Recipe and Health Articles

What is Acne?

Acne is a skin disease commonly found during adolescence. It is a red, irritating skin rash primarily affecting teenagers and young adults. It can, however, occur at all ages. Typical acne appears in the oil-producing areas of the body - namely, the face, chest, and back. Acne can also occur on the neck and upper arms.

Role of food in Acne

Acne is also affected by food which is hard to digest or slows down the digestive process. A sluggish digestive system gives rise to various skin disorders. Any chronic skin disorder is a reflection of some internal imbalance. Diet, lifestyle, hormones, stress, and toxicity all play a role. It is necessary for people affected by acne to take care of their diet and consume as much plant-based, fiber-rich food as they can because it will not burden their digestive system and make metabolism easy. Acne is also promoted by the lack of antioxidants and plant-derived nutrients. These are essential in keeping the skin healthy. High fat diets cause poor blood circulation, making skin susceptible to acne.

Acne-affected people should drink lots of water, have daily servings of colorful fruits and vegetables (which replenish different nutrients in body), have a tablespoon of cold-pressed seed oil daily( to compensate essential fatty acids), eat plenty of whole grain, root vegetables, lentils and beans, and avoid alcohol and caffeine as much as possible.

Causes of Acne

1:   Stress is the cause of production of hormones, such as cortisol, which can aggravate acne. Stress brings upon different hormone levels. With hormone changes the body prompts the skins oil glands to enlarge, secreting more oil. Which causes white heads, black heads and pimples.
2:   A diet that is high in refined carbohydrates and sugars can aggravate acne.
3:   Pollution is a big cause for clogging pores.
4:   Acne is inherited and severe cases known as cystic acne are heriditory.
5:   Acne by its very nature can be considered a hormonal disease. Hormones are responsible for the oil glands in our skin.
6:   Vegetable oil cause a major negative hormonal reaction in the body - called inflammation. This inflammation results in acne. Junk food often is very rich in vegetable oil hence are a major cause of acnes.

Treatment of Acne

1:   Acne begins on the inside of the body, not on the surface of the skin. One should drink plenty of water - at least eight glasses per day - to help detoxify the body and cure acne. Also eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables helps.
2:   Eating processed foods should be avoided and more of natural fruits and vegetables should be consumed.
3:   Wash your face at least twice a day, and take vitamins - especially vitamin A and vitamin E.
4:   The pulp of the aloe vera plant is used as a skin cleanser. It helps in reducing the scars of Acne.
5:   The oils present in carrot juice helps stop acne.
6:   Fresh lemon juice is very effective for treating acne.
7:   Neem posses outstanding anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral capabilities. It is either applied on the skin in the form of a cream containing neem oil or is taken in the form of capsules two times a day.
8:   Apple cider vinegar acts as an astringent that helps wash out the pores and removes excess oil, fights bacteria, and balances the skin's pH. It should be applied on the skin with a cotton ball or should be taken in the form of a steam.