acne Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Acne Scar Removal Face Mask

The AHA! Team — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 05:44:38 +0000

Kyra Oliver via Dr. Axe – Having acne is no picnic for anyone. Not only do people suffer from the embarrassing state of their skin, but often it can leave behind nasty acne scars that can last a lifetime if left untreated, leaving many searching for ways to get rid of scarring, such as an acne scar removal face mask. Unfortunately, in search of how to get rid of acne scars, most rush to the nearest drugstore for ineffective topical medications or get dangerous prescription drugs that are often equally useless. To really make a difference, you must address the cause (clogged pores, bacteria, excess oil production, hormones, diet, stress and certain medications) of your acne and use the best home remedies for acne. Next, to address the unsightly scars that can form, try this acne scar removal face mask. Utilizing essential oils for acne, such as tea tree, frankincense and helichrysum essential oils, it’s a careful blend of powerful ingredients meant to naturally reduce scarring. Key ingredients Acne scars can be frustrating reminders of past breakouts, often affecting confidence long after the pimples are gone. Natural remedies offer a gentle yet effective way to fade these marks over time. This simple, do-it-yourself face mask powered by healing oils and wholesome ingredients is perfect for those seeking a fresh-faced glow without harsh chemicals. Here are the key players in this DIY acne scar removal face mask. Lemon juice A natural astringent and mild bleaching agent, lemon juice helps lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation associated with acne scars. It also provides antioxidant protection. Honey With its natural humectant properties, honey keeps skin hydrated while promoting wound healing. It also possesses antibacterial qualities, supporting scar recovery. Almond oil A light, non‑comedogenic carrier oil rich in vitamins E and A, almond oil soothes inflammation, nourishes the skin and supports optimal healing. Its gentle texture makes it ideal for delicate post-acne skin. Tea tree essential oil Tea tree oil is a powerhouse for acne and blemish-prone skin thanks to its antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It speeds healing and helps fade scars. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that topical 5 percent tea tree oil for acne was 3.55 times and 5.75 times more effective than the placebo in treating mild to moderate acne. Frankincense essential oil Known for its astringent and regenerative properties, frankincense improves skin tone, reduces scar visibility and supports healing. It helps tighten pores and even skin texture. Helichrysum essential oil Often called the “immortelle” oil, helichrysum essential oil reduces inflammation and promotes tissue repair. Clinically recognized for its anti-inflammatory components like arzanol, it’s highly regarded for scar therapy. Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the top essential oils for scars, which is why it’s part of this acne scar removal face mask. How to make an acne scar removal face mask This homemade acne scar removal face mask takes less than 10 minutes to make, and it’s certainly worth the little time it takes. To start, combine the lemon juice, honey and almond oil in a jar, and mix until smooth. Then, add the essential oils, and stir gently to distribute them throughout the mixture. Mix it all well, and it’s ready to go. To use this DIY acne scar removal face mask, perform a patch test first on a small area of your skin (such as your inner arm) to make sure you don’t have a negative skin reaction. If your skin doesn’t have irritation or sensitivity, it’s safe for sure. Apply a thin, even layer to clean, dry skin, focusing on the areas with acne scars. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, and feel free to apply it daily. After 15-20 minutes, rinse this acne scar removal face mask off with lukewarm water. Pat dry the area, and use a gentle moisturizer after for optimal skin benefits. Try this mask once daily for about eight to 10 days. If you notice any discomfort, discontinue use, or apply every other day. Safety tips Patch test before use: Discontinue if skin becomes red, itchy or inflamed. Sun sensitivity alert: Lemon juice can increase UV sensitivity. Always use sunscreen after. Stick to pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils to ensure safety and efficacy. This DIY acne scar face mask combines time-tested natural ingredients into a potent blend that fades scars gently over time. With consistent use (and sun protection), it supports brighter, smoother skin. Just be patient: Natural healing takes weeks to months. It does not create miracles in days. More DIY face mask recipes This acne scar removal face mask is hardly the only natural skin care mask recipe you can make. Here are some more skin-supporting face masks to try: DIY Turmeric Face Mask for Glowing Skin Homemade Avocado Face Mask DIY Charcoal Mask with Rosehip and Tea Tree Oils DIY Blackhead Removal Mask with Turmeric, Peppermint & Frankincense Acne Scar Removal Face Mask Author: Kyra Oliver / Total Time: 5 min / Yield: 10 uses Want to get rid of acne scars? Prepare this homemade acne scar removal face mask made up of essential oils and see results for yourself. Ingredients 3 tablespoons lemon juice 3 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons almond oil (or olive oil) 8–10 drops tea tree essential oil 8–10 drops frankincense essential oil 6–8 drops helichrysum essential oil Instructions Combine all ingredients into a jar. Mix well. Apply daily, leaving on the skin for 10-15 minutes. Wash thoroughly. Try this mask once daily for about 8-10 days. If you notice any discomfort, discontinue use, or apply every other day. To read the original article click here.

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Acne and Vitamin B12

The AHA! Team — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 06:39:19 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Acne can be triggered in one in ten people who get vitamin B12 injections. “Acne is a disease unique to humans.” Why do we even get it? Well, think about the distribution of those greasy sebaceous glands. They’re “on the face, chest and back; these are exactly the same structures that pose the greatest obstruction during childbirth…Having extra lubrication at these sites would help make the baby more slippery for birth conferring a selective advantage to successful delivery.” Perhaps, but what triggers them to become inflamed into pimples later in life? “In westernized societies, acne vulgaris is a nearly universal skin disease afflicting 79% to 95%” of teens. Not even a single case could be found in some populations where more “traditional” diets are eaten (i.e., minimally processed, high-carb, low-fat diets). “Nutrition counseling” has been suggested “as a first-line or adjunctive therapy…for individuals with mild to moderate acne.” It looks like high glycemic foods and dairy products are “exacerbating factors,” so we’re talking about sugar, soda, refined junky carbohydrates, white flour, breakfast cereal, and dairy products, like milk, cheese, yogurt, and whey, as well as saturated and trans fats, which are concentrated in meat, dairy, junk, and fast food. You can see a table detailing this below and at 1:21 in my video Do Vitamin B12 Supplements Cause Acne?. “Acne patients should be encouraged to discontinue any whey protein supplements they might be taking,” for example. “The relationship between milk and acne severity may be explained by the presence in dairy of normal reproductive [sex] steroid hormones or the enhanced production of polypeptide [growth] hormones such as IGF-1…” What if you gave up dairy a month ago and there’s still no change? “It should be noted that changes in acne due to any pharmaceutical treatment or dietary changes are likely to take at least 10 to 12 weeks,” so you have to stick with it. “Acne patients,” not surprisingly, “were more than twice as likely to have a non-vegan diet compared with controls,” but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Were the vegans eating a lot of vegan junk? Maybe, but what about the paper entitled, “Vitamin B-12 Induced Acne”? Mammalian herbivores, including nonhuman primates like gorillas, and our fellow great apes, get all the B12 they need by practicing coprophagy, the eating of feces, but my preference would be to take B12 supplements. And you don’t have to worry about getting too much because it’s been reported that “there are no reports of adverse effects associated with excess B12 intake”—but that’s not true. First described back in the 1950s, acne erupts in about one in ten people within days or even hours of getting an injection of vitamin B12, which then disappears rapidly when injection “treatment is discontinued.” At the time, we had no idea what the mechanism might be, and the problem remained unsolved until just a few years ago when we finally figured it out: Vitamin B12 modulates the gene expression of the skin bacteria that cause acne. Researchers swabbed the skin of ten people before and after being injected with vitamin B12. As you can see below and at 3:20 in my video, it turns out that the level of B12 on our skin is proportional to the level in our blood, so, after a B12 injection, the bacteria on our skin have to make less of their own B12. As a result, the acne bacteria could concentrate instead on using their cellular machinery to churn out more compounds to attack our face and “induce inflammation in acne.” Indeed, as you can see here and at 3:53 in my video, without excess B12 on the skin (with B12 shown in green), the bacteria have to make most of it on their own at the expense of porphyrins (shown in red), which can trigger acne inflammation. When there is a lot of B12 floating around, the bacteria don’t have to waste resources and, instead, can focus on trying to pimple you up. So, what do you do? We know that individuals on plant-based diets have to take supplemental B12, but we don’t have to get injections. Vitamin B12-related acne tends to occur only “in dosages in excess of 5 to 10 mg per week.” That’s 5,000 to 10,000 micrograms a week, which is well in excess of the 50 micrograms a day or, alternately, the 2,000-microgram single weekly dose that I recommend. The only time you should be taking 5,000 to 10,000 micrograms a week is if you are treating B12 deficiency. If you remember from my previous video, B12 deficiency is treated with 1,000 micrograms a day for a month or more, as shown below and at 4:35 in my video, and that could potentially trigger acne. For example, a vegan woman who hadn’t been taking B12 developed a deficiency and had to be treated with such high doses of the vitamin that her face erupted in acne, as you can see at 4:49 in my video. All the more reason not to become B12-deficient in the first place. But, even if you do get B12 injections, the likelihood of it triggering acne may only be about one in ten. For background and my updated recommendations, see my extended look at vitamin B12 in the related posts below. All of these videos can be found in one digital download. Check out Latest Vitamin B12 Recommendations. I previously explored vitamin B12’s role in stroke risk, which you can also see in the related posts below. That series is available for digital download, too: Why Do Vegetarians Have Higher Stroke Risk?. Up next is Do Vitamin B12 Supplements Cause Bone Fractures and Lung Cancer?. Key Takeaways Acne may stem from humans having evolved a beneficial trait for childbirth: extra sebaceous glands on our scalp, face, and back to provide lubrication that could help during delivery. In Westernized societies, acne is nearly universal among teens, but in populations with “traditional” diets, acne is rare or non-existent. High glycemic foods and dairy products are significant exacerbating factors. Eliminating acne-triggering foods like dairy and processed carbohydrates may take 10 to 12 weeks to show results, so patience is required when making dietary changes. High doses of vitamin B12, especially through injections, can trigger acne by altering bacterial activity on the skin, although this is relatively uncommon. Regular, lower-dose B12 supplementation is recommended for vegans to avoid deficiency and reduce the risk of B12-induced acne, which occurs mostly with high-dose treatments. To read the original article click here.

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Cystic Acne Treatment Through Dietary Changes & Beyond

The AHA! Team — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 06:11:16 +0000

Annie Price, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Have you ever had large, red, painful breakouts? These cystic acne breakouts can affect both men and women as young as 8 or as old 50. The face is the most common and concerning area of occurrence, but other problem areas can include the chest, back, upper arms and shoulders. Cystic acne, which is way worse than just any old pimple, is actually the most severe form of acne possible. Common medical treatment for cystic acne might work, but some have very serious side effects. A natural way to fight cystic acne is to address the gut-skin connection with the use of probiotics through food, supplements and home remedies for acne. In fact, way back in 1961, a case report found that out of 300 acne patients given a probiotic, 80 percent had clinical improvement. Read on to learn how you can naturally treat your cystic acne and have clear skin once again. What Is Cystic Acne? Also called nodulocystic acne and similar to nodular acne, cystic acne is an intense form of acne that results in large, inflamed cysts and nodules that appear on the skin. Unlike other milder forms of acne, cystic acne is noticeably painful and occurs when oil and dead skin cells build up deep down in hair follicles or pores. Cystic acne is most common during puberty for young boys, but sadly, it can continue into the adult years, especially when there is a hormonal imbalance. For adult women, it’s common to to experience cystic acne around their menstrual cycles, especially on the the jawline and chin, which are the common areas for hormonally motivated breakouts. It’s more serious than hormonal acne, which occurs with both men and women when undergoing significant hormonal changes, such as aging, pregnancy or stress. In contrast, cystic acne can happen at any age because of dietary sensitivities and an overproduction of sebum. Symptoms Acne vulgaris is the medical name for common acne. Acne conglobata, or cystic acne, is a more serious and rarer form of acne that occurs mainly in young men, but it can affect people of both sexes and various ages. When you have cystic acne, your skin’s pores get clogged with oil and dead skin cells and become inflamed. It becomes cystic acne when the pore ruptures underneath the skin, which causes the inflammation to spill out into the surrounding skin tissue. This chain reaction can continue in the skin, triggering wider inflammation, spreading more acne bacteria and more breakouts. Next, your body forms a cyst around the area to stop the inflammation from spreading further. Symptoms of cystic acne include: large, red and painful breakouts on the face, chest, back, upper arms, shoulders and/or thighs nodules that appear as raised, red bumps that generally do not have whiteheads showing — they can resemble a keloid lesions that are usually felt beneath the skin before they’re seen more visible acne that produces cysts and nodules in addition to papules and pustules breakouts that are painful to the touch or even when not touched decrease in self-esteem and mood and increase in psychological distress, especially when cystic acne occurs on the face The unique appearance of a cystic acne is due to the acute damage to the oil gland causing intense inflammation and irritation, which leads to redness, swelling and soreness. Cystic acne is easy to diagnose by a dermatologist and does not require any special tests. Causes Cystic acne can be caused by or related to: Genetics Hormonal changes, including polycystic ovary syndrome High levels of humidity and sweating Pore-clogging and irritating face and body care products Some drugs and chemicals (for example, corticosteroids, lithium, phenytoin, isoniazid), which may worsen or cause eruptions that are similar to acne Cystic acne often runs in families. If one or both of your parents had severe cystic acne, then you have a greater chance of having it as well. It’s most common in teenage boys and young men. It’s believed that hormones called androgens can play a part in the development of cystic acne in teens when there is an increase in androgens. This increase leads to changes in your skin that can result in clogged pores and acne. Cystic acne doesn’t only affect men, though. For women, hormone changes that trigger cystic acne can be brought on by menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. Conventional Treatment Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne, but over-the-counter remedies aren’t always enough to treat this form of acne. If any, benzoyl peroxide is a topical antibacterial treatment that is most often used to treat acne and may help less severe cystic acne. Instead, many people opt to see a dermatologist in order to get diagnosed and then prescribed medications to treat cystic acne. The most effective conventional medicine for cystic acne is isotretinoin (Accutane), which actually is derived from vitamin A. While most people experience a reduction in acne lesion counts, adverse events are common, especially overly dry skin, mood issues and decreased appetite. If the cystic acne covers a lot of skin, a dermatologist may want to prescribe oral antibiotics. While these can work against the inflammation and bacteria, they don’t address the excess oil or dead skin cells. Because of antibiotic resistance, they should only be used in the short term, if at all. Topical retinoids also may be used and are related to vitamin A, but in general they’re not sufficient to address cystic acne. They can also make your skin red and peel — plus make it very vulnerable to sunburn. Another prescription medication is spironolactone (Aldactone), a diuretic that usually is used for edema as well as high blood pressure. It’s also used for acne but mostly just women who have acne around their jawline. Its side effects can be serious and should not be taken if planning to become pregnant. Natural Remedies 1. Avoid these foods Conventional Dairy: Even if you’re not lactose intolerant, conventional dairy products can be hard on the digestive system. Many people see an improvement in their acne when they cut down or eliminate dairy products like milk, cheese and ice cream. If you want to check if dairy is a culprit, try eliminating it from your diet for two weeks to see if your cystic acne improves. If it does, then you know that dairy is not agreeing with you. You can choose to remain dairy-free, or you can slowly reintroduce dairy back into your diet. Choosing better-quality dairy can be helpful as well. Sugar: Sugar and other high-glycemic foods (like breads and pasta) can make inflammation in your body worse. The more inflammation you have, the worse your cystic acne will be. Try natural sweeteners instead. Consuming excess amounts of sugar and grain products can also feed yeast and candida in the body, increasing the presence of acne on the skin. Caffeine and chocolate: Many experts like to say that there is no link between caffeine and chocolate consumption and breakouts. However, there is no doubt that caffeine consumption has a direct impact on your hormonal balance. In particular, caffeine overdose can raise the stress hormone known as cortisol, which can cause cortisol face. By reducing or eliminating various sources of caffeine, like coffee, tea and chocolate, you can help keep your hormones in better balance and clear up your cystic acne. Low-fiber, highly processed foods: Consuming foods that are low in fiber and highly processed has a direct negative effect on your gut health, which negatively impacts skin health. When you consume processed meat products like cold cuts, breakfast cereals and microwave meals, an unhealthy shift occurs in your inner microbial colonies. This sets off inflammation throughout your entire body, which can bring on a cystic acne flare-up or make any current acne even worse. Fried and fast foods: These foods are also highly processed and low in fiber. Additionally, they contain a number of ingredients that cause inflammation, including hydrogenated oils, sodium, chemicals, flavorings and sugar. 2. Eat these foods Probiotic-rich foods: The healthier your gut is, the better your balance of good versus bad bacteria. When you consume probiotic-rich foods like kefir and cultured vegetables, the probiotics line your gut and create a healthy, sealed barrier that prevents inflammation that can trigger acne. One Korean study of 56 acne patients found that drinking a Lactobacillus-fermented dairy beverage effectively reduced their total acne lesion count and decreased oil production over 12 weeks. High-zinc foods: People with acne tend to be low in zinc so you definitely want to increase your dietary intake of zinc by consuming things like grass-fed beef, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds and cashews to prevent a zinc deficiency. Zinc also supports a healthy digestive tract, which improves skin health. Vitamin A-rich foods: Foods high in vitamin A, like kale, spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots, fight infection and speed healing, two things you definitely need when you’re trying to get rid of cystic acne. Fiber-rich foods: Consuming high-fiber foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and oatmeal encourages colon cleansing as well as the growth of good bacteria in the gut, both of which can help eliminate cystic acne. High-quality protein foods: Grass-fed beef, organic chicken, wild-caught fish and free-range eggs are high in protein and nutrients and help balance blood sugar, a key component in the fight against cystic acne. Liver-supportive foods: Since hormones are processed in the liver, eating liver-supportive foods can help clear up acne. Eat more cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower as well as leafy greens and high-fiber fruits, such as pears and apple, for improved liver function. 3. Consider taking these supplements Probiotics (10,000 IU to 50,000 IU daily, typically two to three capsules twice daily) — Taking probiotics can boost your immunity and help your internal fight against cystic acne. You can also use probiotic skin care products, which can provide a protective external shield. Studies show that probiotics may help prevent skin eruptions. Omega-3 fatty acids (1,000 milligrams of fish oil/cod liver oil daily or 3,000 milligrams of flaxseed or chia seed oil) — Omega-3 helps reduce inflammation and support hormone balance. One scientific study specifically found that after 10 weeks of omega-3 fatty acid or GLA supplementation, inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions decreased significantly. Zinc (25–30 milligrams twice daily) — Research suggests that people with acne have lower blood and skin levels of zinc. Taking zinc by mouth may help reduce acne. Vitex (160 milligrams of Vitex/chasteberry) — This herbal remedy is specifically recommended for hormonally induced acne. Guggul or guggulsterone (25 milligrams twice daily) — Guggul is made from the sap of a tree native to India. For individuals suffering from cystic acne, a controlled clinical trial found that guggul supplements outperformed 500 milligrams of tetracycline. It’s also been shown to be effective for nodulocystic acne, a similar form of acne that usually targets the face, chest and back. 4. Consider essential oils Essential oils like tea tree and lavender can help fight cystic acne. The best way to use essential oils for acne is to apply two to three drops topically to the area of concern. Tea tree and lavender essential oils are safe for neat (direct) application, but they can also be combined with a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil if you have sensitive skin. A scientific review of the efficacy, tolerability and potential modes of action in regard to the treatment of acne with tea tree oil states that tea tree products reduce lesion numbers in patients with acne, have tolerability levels that are similar to other topical treatments, and have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities that are associated with the treatment of acne. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight when treating acne with essential oils. The UV rays can make your skin more sensitive and may lead to skin irritations or redness. If using any of these essential oils causes skin irritation, discontinue use of that oil. Skin Care Tips 1. No popping Whatever you...

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Witch Hazel Uses for Skin, Hair & More

The AHA! Team — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 08:41:04 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Today, we have hundreds of different beauty products available to us — acne washes, toners, scrubs, etc. — but what did people use thousands of years ago before commercial chemicals existed to help heal their skin? When it comes to natural skin care, one time-honored medicinal plant is witch hazel, which Native Americans relied on for fighting swelling, sores and infections. There may be no plant more beneficial to your skin, as research showcases the many advantages witch hazel provides. What is witch hazel good for? Thanks to its astringent properties, it’s one of the most effective natural acne treatments known to man — and it’s even been shown to help protect against skin cancer. Other benefits include naturally reducing blisters, insect bites, poison ivy, inflammation, hemorrhoids, toothaches and much more. So if you’re looking for cleaner, healthier skin with the help from a natural product, look no further than witch hazel. What Is Witch Hazel? The witch hazel plant (which has the species name Hamamelis virginiana) is a type of plant native to North America and a member of the Hamamelidaceae plant family. Sometimes also called winterbloom, the bark and leaves of the witch hazel plant are used to make a skin-healing astringent. Does witch hazel kill germs? Yes, this multi-purpose product has many uses, including killing bacteria that can live within skin’s pores. The most popular use is for skin care, since its strong antioxidant and astringent properties can keep acne, wrinkles and more at bay. It can also help stop cellular damage that can lead to skin cancer, while preventing signs of aging and speeding up healing. When it comes to the products that you apply directly to your skin, you always want to treat the surface of your body how you would the inside: Avoid as many chemicals and toxins as possible. Witch hazel offers benefits over other beauty products because it’s completely natural and free of environmental pollutants, irritating ingredients, fake fragrances and other contaminants. How Witch Hazel Works How can witch hazel do so much? High levels of healing active ingredients reduce inflammation, cellular damage and swelling, while also soothing wounds. The bark, twigs and leaves of the plant are used to extract active constituents called polyphenols and tannins. They’re then added to either alcohol or water to make a concentrated product called witch hazel water, Hamamelis water or distilled witch hazel extract. Tannins are responsible for making witch hazel extract a natural astringent, since they remove excess oil from skin. This is the reason why witch hazel is one of the most popular natural acne treatments worldwide and is used in dozens of over-the-counter treatment gels, washes and lotions. Studies also show that tannins from witch hazel can be used to make plant-based antivirals, such as to fight the flu and other illnesses. In addition to tannins, witch hazel is high in compounds called “gallate esters,” which include proanthocyanidins that have antiviral effects, hydrolyzable tannins (galloylated sugars) and methyl gallate. Witch hazel extract is considered to be polyphenolic and has been shown to help inhibit cell proliferation in cancerous human cells. Studies show that it is capable of stopping mutated cell cycles and inducing apoptosis (death of dangerous cells). Because witch hazel is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, it’s effective as a “free radical scavenger.” This means it helps protect against DNA damage and tumor growth. Oxidative stress and free radical damage build up over time from exposure to things like UV light, pollution, a poor diet, stress and so on. Plants like witch hazel that are high in polyphenols are the same kind used to create anti-aging nutritional supplements that slow down disease development by protecting cells. Uses Witch hazel has been used for centuries to naturally help treat and prevent: acne skin sores bruises redness and swelling ingrown hairs psoriasis or eczema oily skin excess sweating varicose veins cracked or blistered skin insect bites poison ivy irritated scalp sunburn and melanoma razor burn (such as in a DIY aftershave) mucous membrane inflammation hemorrhoids allergic reactions Recent studies even show that the tannins found in witch hazel may exert a protective action against colon cancer cells. The skin is our largest and most vulnerable organ, so it could use all the support it can get. Skin is our natural barrier to the outside world and provides us with protection against UV radiation, chemicals in our food supply, bacteria and other germs, and environmental pollutants. All of the “stress” that our bodies deal with every day, both internally and externally, show up on our skin in the form of aging, puffiness, infections, inflammation and sensitivities. That’s why we rely on eating and using natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatories to help curb inflamed and diseased cells. Herbal plant therapies for skin disorders have been used for thousands of years, and today many traditional herbs are being reintroduced, studied extensively and experiencing a resurgence in popularity since many chemical treatments don’t always work or have harsh side effects. Benefits 1. Reduces Acne What does witch hazel do for acne? As a natural home remedy for acne, applying witch hazel to acne-prone skin can help slow down bacteria growth and decrease inflammation, redness, oiliness and bleeding. Can you clean your face with witch hazel? Yes, since it’s a natural cleanser, it’s capable of reducing bacteria growth on the skin and speeds up the time needed to heal infections or scabs. Another benefit for sensitive skin is that it reduces the look of pores (although no product can actually shrink pores) and helps stop excess oil production, sweating, and development of blackheads or whiteheads, which can contribute to breakouts and tempt you to pick at your skin. You can skip irritating acne products and turn to witch hazel to lower the severity of blemishes forming under the skin and prevent blackheads caused by dried sebum buildup in pores. How long does witch hazel take to clear acne? It depends on how severe someone’s acne is. It may take effect in just several days or take several weeks. Does witch hazel get rid of acne scars? It can help, due to its anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Applying some can help stop swelling and redness if you already picked at your acne. It can also curb signs of past irritations and deal with skin infections that may result from picking. 2. Fights Signs of Aging and Damage from Sun Exposure What does witch hazel do to your face? Does witch hazel fade dark spots? Can it tighten skin? If you’re looking for a natural way to firm up your skin and slow down signs of aging like scars, redness, discoloration, dryness and puffiness around the eyes, then look no further than witch hazel. It tightens skin and is protective against skin cancer, melanoma and other damage caused by UV light because of its protective polyphenols and tannin antioxidants. These inhibit the proliferation of melanoma cells and help protect healthy skin cells into older age. Use it to keep your skin free from irritating chemical products that can alter oil production and increase dryness. Witch hazel has been shown to help protect collagen and skin elasticity just as well as many commercial beauty products. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a great way to preserve skin’s elasticity, saving your complexion and helping you deal with the effects of environmental stress on your skin. And because using witch hazel for your pores helps them look smaller, this can make your skin appear more even. 3. Treats Insect Bites Many bug repellents, DIY bug sprays and commercial products used for treating insect bites contain witch hazel. Wondering how to get rid of mosquito bites? People turn to witch hazel to reduce the effects of bug bites, such as pain and swelling from stings, allergies and irritations. Certain studies have found that applying witch hazel cream to skin irritations can curb symptoms just as well as synthetic chemical creams, including dexpanthenol, which is often used to fight skin irritations in children. It can also be used to help speed up healing scabs or minor cuts because witch hazel extract contains isopropyl alcohol, which is another natural disinfecting ingredient that kills bacteria and helps prevent infections. 4. Cleanses Hair and Protect the Scalp To get rid of greasy hair, use witch hazel on your hair to help reduce oil buildup. This leaves your hair shinier, healthier and more volumized. It’s also great for removing hair odors, helping with an irritated scalp, or speeding up healing from any bites or acne at the base of the neck when you’re prone to sweating. One study conducted by the Center for Dermatology and Disease in Zurich, Switzerland, found that shampoo containing witch hazel extract helped soothe patients’ irritated scalps, redness, itching and inflammation. After testing the effects of witch hazel on 1,373 patients, a percentage of patients reported improvement in symptoms and better tolerance of other hair products. 5. Prevents Ingrown Hairs and Rashes After shaving, you can apply witch hazel to any part of the body to slow bleeding from nicks or cuts, prevent bacteria growth and infections within hair follicles, soothe razor burn, and prevent ingrown hairs from forming. Some people also like to use the toner along with other healing essential oils on skin after waxing to reduce pain, swelling and bleeding. 6. Stops Ear Infections from Developing Since witch hazel is an effective antibacterial, and “swimmer’s ear” or other ear infections are usually caused by bacterial infections, it’s a natural way to treat irritations within the ear canal. Witch hazel helps clear up bacteria overgrowth and infections within the ear; dry up oil, pus and excess sweat; break up wax; and even remove odor. To clean the outside of the ears, apply several drops to a swab and rub around the inside of the ears. 7. Soothes a Sore Throat Some people like sipping on witch hazel tea (not witch hazel water or a drink made with extract, which contains isopropyl alcohol) to soothe an irritated, infected or sore throat. The natural astringent properties make it beneficial for fighting illnesses that affect the throat, while its soothing properties lower pain and discomfort caused by coughs, strep throat, sore throat, sinus infections, tonsillitis or other throat problems. 8. Stops Pet Odor and Bug Bites Witch hazel can stop excess bacteria from forming on the surface of your pet’s skin, including in wounds or bites, which can lead to odor. It is non-irritating to pets, helps prevent them from getting bug bites by repelling mosquitoes and other insects, can slow down itching or bleeding, and helps cleanse their skin. 9. Treats Hemorrhoids Witch hazel also performs as a hemorrhoids home remedy. You can apply witch hazel water to the skin to help lower pain and inflammation caused by uncomfortable hemorrhoids. It’s useful for relieving itching, irritation, bleeding and burning from hemorrhoids as well. 10. Protects Your Mouth, Lips and Gums If you have blisters on your lips, inner cheeks or gums, turn to witch hazel to speed healing and get rid of pain and swelling. It’s safe to apply the extract to the inside of your mouth to slow down bleeding, blisters, sores, bad breath odors and infections of the gums, especially when combined with other healing oils like coconut oil or peppermint oil. Witch hazel also helps relieve pain from toothaches or teething in infants, prevent infection after oral surgery, and fight bleeding and inflammation from mouth sores. How to Use Look for witch hazel in pharmacies, health food stores, stores that sell beauty products or online. Extract derived from the witch hazel plant can be used topically (on the surface of the skin) or taken internally just like medicine. Depending on how you use witch hazel, it can help stop manage skin conditions like acne and skin redness or other types of issues like diarrhea, colds, mucus colitis, vomiting, coughing, the flu and more. The most...

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Sunflower Seeds May Aggravate Acne

AHA Publisher — Mon, 02 May 2022 07:00:11 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Should we be concerned about the pimples, cadmium, and “colonic crunch” associated with the consumption of sunflower seeds? A recent observational study on acne reported a “statistically significant relationship” between “acne severity and dietary factors such as chocolate, dairy products such as milk, [and] sunflower seed consumption….” I’ve produced videos on acne and chocolate and dairy, but I was surprised by the sunflower seeds, the topic of my video Do Sunflower Seeds Cause Acne?. When I think about sunflower seeds, I just think of a good, whole-food source of nutrition that’s been found to lower cholesterol levels as much almonds, which is pretty good. But did you know there are right and wrong ways to eat them? If you eat a pound of unshelled sunflower seeds—that is, eat them with the shell still on—you can end up corked with “a fist-sized mass of shredded sunflower seed shells.” How could a doctor diagnose something like that? By the “‘colonic crunch’ sign,” of course. Sounds like breakfast cereal served in hell, but, rather, it’s the “palpation of a large crunchy rectal mass.” You can see a photo of one at 1:10 in my video. Indeed, if you eat sunflower seeds with the shells still on, you can end up with a “sharp, thorny mass,” which is why the so-called sunflower seed syndrome has been described as “a prickly proctological problem.” It’s been lamented that “people who consume health foods occasionally fall into the trap of believing ‘if some is good, more is better.’” In this case, it’s not the amount that’s the problem, but how they’re being eaten: with the shells still on. “Perhaps this is why the syndrome is uncommon unless the patients are children or adults who are either impaired or have no experience with eating sunflower seeds.” Most cases involve younger, “preadolescent children,” aged 5 to 11, but researchers described the case of a “psychologically sound” 13-year-old girl and “stressed the importance of the role of the parents guiding their children, whatever the age group, about the potential problems associated with the ingestion of unshelled seeds.” Does that mean you can eat as many sunflower seeds as you want as long as they’ve been shelled? No—you can overdo even shelled seeds. Simply because of the nature of sunflowers, they’re good at drawing the naturally occurring heavy metal cadmium out of the ground. So, even if they’re grown in uncontaminated soils, sunflower seeds (or kernels) end up with higher cadmium levels than most foods. However, people who consume large amounts of sunflower seeds don’t seem to suffer any untoward effects or even end up with detectably higher cadmium levels. What constitutes a “large” amount? In this study, it was defined as more than an ounce a week, which is like a handful, about 150 seeds. The World Health Organization recommends staying below about 490 micrograms of dietary cadmium a week. If you ate a handful of shelled sunflower seeds a day, you’d be well below that, but we may get as much as 36 micrograms a day from the rest of our diet, so I think one handful a day is a reasonable safe upper limit. Okay, but will sunflower seeds give us acne? You don’t know, until you put it to the test, which researchers did because, after all, “consuming sunflower seeds is a very enjoyable way of participating in a clinical trial….” Fifty young adults were randomized to eat sunflower seeds—or not—for a week. As you can see at 3:23 in my video, the acne severity index stayed about the same in the control group, but got worse in the sunflower group. This translated into about three extra pimples in the sunflower seed group versus only about one extra pimple in the control group. The researchers concluded that “sunflower seed intake appears to aggravate acne vulgaris; however, further evidence is needed to ban sunflower seed intake in patients with acne.” KEY TAKEAWAYS Sunflower seeds, a good, whole-food source of nutrition, lower cholesterol levels as much as almonds. They should be eaten shelled, as consuming their shells can cause problems, including “a fist-sized mass of shredded sunflower seed shells.” Because of the nature of sunflowers, their seeds are good at drawing cadmium, a naturally occurring heavy metal, out of the ground. So, even if grown in uncontaminated soil, the kernels have higher levels of cadmium than most other foods. The World Health Organization recommends eating less than about 490 micrograms of dietary cadmium a week; eating a handful of shelled sunflower seeds a day is reasonably safe. Researchers reported a “statistically significant relationship” between acne severity and chocolate, dairy products, and sunflower seed consumption. When put to the test, the acne of study participants in the sunflower group worsened compared to those in the control group, leading the researchers to conclude that intake of sunflower seeds appears to aggravate acne vulgaris. However, more evidence is needed to ban patients with acne from eating sunflower seeds. To read the original article click here.

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Is It the Sugar, the Milk, or the Cocoa in Chocolate Causing Acne?

AHA Publisher — Mon, 03 Jan 2022 08:00:11 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Is the link between chocolate and acne due to the sugar, the milk, or the cocoa in chocolate? Researchers put white chocolate, dark chocolate, baking chocolate, and cocoa powder to the test to find out. A century ago, “diet was commonly used as an adjunct treatment for acne. During the 1960s, however, the diet–acne connection fell out of favor.” Why? Because of a study that purportedly “‘proved’ that chocolate had no influence on acne by comparing a chocolate bar to a pseudo chocolate bar composed of 28% hydrogenated vegetable oil, a food known to increase inflammatory markers.” It’s no wonder real chocolate didn’t come out looking so bad when compared to that pure trans-fat-laden fake chocolate. As well, in another study, small groups of medical students ate a variety of purported acne-causing culprits, and only about a third broke out. However, there was no control group for comparison. Nevertheless, these two studies, despite their “major design flaws, were sufficient to dissociate diet from acne in the minds of most dermatologists. Textbooks were revised to reflect this new academic consensus, and dermatologists took the stance that any mumblings about the association between diet and acne were unscientific and one of the many myths surrounding this ubiquitous disease.” “Comments such as ‘The association of diet with acne has traditionally been relegated to the category of myth’ are commonplace in both the past and current [medical] literature…[however] the major textbooks of dermatology promulgate the notion that diet and acne are unrelated, yet rely only on 2 primary references”—those two flawed studies. So, this “present consensus within the dermatology community that diet and acne are unrelated has little or no factual support.” But there is reason to suspect chocolate consumption may be an issue, as I discuss in my video Does Cocoa Powder Cause Acne?. Blood was taken from subjects before and after they ate a couple bars of milk chocolate. It appears the milk chocolate “primes” some of their pus cells to release extra inflammatory chemicals when you expose them to acne-causing bacteria in a petri dish. “This may indeed represent one of the mechanisms that could explain the effects of chocolate on acne,” but how do we know it’s the chocolate and not the added sugar or milk? If you survey teens on their acne severity and eating habits, there does appear to be a link to chocolate consumption, as you can see at 2:18 in my video, but is this association from people sprinkling cocoa powder in their smoothie or eating dark chocolate, or is it because of the added sugar and milk? As you can see at 2:32 in my video, simply cutting down on sugary foods and refined grains can halve pimple counts in a few months, which was significantly better than the control group. You can view compelling before-and-after pictures at 2:38. To tease out whether or not it was the sugar, researchers gave subjects milk chocolate or jelly beans. If it was just the sugar, then, presumably, acne would get worse equally in both groups. Instead, the chocolate group got worse, experiencing a doubling of acne lesions, whereas there was no change in the jelly bean group, as you can see at 2:52 in my video. So, apparently, it’s not just the sugar. Maybe there is something in chocolate, or is it only in milk chocolate? “There have been no studies assessing the effects of pure chocolate (made of 100% cocoa) on acne”…until researchers randomized 57 volunteers with “mild-to-moderate acne” into three groups, receiving white chocolate bars, dark chocolate bars, or no chocolate bars every day for a month. The dark chocolate wasn’t just any dark chocolate; it was 100 percent chocolate, like Baker’s chocolate. Unlike pure dark chocolate, white chocolate is packed with sugar and milk. What happened? Indeed, acne lesions worsened in the white chocolate group, but not in the dark chocolate or control groups. “According to this study, white but not dark chocolate consumption is associated with exacerbation of acne lesions.” Other studies, however, did show acne worsening on dark chocolate. As you can see at 3:55 in my video, when research subjects were given a single, large quantity of Ghirardelli baking chocolate, they broke out within days. “Significant increases were found” in the total average number of acne lesions within only four days. The same was found with more chronic consumption of dark chocolate. Subjects ate half a small chocolate bar a day for a month, and increased acne severity was reported within two weeks, as you can see, along with before-and-after pictures, at 4:11 in my video. Was anything lacking in these two studies? Subjects were either given chocolate every day or one big load of chocolate, and their acne got worse. What didn’t these studies include? Long-time NutritionFacts followers should know the answer by now. The studies were missing a control group. If you look at surveys, you’ll find that most people believe chocolate can cause acne. So, if you give people a big load of chocolate, it’s possible the stress and expectation of breaking out contributes to actually breaking out. To really get to the bottom of this, you’d have to design a study where people were given disguised chocolate so you could expose them to chocolate without their knowledge and see if they still break out. For example, you could put cocoa powder into opaque capsules, so the participants don’t know if they were getting cocoa or placebo. This would have the additional benefit of eliminating the cocoa butter fat factor. No milk, no sugar, no fat—just pure cocoa powder in capsules versus a placebo. There had never been such a study…until now. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessed the effect of chocolate consumption—actually, cocoa powder consumption—in subjects with a history of acne. Participants were assigned to swallow capsules filled either with unsweetened, 100-percent cocoa or a placebo of an unflavored, unsweetened gelatin powder. Interestingly, “240 capsules were required for 6 oz of [cocoa] powder.” So, what happened? As you can see at 5:50 in my video, researchers found the same significant increase, the same doubling of acne lesions within four days, just like in the Ghirardelli study. So, sadly, it really “appears that in acne-prone…individuals, the consumption of chocolate correlates to an increase in the exacerbation of acne.” Now, the study included only men, who don’t have to deal with cyclical hormonal changes like women do, and it’s hard to imagine that after swallowing hundreds of capsules, the real cocoa group didn’t burp up some cocoa taste and realize they were not in the placebo group. But, the best available balance of evidence does suggest that if you’re bothered by acne, you may want to try backing off on chocolate to see if your symptoms improve. What about the effects of chocolate, dairy products, and sugar on acne risk? See my video Does Chocolate Cause Acne?. KEY TAKEAWAYS Although diet was a common adjunct treatment for acne a century ago, studies have been published, purporting to prove that chocolate was not associated with acne. The first was designed misleadingly, pitting a chocolate bar against a fake one composed of 28 percent hydrogenated vegetable oil, a food known to increase inflammatory markers, and another had no control group for comparison. Nevertheless, these two studies, despite major design flaws, effectively dissociated diet from acne in the minds of most dermatologists. Milk chocolate, however, appears to “prime” some pus cells to release extra inflammatory chemicals when exposed to acne-causing bacteria in a petri dish. To investigate whether the chocolate itself is the culprit and not the added sugar or milk, researchers gave subjects milk chocolate or jelly beans. The chocolate group got worse, doubling their acne lesions, while the jelly bean group had no change. So, sugar doesn’t appear to be the culprit. Researchers randomized acne patients to receive white chocolate bars (packed with sugar and milk), dark (100 percent) chocolate bars, or no chocolate bars, and found that acne lesions worsened in the white chocolate group, but not in the dark chocolate or control groups. Other studies did show dark chocolate exacerbating acne, but they lacked a control group, so simply the expectation of experiencing a worsening of acne from consuming chocolate cannot be discounted. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, subjects were given capsules filled either with unsweetened, 100-percent cocoa or a placebo of an unflavored, unsweetened gelatin powder. Researchers found the same significant increase in acne lesions, so it appears consumption of chocolate correlates to greater exacerbation of pimples and lesions in those prone to acne. To read the original article click here.

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Discover the AMAZING Skin-Protective Benefits of Black Seed Oil

AHA Publisher — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 07:00:55 +0000

Stephanie Woods via NaturalHealth365 – Every day millions of dollars are spent by people trying to be more attractive, look younger, or resolve a skin problem like acne, eczema, or psoriasis. Every day, many of those people are sorely disappointed. There are many commercial products out there that are loaded with chemicals and synthetic ingredients that can do more harm than good. By contrast, nature has again and again provided superior remedies for so many of these skin concerns. One of the shining stars among them is Nigella sativa – black seed oil. Black Seed Oil Has Been Used for Centuries for Its Therapeutic Effects The Nigella sativa is a flowering shrub commonly found in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. Its tiny black seeds are used as a spice in traditional Middle Eastern cooking. You may know them as black cumin, black caraway, or black onion seeds. These seeds can be pressed to extract the oils inside. This oil is used in many different skincare products and used in its natural form as a treatment for a variety of skin issues as well as several medical conditions. The benefits of these tiny seeds can be found in study after study. Looking for Natural Eczema Relief? Black Seed Oil Works as Well as or Better Than Prescription Steroids, According to Research Black seed oil’s powerful emollient properties nourish the skin while providing a hydrating, non-greasy protective layer. In one study, it reduced the severity of eczema as well or better than prescription steroid medications. One of the primary features that made it preferential to the prescription treatment for eczema was the lack of side effects. Black seed oil has no side effects, while steroid creams and medications can have quite a few that are very troubling. But Wait, That’s Not All! Black Seed Oil May Help Protect Against Skin Cancers Several studies have found that black seed oil effectively fights a wide range of cancerous cells, including two common forms of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. In addition, studies have found that the oil actually inhibits cancerous cell growth and kills cancerous cells in squamous cell carcinoma. This has led many researchers to believe that black seed oil is indeed an effective natural treatment for skin cancers and some other cancers in the human body. Oil Extracted from THESE Tiny Seeds Moisturizes Skin and Regulates Immune Cells It is estimated that more than 8 million people in the United States have psoriasis. It can be challenging to manage or treat. Black seed oil has been found to be very effective as a topical treatment for psoriasis. It provides moisture while regulating the immune cells within the body. This increases the body’s ability to manage the proliferation of abnormal cells, easing symptoms and helping people manage their condition more effectively. Thanks to Its Unique Compounds, Black Seed Oil Helps Fight Acne and Fungal Infections Black seed oil’s powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties make it an effective treatment for acne and fungal skin infections. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory to decrease redness, swelling, and other signs of inflammation in the skin. The oil is very effective in treating other fungal infections such as athlete’s foot ringworm, jock itch, and fungal nail infections. Using black seed oil for acne provides several benefits. First, it reduces inflammation which in turn reduces the appearance of acne. It also has an anti-oxidative effect which makes the skin look healthier. In addition, it is packed with nutrients that help the skin heal from the inside, regenerating and repairing skin that is inflamed and damaged. Restore Your Skin’s Vitality and Get Vibrant, Younger-Looking Skin As we age, our skin loses its vibrance. As a result, it can start to look dull, making you appear tired and even older than you actually are. Black seed oil’s anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and nutritive properties help restore the skin’s youthful vitality. It can be applied topically or taken orally to improve skin health, giving it a more youthful, glowing, vibrant appearance. There are so many benefits that black seed oil provides. You definitely want to add it to your natural health toolbox. Sources for this article include: GreenMedInfo.com NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov Psoriasis.org NIH.gov ScienceDirect.com To read the original article click here.

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A Serious Case of ‘Maskne’: How to Prevent & Treat Face Acne Due to Wearing a Mask

AHA Publisher — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 07:00:02 +0000

Christine Ruggeri, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Many of us are getting used to rocking a mask or face covering throughout the day, when shopping, working or in public places, and perhaps, by now, you’ve noticed breakouts around your nose and mouth. Well, it turns out you’re dealing with “maskne,” a new term used to describe acne caused by wearing a mask. You know that sweaty, sticky, humid feeling you get after wearing a mask for a few hours? Yeah — it’s really a breeding ground for oil and bacteria that can clog your pores and cause breakouts. But worry not, there are certainly home remedies for acne that you can use to improve maskne and keep your skin looking fresh — even if no one can see it. What Is Maskne? The scientific term for maskne is acne mechanica. It’s a specific form of acne that’s triggered by friction or pressure on the skin from heavy clothing or protective gear. If you’ve been wearing a mask throughout the day, you may notice breakouts in areas that the mask meets your skin, like your nose, cheeks and chin. In addition to maskne, wearing a tight-fitting mask for multiple hours a day can also lead to eczema or dry, itchy skin. Why Do Masks Enhance Breakouts? Why does wearing a mask lead to increased breakouts? For starters, the mask traps sweat, dirt, oil and humidity, which are stuck on your skin throughout the day. When bacteria forms under your mask, it can be pushed into the skin with friction, which is caused by the mask being pressed onto your face. This causes increased inflammation and can trigger acne. How to Prevent/Treat It 1. Wash Your Face Be sure to wash your face before putting on a mask and after taking it off. This reduces the amount of bacteria that lingers and can cause breakouts. Opt for a face cleanser that won’t dry out or irritate your skin. This Homemade Honey Face Mask works to cleanse the skin without the use of harsh chemicals. It’s made with apple cider vinegar, honey, coconut oil and essential oils. If you’re shopping for a face wash, read the ingredient labels carefully and avoid any products containing common offenders, like aluminum, retinyl acetate, parabens and polyethylene. 2. Exfoliate Removing dead skin cells and lurking bacteria from your face is key for preventing and treating maskne. The best way to do that is to exfoliate your skin’s surface at least once a week in order to remove buildup and unclog your pores. You can easily make your own exfoliator at home with ingredients in the kitchen. You’ll need a gritty ingredient, like sea salt, brown sugar or ground oatmeal. Then you’ll need your base, like coconut oil. Mix them together and massage it into your skin gently. Then rinse and pat dry. 3. Use a Natural Moisturizer Moisturizing your skin before putting on a mask does two things: It prevents dryness and itchiness that sometimes occur when wearing a tight-fitted mask, and it creates a physical barrier that protects your skin from bacteria. Coconut oil is an excellent skin moisturizer, and it contains lauric acid, which has displayed antibacterial effects. Simply warm coconut oil in your hands and massage it into your skin. Remember that a little goes a long way. You can also add essential oils for acne to your moisturizer for their antibacterial, nourishing properties. Lavender is a gentle, healing option that can be combined with any carrier oil and applied to your face. 4. Go Light on Makeup To get rid of pimples that are popping up under your mask, try going light on your makeup for a while. If you usually apply foundation or bronzer to your nose, cheeks and chin, consider skipping it on the days you’ll wear a mask for an extended period of time. Wearing a mask for a quick trip into the supermarket shouldn’t have a major impact, but if you wear it for many hours and have foundation on underneath, it can trap bacteria into your pores and make your maskne worse. 5. Cut Out Acne-Promoting Foods If you’re experiencing breakouts, even if it’s from mask-wearing, your skin will thank you when you cut out the most common acne-promoting foods. The biggest culprits include sugar, highly processed foods, fried foods, conventional dairy and alcoholic beverages. Be sure to consume plenty of nutrient-rich, colorful and whole foods. Some of the best foods for acne include probiotic-rich foods, high-fiber foods, organic proteins (like grass-fed beef, organic chicken and wild-caught salmon) and foods high in vitamin A (like spinach, kale, carrots and sweet potatoes). 6. Take Probiotics You’ve probably heard of probiotics for digestion and gut health, but what about cystic acne? Research suggests that both oral and topical probiotics hold potential in the treatment of acne, as well as slowing signs of aging skin. 7. Use a Clean Mask Don’t get into the habit of leaving your mask in the car or bag and wearing it again and again throughout the week. Guess what’s happening inside that seemingly clean mask? Bacteria buildup, big time. Then it goes back on your face, re-exposing it to bacteria, moisture and dead skin cells. This is a recipe for acne. If you have a cloth mask, wash it after every use. Maybe get two to three of them so that you can switch it up. If you use disposable masks, grab a new one for a new day. Risks and Side Effects While maskne is proving to be a real thing these days, keep in mind that there are other lifestyle and dietary factors that contribute to breakouts. If you notice pimples in places beyond your nose, cheeks and chin, it may be caused by increased stress, dietary changes or spending too much time in the sun. Either way, many of these preventative measures will work to improve your breakouts, but do make sure to prioritize self-care during these difficult times. Conclusion Maskne is a new term for a condition called acne mechanica. It’s a specific form of acne that’s triggered by friction or pressure on the skin from heavy clothing or protective gear. In this case, it’s caused by wearing a mask or face covering. When you wear a mask for an extended period of time, moisture, oil, dirt and bacteria can build up underneath and cause breakouts around your nose, cheeks and chin. Using gentle, natural approaches for preventing and treating acne will work to ease your maske. Make sure to keep your skin clean, moisturized and makeup-free when possible. Don’t forget about your diet, taking probiotics, and never wearing a dirty or used mask. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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Diet a Significant Factor in Acne Outbreaks, Finds Pioneering New Study

AHA Publisher — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 07:00:00 +0000

Dr. Liji Thomas, MD via News Medical-Net – A new study presented at the 28th EADV Congress in Madrid has demonstrated the effects of exposure to various factors on acne, both internal and external. An unhealthy diet, a high level of stress, and extreme skincare routines were the most significant factors related to acne breakouts. This is the first-ever study to look at so many factors in this way. Acne affects a tenth of people worldwide, which makes it No. 8 on the list of major diseases. Formerly considered a condition affecting teenagers, it is now known to affect up to 40% of adult women too. It affects the way the individual perceives the body and can damage self-esteem and quality of life when these are significantly linked to outward appearance. People with acne, especially in cultures that value smooth skin, often feel anxious, are hesitant to make friends, feel left out, and may not fare as well as others in jobs that require a good physical presence. Older studies have shown that the condition arises because of increased sebum production by the skin glands, as well as an overproduction of keratin, the skin surface protein. Other factors that contribute include certain bacterial infections, pore blockage, and inflammation. Diet plays a prominent role as well. Acne and the Exposome Acne varies both in its extent and in the treatment depending on the kind of factors that underlie it. This study is unique in allowing the identification of important factors by tracing exposures before any prescription treatment is begun. The researchers questioned the participants in the study about the exposome – the sum of internal and external factors to which they are exposed. The study identifies several most important factors rather than focusing on just one. The study shows that almost 43% of people with acne consume milk products, and 11% eat whey protein daily, compared to 39% and 7% respectively of those who don’t. Similarly, more people with acne drink syrups or juices (36%), eat chocolates or pastry (37%), and have sweets (30%), compared to the rest (31%, 28%, and 19%, respectively). Anabolic steroid use occurs in about 12% of those with acne compared to 3% of those without. Polluted air is another contributor, as is stress – but not tobacco use. Food and Acne Foods that have been identified as acne triggers in various studies include: • Refined grains and sweets, which increase blood sugar levels, causing increased levels of insulin; long-term exposure to high levels of insulin increases the concentrations of androgenic hormones, worsening acne by increasing sebum production as well as the rate of growth of skin cells • Dairy products which may also increase insulin levels, as well as stimulating increased levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1); however, this link is far from clear • Fast food increases the risk of acne significantly perhaps because of the high-fat content; omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, as are present in corn and soy oil, promote inflammation which could worsen acne • Chocolate is also linked with increased acne risk, but the cause is again unclear; however, the link has been established both with dark chocolate and with cocoa powder. • Whey protein stimulates insulin production, again, which might account for the increased risk of acne. Instead, a diet containing omega-3 fats as in sardines and anchovies, probiotics, green tea, fat-soluble vitamins found in colorful fruits and vegetables, turmeric which is anti-inflammatory, and paleo or Mediterranean-style foods could be the best at countering acne. This doesn’t mean you should stress out about an occasional slice of cake or a burger – but keep a healthy balance. Refuse that tempting second helping on such occasions, and reach for a banana or a fresh salad instead. Acne commands an emotional and physical response out of proportion to the physical impact of the condition. “Understanding, identifying and reducing the impact of exposome is important for an adequate acne disease management as it may impact on the course and severity of acne as well as on treatment efficacy.” Brigitte Dreno, Researcher To read the original article click here.

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