Conditions
ACNE & SKIN CARE
The skin is the largest organ of the body, the skin, is quite amazing. It needs to keep soft to allow for easy movement, yet tough enough to resist breaking and keep infections from entering the body. Every day the skin is exposed to considerable challenges (such as UV radiation, air-conditioning, physical work stresses, temperature extremes etc). Whilst good skin care habits involving the use of quality cleansers and moisturises are an important part of maintaining healthy skin, it is also vital to remember that protect the skin quality and function through good nutrition and regular exercise.
A few quick daily tips to help support healthy skin, hair and nails:
•Try to drink at least 6-8 glasses of fresh filtered or spring water
•Eat at least 2 portions of raw food daily eg fruit, salad, nuts seeds
•Try your best to avoid eating deep-fried foods
•Limit your intake of refined sugars and grains (white bread /rice) and look for wholegrain alternatives
•Try to particularly include yellow/orange vegetables for their beta-carotene (pre-Vitamin A) as well as leafy greens
•Consider supplementing b group vitamins and key skin minerals such as zinc
If you’re not already doing so, start today on making some good healthy skin habits. It’s just so important for this special organ that is responsible for pleasure, pain, temperature sensitivity, pressure as well as effectively heating and cooling our bodies.
Acne Symptoms
Acne lesions can involve the face, scalp, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms and legs. Lesions can be any of several types and more than one type of lesion may be present at the same time. These lesions fall into three categories:
• Blackhead: a follicle plug made up of dried sebum, dead skin and hair cells and a skin chemical called melanin that gives the blackhead its dark colour.
• Whitehead: a follicle appearing as a white or skin-colored bump under the skin.
• Papule, pustule, or nodule: a more serious lesion appearing red and swollen due to inflammation or infection of the tissue around the clogged follicle which is often painful and feels hard. This can lead to scarring in most people.
Causes
Acne most often begins during puberty (usually 11-14 years of age), the period when the body increases production of hormones called androgens. Androgens cause sebaceous glands to get bigger and make more sebum. This is a normal body function. However, sometimes the body's response to the increase in androgens is greater than it should be, and the body makes too much sebum.
Mixed with the dead skin and hair cells inside the follicle, the extra sebum does not easily make its way out of the follicle, resulting in a plugged follicle or acne. Normal skin-surface bacteria are sometimes trapped inside the clogged follicle. The most common bacteria in acne are called Propionibacterium acnes. The trapped sebum becomes a good environment for causing infection.
Androgen overactivity can occur at any age and is equally likely in males and females. A family history of acne can increase the risk of developing the condition. Some women will also notice their acne gets worse before each menstrual period.
Other causes include cosmetics (e.g. skin creams, hair care products), work-related substances (e.g. restaurant grease, motor oil), tight-fitting clothing or sporting equipment (eg, motorcycle helmets, chin straps) and long hair. Some medications (e.g. steroids and birth control pills) can also cause acne.
Acne treatment
There is no actual cure for acne, although treatment can help to control the condition. Perhaps what is more important is to try to identify and remove any underlying cause of the condition.
Zinc is an essential element found in every cell in our body. Zinc helps maintain a healthy immune system and can assist in maintaining healthy skin and with minor skin disorder such as acne. In addition there are other medications that work by decreasing production of sebum, controlling skin cell shedding and killing skin bacteria These may be available over-the-counter for treating mild to moderate cases. Check with your doctor to discuss what is best for you.
Your local pharmacist is an excellent source of information about appropriate medications that may also be helpful in your treatment.
Lifestyle considerations
Acne can cause significant psychological problems for the sufferer. These include social withdrawal, decreased self-esteem, poor body image, depression, anger, and frustration. Family and friends, therefore, need to understand the effect acne can have on the sufferer and offer positive support.
Do not pick or squeeze acne lesions. This can cause increased inflammation and increase the risk of scarring. A dermatologist (a specialist in the treatment of skin conditions) has specific tools for safely emptying or removing these lesions.
Wash the skin with a mild soap twice daily and pat the skin dry. More frequent cleaning and/or scrubbing can actually worsen acne. Do not use abrasive sponges or cloths. Always use make-up labelled non-comedogenic.
When shaving, use a gel instead of a cream. A double-edged razor is better than an electric shaver. Shave in the shower when possible - the steam helps to soften whiskers. Always shave in the direction the whiskers grow.
Sourced from:
www.medicinenet.com
www.emedicinehealth.com
www.relieve-acne.com
How Herron Can Help
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Cod Liver Oil 275
Herron Cod Liver Oil 275 is a rich natural source of vitamins A and D and assists in maintaining healthy skin and night vision.more -
Herron Zinc Complex
A zinc supplement to help reduce the incidence of acne and minor skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis, while also helping maintain a healthy immune system in the maintenance of healthy prostate function.more -
Herron Hair, Skin and Nails
Herron Hair, Skin & Nails is specially formulated supplement with an effective combination of vitamins, minerals and amino acids to promote shiny healthy hair, clear skin and strong nails.more
Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional. Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet.