Acne Vulgaris: what is acne? Acne is inflammation of the pilosebaceous units, which is a fancy word for the gland and hair follicle. Acne is the most common skin disorder in the Western world among adolescents. The typical age range for acne is 12 -25 years old, however, it can occur outside of these parameters due to hormonal imbalances. Although the most visible place for acne is your face, it commonly appears on the torso, arms, back upper chest, shoulders, and neck.
The skin is the largest organ in the human body. The skin weighs about 6 pounds and covers 22 square feet! It aids in detoxification, hydration and dispelling toxins. Did you know that in hot climates a person might sweat as much as three gallons daily? This helps regulate their internal balance.
Causes: acne may be caused by a variety of factors. Common causes include previously mentioned, hormonal imbalances, diet, plugged hair follicles, stress, and genetics. Health cells and skin are a product of our environment. Clean water, healthy foods, proper digestion, perspiration, managing stress, avoiding environmental toxins and pollution all play a role in skin health.
Perspiration: Sweat is produced from exposure to heat and stress. Sweat is composed of water, salt, minerals, lactate, and urea. It allows humans to regulate temperature.
Composition varies in each individual. Food, fluid, the reason for sweating, and bacteria determine sweat variability. Bacteria on our skin tend to produce odor; body odor is produced when bacteria in the apocrine sweat gland areas digest sebum.
Face map of acne: from a Chinese Medicine perspective
Where you break out is an indicator as to why your body is under stress. Utilize the map to identify common problem areas. Below are common problem areas and simple dietary solutions.
Forehead: associated with digestive health. Your diet may need fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats (nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil, etc).
Between the brows: associated with liver and stomach meridians. Avoid alcohol and eat liver supporting foods—green vegetables, beets, and citrus.
Ears: breakouts are commonly associated with the kidney meridian. This area may signify too much salt and caffeine intake. Try to reduce soda, coffee, and refined foods and integrate black beans, seaweed, chestnuts, fish, shrimp, and millet.
Chin: associated with a hormonal imbalance. Balance by resting after heavy exercise and nourishing the body through foods, such as: hormone-free, grass-fed meats, and cruciferous vegetables.
Nose: associated with the heart meridian is an indicator of hypertension and stress. Take time to relax, exercise, stretch and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Acne: Beneficial Herbs
In Chinese medicine, formulas are utilized to match and aid one’s symptoms; so for acne there is not a sole formula. Adaptogenic herbs may be able to remedy bodily imbalances. Adaptogens help aid the body depending on what exactly it needs, they are most notably known for helping with stress and fatigue because they’re able to regulate hormones. Here is a list of suggested herbs to consider adding to your regimen. Ask your doctor before you consider using herbs as there are interactions with pharmaceuticals and certain conditions.
Barberry or coptis or goldenseal or Echinacea
- Take 20 drops in ¼ cup water 3x daily
- A potent antimicrobial agent that stops oozing, reduces inflammation, speeds healing.
Guggul
- Guggulsterone tablets. Take 250-500 mg 3x daily for 3 months
- Relieves infected cysts by stopping inflammation. Helpful if skin is oily.
Milk Thistle
- Silymarin gelcaps, take 120 mg 2x daily
- Removes excess hormones through the stool by increasing bile.
Saw Palmetto
- Extract capsules, liposome. Take 320mg daily
- Relieves acne in men not receiving testosterone therapy
Vitex
- Take 175-225 mg daily.
- Prevents premenstrual acne flare-ups by preventing dihydrotestosterone production.
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