Acne

Acne is a skin problem involving inflammation. It affects 80% of all Americans, normally between ages 11 and 25. However, women may suffer premenstrual flare-ups of acne. Oral contraceptives high in progesterone may also cause acne to occur. Interestingly, one thing not commonly known is that it is important for your colon to be clean of toxins as this may also relate to acne problems. The skin is the largest organ of your body, and one of the functions of the skin is to rid the body of toxins. If the body contains more toxins then the kidney, liver, and colon can handle then the skin takes over. For this reason a good colon cleansing and restoration program may very help. Other factors involved with acne are: stress, allergies, eating too much junk food, poor diet, pollutants, over-washing the skin, and nutritional deficiencies in the diet.

Nutrient / Supplement	Helpful notes
Essential Fatty acids	Provides GLA "gamma linolenic acid" which is very important for skin health. Needed for repair of damaged skin cell. Helps keep the skin soft and smooth. Used also to help dissolve fatty deposits that block pores. Essential fatty acids are found in omega fatty acids from fish oil, flax seed oil, and borage seed oil.
Multi-vitamin Mineral supplement	contains vitamin E , vitamin A , vitamin B , potassium , and zinc which all are helpful in both the treatment and prevention of skin acne. Should also contain acidophilus, selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin C. Often, nutritional deficiencies are related to an acne problem. A daily supplement provides nutrients required for general good health and well being.
Vitamin A	strengthens the skin "epithelial" tissue and may assist in healing
Vitamin B	B vitamins promote healthy skin tone, improves blood flow to the surface of the skin, boosts skin cellular reproduction, helps with stress.
Zinc	aids in the healing of tissue and helps to prevent scarring both beneficial to people with acne. It also is needed in the oil producing glands of the skin.
Potassium	not getting enough potassium in your diet appears to be related to being vulnerable to acne.

All information presented on this web page is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any
physical ailments. In all matters related to your health please contact a qualified, licensed practitioner.
All Information on this web page & pages linked to it are provided by GBS International training pack 1995/2002;
Dr. Mark Crapo nutritional seminars; The Herb Encyclopedia & Sara St.Louis RN, CIC, NP, MPA