important role in adult acne, aren't overactive hormones the main culprit for teens? The three components of a pimple are excess sebaceous secretion, dead skin cells and bacteria. Since the oil production is excessive due to hormonal changes in the teen years, I'm not sure how that could be controlled by diet alone. Perhaps dietary changes could help to some extent but I don't think it's the direct cause of teenage acne. Otherwise, why do they outgrow it and have clear skin later, despite the same bad dietary habits?
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
I développed mild acne in my late twenties but by my late thirties it had gotten much worst. Over the counter products were not working so I finally decided to see a dermatalogist. He looked at my face for 30 seconds and prescribe "minocyclin" (that caused side effects), a cleanser and an ointment. My condition did improve but I still had mild acne and within a week of finishing the minocyclin I broke out. On my next visit he precribed "retin A" which did help control the breakouts but caused severe drying and flaking. After a few months I stopped using it and decided to try a natural approach. I started with a 3 day apple diet with enemas (to cleanse) and then changed my eating habits (cut sugar, fatty foods,white flour etc). I now eat more fish, vegetables, fruit and whole grains and try to include spinach, turmeric, cayenne, ginger, rosemary and olive oil in almost all of meals. I also started to drink green tea and take salmon oil supplements as well as vitamins A,E & D. What a difference, I am now free of breakouts and as an added bonus, I feel healthy and look much younger !! As far as externally, I only moisturize at night with castor oil, exfoliate with a micro-fibre cloth and apply vitamin A. No more presciptions for me, natural all the way !!
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
While I would agree that diet plays the most important role in adult acne, aren't overactive hormones the main culprit for teens? The three components of a pimple are excess sebaceous secretion, dead skin cells and bacteria. Since the oil production is excessive due to hormonal changes in the teen years, I'm not sure how that could be controlled by diet alone. Perhaps dietary changes could help to some extent but I don't think it's the direct cause of teenage acne. Otherwise, why do they outgrow it and have clear skin later, despite the same bad dietary habits?
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
I am just starting to read the UltraSimple Diet book, but have been monitoring the blogs for the last few days. Everything said correlates strongly to my personal experience. Over the past two years I was plagued with chronic acne. No facial cleansing routine I tried really helped much. About four months ago I visited my Doctor regarding my mild depression. She had put me on Welbutrin about 2 years ago, but I didn't think it was really helping. She switched me to Efixer, which helped my mood a great deal, but I quickly developed an allergic reaction to it. Same thing with the next medication we tried. We decided to try going drug-free for awhile. For the most part my depression is gone or managable, but the big change is that my acne completely cleared up. Other than an occasional breakout around my menstral cycle, my skin has been clear.
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
I've had acne problems for MANY years, and have tried many things . It has still never gone away. My problem is that I have cystic acne, which I rarely see mentioned. I have always felt that cystic acne has its own separate problems, perhaps in the gut area, and you've confirmed my suspicions. I still wish there was someone to talk to about this. How do I find someone in my area who can talk sensibly about these issues. Dermatologists want to always send me home with antibotics or something topical.
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
Thats great to hear Elfe. I am 26 and I suffer from acne more as an adult than a teen. I have tried lots of OTC drugs, antibiotics, proactive, clyndamiacin and others with seemingly improving results but my skin never clears up completely. I am now using retin-A, with proactive while awaiting my approval for accutane. My skin is extremely oily and I break out in the summer worse than ever. I love your approach to fighting your acne naturally. I will try your regimen and hope for great results. Thanks
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
Your body is designed to rid itself of toxins and bacteria and one of the ways it does this is through the skin. When your pores are clogged these toxins and bacteria are trapped under the skin and acne is formed.
Topical solutions may help unclogg your pores but they also dry out your skin causing your body to react and produce even more sebum. Antibiotics may help to control the bacteria temporarally, but they also weaken your bodies natural ability to fight against these and other bacteria in the futur, so in the long run your acne and cysts get worst...
Perhaps you should see your familly doctor or a dietetician and inquire about ways to help rid your your body of excess yeast. Also, not only changing your diet but your skin care methods as well (see my previous post) may rid you of the need for harmful and often ineffective presciptions.
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
I've tried many things topical, from all natural (making my own oil/cleanser mixtures) to the typical benzoyl peroxide. None of it worked. That has led me to think that it is may be internal. I tried being vegetarian for a year. That didn't help. I've tried various diets, and that hasn't helped. I tried going to a naturopath. That hasn't helped. I'm tired and worn out on trying things. I want a solution. I am inclined to think that what Dr. Hyman wrote about cystic acne (the leaky gut and parasites link) may be something worthwhile. But for now, I want to talk face-to-face with somebody who knows what they are actually talking about, and who can actually look at what my specific issues are for my body. I did look at the IFM database, and there is no one in my area, which means I need to fly to another island (I live in Hawaii) in order to see someone that may know something. Oh, and the last time I talked to my family doctor, she prescribed an antibiotic, so I really can't go that route.
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
Please do yourself a favor and DO NOT DO ACCUTANE!!!
I (used to) breakout more in the summer too. Because the sun tends to dry the surface of the skin, your body panics and pumps more oil to the rescue, sun exposure also temporarally tightens your pores so the excess oil gets trapped under your skin and you breakout.
Try steaming your face at night (if you don't have a steamer, taking a hot bath or simply placing a face-cloth soaked in hot water over your face will do the job). Now that your pores are opened, pat your skin dry and massage castor oil all over your face and leave it on over night. This not only tricks your body onto producing less sebum but aslo helps heal your pimples and softens your skin.
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
I never had much of an acne problem as a teenager, but when I turned 22 or 23, boom! it hit me, and I wasn't able to control it. It was only moderately bad until I got pregnant, at which point it got very severe, mostly cystic acne that ended up scarring. Even after my pregnancy, it continued. I tried everything topical, and even some supplements and dietary changes! Certain things worked to some degree, and I enjoyed some skin clearness.
But when I got pregnant again about 2 years later, it returned, though not as severe. I had made some permanent dietary changes, such as 100% avoiding soda pop, trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, and other such poisons, and eating mostly whole, fresh foods at home, rather than out all the time. But I couldn't beat it until I read that chlorella helped with skin issues. Chlorella detoxifies heavy metals, so I gave it a try even though I was pregnant.
The most amazing thing happened, and I've never looked back. My skin starting clearing up that very same night I took just 1 capsule. I woke up, and every last blemish was dried up and beginning to heal, just like that. That was like a miracle. I built up my dosage slowly, and I now take 10 capsules per day faithfully, and enjoy almost 100% clear skin all the time. I believe that I must have had a lot of poisons in my body that were coming out through my skin.
Not saying it will work for everyone, but I am so very, very happy that it worked for me. Now it doesn't matter what I put on my skin, I don't break out. I used to think that certain cosmetics or the wrong kind of facial care products would make my acne worse. I can use any products now, and it doesn't make any difference. I, for one, am a chlorella believer. I hope that helps someone.
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
If you ask your doctor to help you with your acne, of course he will prescibe antibiotics. Doctors are trained to prescribe drugs!! If you simply change your diet without cleansing beforehand, two things will happen. First, your digestive system will not be able to absorbe the nutrients or substances that you need to heal and secondly what was causing the problem to begin with will still be in your body (kind of like trying to paint over a moldy wall.. to eliminate the problem you first have to remove the mold, or else it will just reappear though the paint)
I think that because you have probably taken many antibiotics in the past, your system is now filled with yeast and bad bacteria and your body (which is simply trying to survive and maintain itself) is trying to expel it through your skin. This is why I suggested that you enquire about ways to eliminate the yeast from your body(which is probably causing your cysts to begin with)either through a cleansing (flush diet) or colonics or both and then replace it with normal levels of yeast and good bacteria through diet and supplements.
As far as talking face to face with an expert in your area, good luck !! I have never found anyone (or even any website) that covers the subject completly or is knowledgable in all the aspects of controling (curing) acne. It is only after years of research (from various sources)and from a combination of various methods that I was able to control mine.
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
Great information! Yes I absolutely have seen how my eating affects my skin. I "knew" that chocolate and fried greasy foods were not good for my acne but I never dreamed that other things weren't as well. The less sugar/carbs the better my skin looks. Cutting out milk specifically has also not only improved my skin but I've stopped having the cronic sinus infections and headaches that I've suffered from for years!
Thanks!
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
Great Site BUT I find the yellow orange color used for links and topic selection VERY Hard to READ.
Any one else out there agree?
I would suggest a redo of the site.
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
I had some acne when I was in my teens, but it went away in my early 20's. I was always aware that certain foods, especially sweets and fats made it worse.
I am now 60 and recently was diagnosed with Rosacea (a form of acne I am told.) I was using antibiotic topically and internally with little relief. Recently I have turned again to diet and have gone to a mostly organic, lower fat diet. I also use an infra-red sauna and apply oxygen peroxide to my skin. The problem has improved dramatically.
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
I've done cleansers too, even for yeast. The problem is that there are too many products out there on the market. How does one know if something will really work? I could try a dozen products, and maybe one will sort of work. Everyone has their opinion on how to make everything better, but with profit as a motivation, how can you trust anyone?
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
A few years ago, I had absolutely uncontrollable acne. It wasn't cystic or even severe, but it was persistant and totally appearance-ruining! I discovered the Clear Skin Prescription by Dr. Perricone. Everyone's book recommends things that are little bit different. But I am eternally grateful to that book because it introduced me to the world of anti-inflammation nutrition and controlling my blood sugar.
I was so desperate at that point that I was willing to do anything - including cut out sugar!!! It was hard, but I was determined, and, boy, did it make a difference! I ate frequently, always eating protein first to slow down the blood sugar spike, ate lots of healthy fats, and almost no sugar. If I ever took a break and went out to dinner with my husband for Chinese or Mexican food, to my dismay, I would break out the next day! A few times I had hot dogs, and that was the worst of all! But incredibly, if I ate salmon for dinner and leftovers for lunch the next day, my skin would look clear and beautiful.
I couldn't believe that all those years I had been told that food made no difference to your skin. What a cruel, misguided lie!
And what really kept me going was that I started losing about a pound every day (until I was pretty close to my ideal weight, and then it slowed a bit).
So now I know what is only logical - what you put into your body actually builds your body. So you had better use good materials!
Thanks to Dr. Hyman for showing me better every day just how to do that.
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
That's one of the reasons that I turned to a natural approach based on non-profit oriented health information. Drugs, prescription ointments and "gimic" treatments are expensive and at best, only treat symptoms.
Here is a breakdown of the cost of treating my acne (most people already have these things in their home and most importantly, there are no side effets, no chemicals, no risks).
3 day Internal cleanse: 15 apples (8$), grape juice (3$), olive oil (4$), baking soda (1$), enema bag( already had)
10 day Skin cleanse: castor oil (3$), steam (free)
Skin maintenance: micro-fibre cloth 2$, castor oil vitamin A capsules (already had).
Total (21$)
Genaral maintenance: Changing my diet, and adding healthful herbes and spices to natural foods actually cost less than eating prépackaged, refined and artificially flavored proccessed foods. Vitamins and salmon oil supplements are inexpensive and easily available.
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
Annette, I sympathise entirely. I've struggled with acne for more than 25 years. I've tried everything - antibiotics, accutane, retin A, peels, facials, an endless array of topical lotions and potions - all help temporarily but the acne comes back and the side effects are not worth it.
For the last six years I've focused on healthly diet with mixed results. I now experience 4-6 week periods of relatively clear skin and sometimes I even think the acne might finally be gone for good, but then I'll suffer a massive flare up. I now eat extremely well, exercise often and do cleansing diets once or twice a year which no doubt helps, but I still have intermittent breakouts. It's difficult to pinpoint which foods might be problematic because there are other factors such as menstrual cycle and job stress that also influence my skin condition. I'm now eliminating all dairy (already kicked all wheat and refined white flour/sugar a long time ago) to see if that helps.
I've never tried castor oil, and some one else mentioned that they got relief from chlorella supplements - so I suppose that's worth a try!
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
I have atopic dermatitis since I was a little baby. I want to know how can I help my skin to look as best as it can?
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
I have 20 year old son that suffers from cystic acne, we have tried many treatments for him,even very harmful prescriptions, but I never heard of something so simple as changing his eating havits might work, we are going to give it a try..
Thanks,
L.DelValle
This is a superb article
This is a superb article because you have spoken vastly about so many things from good food good diet and other things. Anyone reading this article will find all things said useful. Really nice article.
LifeCell | Colon Cleanse 3000
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
Hello Doctor,
Thanks for your informative comments.
Although I practice most of what you recommend, I find that personal hygiene plays an important role for me.
I work out( cardio, resistance, and yoga classes or stretches) at least six days per week and don't always shower after the workouts, but if I wash my face at the appropriate times my breakouts are minimized.
I have been diagnosed with mild rosacea and sometimes put a dash of metrogel onto my
nasal and immediate surrounding area. Of course, I enjoy spicy foods and have two lite beers per day.
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
Thank you, Sharon, for your comments. I really appreciate your sympathy. I just want people to realize that it's not always a simple thing in trying to find a solution that works. For some of us, it takes TIME, which inevitably means it takes MONEY (especially if you live in a place like Hawaii, which is expensive). Some of the remedies have helped, but it never entirely gets rid of the problem. I have read quite a bit on the subject of natural health, and could probably write a dissertation on everything I know. Dr. Hyman's comments on this blog have proved interesting, and have given me another path to pursue. YET, it may take me years to figure out a particular solution that may work for me. Everyone has their own opinions on what may work; however, every person and every body is different, and a solution for one may not work for another. Only someone trained in the areas that Dr. Hyman is trained in can truly make a recommendation on particular treatments. For all who read this blog, please think on this.
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
Please read my response to Sharon below.
In addition, things are never as cheap as you state. Vitamins and supplements can add up, and are NOT inexpensive, especially if you want to get good vitamins.
Dr. Hyman's comments on
Dr. Hyman's comments on this blog have proved interesting, and have given me another path to pursue. YET, it may take me years to figure out a particular solution that may work for me. Instyler
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
Annette,
I stated the actual costs of what I payed for the foods and products I used. ( I live in Canada, maybe things in your area are more expensive...)
As far as vitamins and supplements, I find them quite inexpensive compared to precription drugs, lotions, creams, professional peels, laser treatments etc etc. Just to give you an example of costs (in my city) Salmon oil is 12.99$ for one month supply and vitamins E,A,D are all under 10$.
I am sorry to hear that things are so expensive in your area... but please do not accuse me of lying !!
I was only trying to help you (you are not obligated to try any of the things I suggested) so I don't see why you are being so argumentative ?? when a simple "thanks but no thanks, I think I have special needs and your methods would not work me so I will keep looking for inexpensive miracle cure from a professional"
PS: This will be my last reply to you as you are obviously looking more for sympathy and referals to medical professionals than advice or information from other acne sufferers.
PPS: to all others, feel free to ask any questions and keep sharing your valuable tips :)
re: How to get ride of acne, pimples and other skin problems...
Did you read my first entry? I NEVER asked for advice on what products to use. ALL I asked was if anyone knew of a good way to try and find someone knowledgeable in their area. That was ALL I asked for. I am sorry that I let you get me side-tracked from my real question. What I am angry about is that I felt you didn't even read my question, and I received a mini-lecture instead. I really still would like to know if anyone has ever successfully found a professional who helped them. That is ALL I really wanted to know. I am sorry if anyone reading these series of blogs is offended by my tone, but I've been fighting my battle with acne for over 20 years, and have rarely found a professional that understood my problem and tried to explain to me the fundamentals of what is happening. I like Dr. Hyman's blogs, as I feel that maybe he does understand. I just would like to talk one-on-one to someone similar to him. Has ANYONE had any success in finding a professional? I would really appreciate that story. Thank you.