Adult Acne - a Natural Remedyby Tony Burnell

Adult acne affects literally millions of people. We tend to think of acne as a teenage problem but, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is the most common skin disorder in the United States.

Consider this:
· Over 50 percent of women of all ages suffer from acne at some stage in their lives.
· 80 percent of adults between the ages of 20 and 30 suffer from mild to moderate acne
· Even after age 50, over 15 percent of women and over 7 percent of men still suffer from acne
· Adult men are not as prone as women to acne but they can suffer for longer periods of time and have more severe symptoms


The same things cause adult acne as teenage acne – too much sebum in the body. Sebum is oil secreted by the sebaceous glands to lubricate the skin. It is when too much oil is produced that the problems start – the pore becomes blocked, p.acne bacteria multiply and attacks the follicle. In the process the bacteria produces free fatty acids that irritate the skin. The body then reacts to defend the skin, which can cause an inflammatory response resulting in the acne symptoms we know so well.

The main reason the body produces too much oil is an imbalance of hormones in the body. That's why women will have acne outbreaks when their hormones are awry – ovulation, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. It's also why men have more severe and longer lasting acne - they produce more testosterone.

The way to treat acne is to restore the body's natural balance. That's why a healthy lifestyle can help – by helping the body rid itself of toxins, controlling the production of oil and restoring hormonal balance.

Whilst there has been a long running debate about the effects or non-effects of diet on acne, recent research has shown there is a strong link. There are indications that a low GI diet lowers the outbreaks. The reason for this is a high GI diet – one high in refined sugars, white flour, white rice – increases the blood sugar level. The body needs to bring the blood sugar level down. It does this by a surge of insulin and other male hormones. This creates an excess of sebum, which starts the whole process of acne formation.

A well-balanced diet on its own may not cure acne but it will certainly help control it by laying a good foundation for other treatment. Following a healthy diet will:

· Provide nutrients to the body in the form of vitamins and minerals
· Help the body's immune system deal with ailments
· Help the body heal itself
· Lift energy levels
· Promote a positive feeling of well being

It is no surprise then, when we learn researchers have found a strong link between a healthy lifestyle and reduced acne breakouts.


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