DEFINITION

Acne is a chronic inflammatory condition resulting in pustular skin eruptions (pimples) which occur most commonly on the face, neck, shoulders and upper back. The specific cause of Acne is unknown, however it is clear that the bacterial breakdown of the skin's natural oils into fatty substances is involved. These substances irritate the skin, causing lesions such as blackheads, pimples, whiteheads and cysts.

DESCRIPTION

Androgen is a hormone which promotes male characteristics such as facial hair growth and deepening of the voice. At puberty there is an increase of this hormone in both men and women causing a thickening of the outer layer of skin which may result in hair follicles becoming clogged with dead skin cells (keratin). An increase in oil gland activity at puberty also contributes to the clogging of the hair follicles. Acne can be a hereditary condition in some people. Acne is mainly a hormonal or hereditary condition, however there are some drugs which have the unfortunate side effect of causing Acne.

STEROIDS
This type of medication is often prescribed for conditions such as arthritis and chronic inflammatory diseases. It is not usually a severe type of Acne, however, using steroids is associated with many other serious health risks e.g., liver damage, fragile bones and high blood pressure. The spots tend to be numerous, small and not very inflamed. Body builders who take steroids may also be prone to this type of Acne.

THE PILL
The contraceptive pill has an unpredictable side effect of producing Acne in some people. The pill has an effect on a woman's hormonal levels and Acne often occurs with the hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. Other women find that Acne improves while taking the pill and in some cases Doctors will prescribe a type of oral contraceptive pill for this reason.

There are also types of oral contraceptive pills which contain androgens. This hormone causes a thickening of the outer layer of skin which can cause hair follicles to become clogged with dead skin cells (keratin). An increase in oil gland activity at puberty also contributes to the clogging of the hair follicles. Oestrogen helps to restrict the amount of sebum which flows from the oil producing glands in the skin and thus an oestrogen based pill may be prescribed for women with hormonally sensitive Acne.

PHARMACIST'S ADVICE

1) Ask your Pharmacist or Beauty Consultant for advice about skin treatments which can be used regularly to remove blackheads and pimples under hygienic conditions.
2) Follow the diet hints.
3) Your Pharmacist or Beauty Consultant can instruct you on how to use the cleansing and exfoliation treatments to keep the skin clean.
4) It is best to avoid using thick, oil-based creams and cosmetics if your skin is prone to Acne to help avoid clogging of the follicles which can cause Acne. Water-based products may be more suitable.
5) If your skin is sensitive, avoid using highly perfumed soaps and cosmetics. Ask your Pharmacist or Beauty Consultant about hypo-allergenic skin care ranges.
6) Consider some nutritional supplements if your diet is inadequate. Your Pharmacist can advise you about supplements which may help to improve your skin.

DIET HINTS

- Having a wholesome diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables and low in processed or 'fast foods' is advisable to help maintain healthy skin.
- A diet high in saturated fat e.g., butter and fried foods and sugary foods may encourage the production of excess oil on the skin causing a condition which may result in Acne. It is best to avoid these foods.
- Drinking plenty of fresh water is a good idea to help the body to eliminate toxins properly. Try to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of fresh, filtered water daily.
- Smoking and drinking alcohol should be reduced to help improve the appearance of the skin.
- Acne may be the result of a diet which is too high in acid forming foods e.g., meat and sugar. Fruits (even citrus fruits) and vegetables help to alkalise the body.
- Foods which are high in antioxidants may help to improve skin and reduce the severity of Acne. These foods include all yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, oysters, pumpkin seeds, green leafy vegetables, grapes etc.
- Try to include plenty of fibre in the diet e.g., whole grains, wholemeal products, vegetables, oats, and beans. It is believed that constipation may result in impurities and toxins being released through the skin which could result in Acne.
- Acne could, in some cases, be aggravated by eating a certain food which you may have a sensitivity or intolerance to. Ask your Health Practitioner about an elimination trial diet. (See the Elimination Trial Diet topic).

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

Vitamins may only be of assistance if dietary intake is inadequate.
- Vitamin A and zinc may help relieve acne.
- Vitamin B6 and folic acid may aid in acne related to menstrual dysfunction.
- An antioxidant or multivitamin may help if the diet is high in refined foods.
- Vitamin B2 supplementation may aid in acne rosacea.
- It is important to eliminate lymphatic congestion. Echinacea can be taken as a lymphatic herb or fresh lemon juice in water will also help clear lymphatic congestion.
- Ginkgo biloba may help stimulate blood circulation throughout the body, especially to the skin.
- Marshmallow has a soothing, healing and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin.
- Calendula may have a soothing and antiseptic action on the skin. Calendula may also stimulate the lymphatic system.
- Sarsaparilla may help balance hormones and clean the blood.

NOTES

Information compiled by Miss Sue Freeborn, Dip BTh, Dip H Med, Principal of the College of Natural Beauty, Brisbane, Queensland.

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