Acne is a condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells, which cause white heads, black heads and pimples.
Acne is a hormonal issue so you are more at risk for breaking out when you are a teenager. However, sometimes, adults who have Androgen excess (a male hormone) can also have Acne. It is also due to insulin resistance so it can effect people of all ages.
Non-dietary Remedies
1. Stress: Emotional distress is a common symptom for Acne. Try to avoid stress as much as possible by being positive. Yes it sounds cliched, but we all need to get negativity and stress out of my minds. Deep breathing and Pranayama is very helpful in this regard. Deep abdominal breathing can be done for a few minutes several times in the day and this helps us to “Switch Off” and Relax.
2. Sleep Sleep is very important for us as that is the time our bodies repair and rejuvenate. Hormones are balanced during sleep so please make sure you get a good night’s restful sleep.
3. Exercise: Exercise and physical activity promotes healthy blood circulation, regulates hormones and helps reduce stress.So try and exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes daily.
4. Meditation: This is a sure way of reducing stress and relaxing. Try and incorporate some time for Meditation into your life. It will help in work/life balance and prevent stress.
Dietary Remedies
1. Foods to include in your diet are “Low Glycemic foods” made of complex carbohydrates such as Whole grains, Legumes and Fresh fruits and Vegetables.
2. Beta Carotene : Fruits and vegetables containing beta carotene such as Carrots, Sweet potatoes, Papaya and Apricots are all good for Acne.
3. Green Leafy Vegetables: Spinach, Kale, Bok choy and Lettuce are useful for Acne too. A Green juice with Lemon, Ginger and Herbs is a good way to consume your green= daily.
4. Foods containing Zinc : Raw unsalted Nuts Seeds such as Sunflower and Pumpkin must be included in an anti-acne diet.
5. Omega 3 fatty acids: Olive oil, Mustard oil Sesame oil and Ghee are all good sources of Omega 3 which is beneficial for Acne. Fatty fish is also recommended.
6. Hydrate: Water (35ml per kilo of body weight) is beneficial for your body and your skin. Make sure, please, that you hydrate well.
7. Above all, be in touch with your body, avoid constipation and keep an internal alkaline environment.
8. Foods to Avoid: Refined Grains and Sugars such as White bread, Crackers, Cereals and Desserts made with White flour. Diet drinks, Sugar sweetened beverages, junk foods like burgers and fries to be avoided. Acne’s worst enemy is Sugar!!
9. Avoid All Processed Foods.
10. Application of Green tea, Apple cider vinegar, Tea tree, Aloe Vera, Honey and Cinnamon are all said to help for effective scar removal.
These can all be tried but it is best to keep your body internally clean by following the above remedies and by avoiding stress.
All the best and Happy Healing from Naturally Dimpi!!