Acne is a skin ailment that can cause sufferers significant distress, often damaging self confidence at a delicate time in their lives. It generally begins to manifest during adolescence and is caused by over activity of the sebaceous glands.
The sebum produced by the glands cannot escape because the hair follicles become blocked by keratin. The keratin blockage becomes black, forming blackheads.
Did you know?
85% of the population aged between 12 and 25 are affected by acne and the most commonly afflicted group is pubescent boys. The second most commonly afflicted group is women aged 20 – 40. Acne is the most prevalent skin ailment in the western world.
Whilst some aspects of acne are hereditary, dietary factors can also play a part.
- An excessive consumption of dietary fats (especially the trans-fatty acids) may cause acne by increasing sebum production
- A high intake of margarine can cause acne as most margarines contain trans fatty acids
Helpful supplements
Brewer’s yeast has been found to be useful for the treatment of acne, as has yeast in the Food State. In one double blind clinical study, it was found that in more than 80% of subjects, the condition was considered to be healed or considerably improved after using it for five months.
Vitamins that have been found helpful include:
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B3 oral and topical
- Vitamin B5
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin A deficiency can be a cause, however the high doses required to help should only be considered under proper supervision as the dose can be potentially toxic
Minerals that have been found helpful include:
- Chromium
- Selenium
- Silicon
- Zinc orally and topically.
- Silver orally and topically.
- Calcium and/or a Potassium deficiency can be a contributing factor
Lipids that have been found helpful include:
- Alpha-Linolenic Acid (LNA)
- Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)
- Lauric Acid
Foods and Herbs that have been found helpful include:
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae and brewer’s yeast may be useful for the treatment of acne.
- Propolis (tincture or ointment applied topically)
- Aloe Vera (gel applied topically)
- Burdock
- Calendula (Marigold)
- Chaparral
- Chaste Berry
- Goldenseal (applied topically)
- Green Tea (extract cream applied topically and tea consumed)
- Fish Oils
- Flax Seed Oil
- Lavender (oil applied topically)
- Neem Oil (applied topically)
- Oregano Oil (applied topically)
- Tea Tree Oil (applied topically)
- Fenugreek Seeds (crushed as a tea)
- Grapefruit Seed Extract (applied topically)
- Rye Sprouts (concentrated extracts of Rye Sprouts applied topically)
Supplements recommended by Eric Llewelyn
If your teen is suffering from acne, head to our female teens and male teens categories for advice from nutritional pioneer Eric Llewellyn on supplements to support them through adolescence.
