Probiotics For Healthy Skin
Studies on the gut-skin connection link the health of your digestive system to the appearance of your skin. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help balance the microbiome to help keep your gut working as it should. Taking probiotics adds targeted strains of healthy bacteria to help rebalance the gut and quiet inflammation that contributes to skin and hormone imbalances.
Studies show that probiotics could not only reduce the severity of acne that is caused by unfriendly bacterial growth, it also has a positive effect on immune cells in the skin. Probiotics can cool down inflammatory cytokines to potentially reduce the redness, swelling, and pain associated with acne.
Look for probiotics with Lactobacillus rhamnosus as this strain has been shown to improve insulin and the appearance of acne.
Probiotics could also address hormone imbalances as estrogen detoxification relies on a well-functioning gut. Your gut microbiome is a crucial regulator of estrogen metabolism, so keeping it strong with probiotic-rich foods or supplementation is essential for clear skin and balanced hormones.
You can find probiotics in fermented foods like yogurt, kombucha, sauerkraut, and kimchi. But for specifically targeted strains , supplementation can be beneficial.
Our Womens Probiotic contains a blend of Lactobacillus species, a prebiotic, and antioxidants to support overall gut health and skin.
Dont Let Your Acne Go To Waste
The healing truly begins when you switch the relationship with your skin from one of attack, shame, and battle to one of gratitude, acceptance and love. I challenge you to write a love letter to your skin tonight.
Thank her for the message. For warning you that theres something going on in there. For not giving up on you. For helping you to love yourself above all else.
Increase Alkaline Foods And Decrease Acidic Foods:
Meat-based proteins coffee, alcohol, sugar and processed grains all foods that are a big part of the typical American dietare acid-forming in the system. This leads to a condition called acidosis. Acidosis is the technical term for over-acidification. The main symptom of acidosis is fatigue.
Other symptoms include loss of enthusiasm for life, loss of sex drive, poor sleep quality, depression and tiring quickly both mentally and physically. Advanced stage symptoms of acidosis include sensitivity to cold, low blood pressure, hypo or hyperthyroid and low blood sugar.
These symptoms are caused because the main minerals that are required to nourish the nervous system, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, are the very same minerals that the body uses to neutralize acids!
Studies show that alkaline foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains help neutralize these acids Just by eating more fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains in replace of meat, sugar and other processed foods you will not believe how amazing you feel in just a few days!
Recommended Reading: How To Treat Hormonal Acne In Your 40’s
E Other Medication For Hormonal Acne Treatment
1. Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide is an over-the-counter acne medication that helps clear your blocked pores. It also has an antibacterial function that regulates the growth of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria and prevents further acne breakouts.
2. Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is often prescribed to treat severe inflamed hormonal acne. It regulates the level of sebum production by the sebaceous glands and thereby reduces acne formations.
3. Topical Anti-Androgen Cream
Recent addition to hormonal acne treatment is the topical anti-androgen cream also called Clascoterone . It inhibits the aggravation of androgenic hormones that play a major part in the formation of hormonal acne.
4. Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal acne in women is also treated with the administration of oral contraceptives. These pills regulate the circulation of androgen hormones that cause over-secretion of sebum which leads to acne.
How To Prevent Hormonal Acne Naturally
1. Use a mild non-comedogenic cleanser to keep the affected area clean and prevent further blockage of your pores.
2. Consume Ayurvedic herbs mentioned in the table above to balance your hormones that can trigger hormonal acne otherwise.
3. Limit the use of makeup that may block your pores and irritate your skin.
4. Use a natural face pack that helps reduce the acne symptoms.
5. Moisturize the affected area with natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial moisturizers such as honey and aloe vera.
6. Use a non-acnegenic sunscreen every time you step out to prevent the affected area from harmful UV rays. Acne can worsen with over-exposure to heat and the sun.
7. Consume a hormonal acne diet that limits the intake of sugary, high fat foods. Also, limit your intake of dairy products as it may interfere with your hormonal activity.
8. Include vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, C, E and Zinc in your diet.
9. Drink lots of water to flush out harmful toxins. Eats fruits and vegetables that have high water content.
10. Make sure to get adequate sleep. Exercise, meditate or practise yoga regularly to relieve stress and keep your Cortisol hormone in check.
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How To Treat Hormonal Acne Naturally Top 3 Ingenious Ways
Hi! Im Jessica Gremley, Founder and CEO of Natural Acne Clinic. This blog post is a personal one for me as it took 15 years of education and research to figure out how to clear my own hormonal acne.
I launched NAC out of my passion to share the truth about acne and how hormonal acne can be treated naturally. With each client we serve, my hope is to debunk misleading myths and incorrect information about how hormonal acne can be cleared once and for all because I was able to do it for myself.
When we consume the wrong information, we often think the natural approach will not be as effective as a more harsh treatment like Accutane. Not true!
Harsh topicals, birth control pills, and pharmaceuticals can destroy the body from the inside out and are not the only option. Honestly, these are pretty old-school approaches that dont consider the whole body as we do at NAC.
The American Academy of Dermatology has found the onset of adult acne is becoming increasingly common in women in their 30s, 40s and even 50s. Studies show that up to 50% of women in their 20s and 25% of women in their 40s struggle with acne triggered by hormonal changes in the body.
Pregnancy, diet, stress, and menopause can cause hormonal imbalances triggering acne on the jawline, chin or lower cheek. It can often appear red and inflamed causing some amount of pain.
Supplements To Help Clear Acne
When it comes to chronic acne, supplements can often be necessary because the body is already in need of extra help and support.
Here are some supplements that can help, and depend on the root cause of your acne:
-Vitamin E
-Maca
-Saw Palmetto
Its crucial to remember that a supplement is just that- a supplement. Its important to eat nutrient dense foods and then use supplements as an addition to your diet for nutrients you may be deficient in or need more of.
As well, depending on the person, supplement needs vary widely.
It can be REALLY helpful to get a blood test done to test for nutrient levels so you can see if you are deficient in any nutrients!
Now I just want to briefly touch on what to look for when purchasing supplements!
When you are looking for a high-quality supplement, these are some things you should look for:
-manufactured at a Good Manufacturing Practices facility
-no artificial colorings
-no fillers
-preferably derived from whole foods and natural sources instead of synthetic chemicals
Keep in mind that you should consult with a healthcare provider before you start taking a supplement, especially if you are pregnant or nursing.
For more details about herbal supplements that can be helpful for acne, check out these other two blog posts of mine:
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What The Heck Is Acne
Its more than pimples on your face. And its definitely not your genes, hormones, or cursed skin. Acne is a direct result of a bacteria deep in our systems known as streptococcus, aka strep. Besides acne, strep is the cause of a number of other health issues including UTIs, pneumonia, SIBO, yeast infections, migraines, styes, and sinus problems.
If you suffered from strep throat, bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis and/or frequent styes as a child, chances are you have strep in your system, which is the root cause of your adult cystic acne.
Its important you read this post by Medical Medium and listen to the podcast as well . He dives deep into strep, giving you all of the information you need to start your healing journey in a way you, the average non-doctor person, can understand.
There you have it. You can now take a big sigh of relief.
What Causes Hormonal Acne And Why Am I Experiencing It
Hormone imbalances are the primary cause of hormonal acne flare-ups. Hormonal acne can be triggered by menstrual cycles, menopause, and even your birth control pills and hormones coated IUDs. Using the wrong skincare, eating the wrong foods, and stress can affect our hormones and cause more acne.
Androgen hormones are referred to as “male hormones,” but they are present in males and females. The most well-known androgens are testosterone and dihydrotestosterone Research has shown that there are androgen receptors in the base of the oil gland that lines pores, so if there are high testosterone levels in the body, they are more likely to bind to these receptors. More oil means more acne-causing bacteria more acne-causing bacteria means more blockages and breakouts.
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The Best Holistic Treatment Options
To be clear, if youre experiencing significant hormonal issues, you should seek advice from a medical professionalan endocrinologist, a functional medicine doctor, a naturopath. But if your main concern is a clear complexion, theres a surprising amount you can do on your own with foods and supplements. When you are supporting your hormones with food, you are bio-hacking, Vitti says. Youre using micro- and macro-nutrient therapy to enhance the performance of your endocrine system.
Ahead, six simple steps you can take right now to help your BFFyou know, the hormonal acne thats not afraid to hit you with the truthfeel better.
1. Avoid dairy
By now, youre probably aware that dairy triggers acne. But do you know why it triggers acne? Thats right: hormones. Milk contains natural growth hormones. These are meant to nourish young calves and dont necessarily belong in the human body. Many dairy cows are also treated with artificial hormones to help them pump out more milk, and research shows that these hormones interfere with human hormones, possibly leading to pimples. Cut out all dairy for six weeks, Dr. Brighten says, and you may notice happier skin.
2. Get enough vitamin D
3. Get enough vitamin B5
4. Supplement with DIM
5. Sip spearmint tea
6. Try seed cycling
Can Vitamins Help Hormonal Acne
Yes, vitamins can help hormonal acne by acting as antioxidants, reducing inflammation, and supporting healthy hormone balance. The best vitamins for acne are vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and a B complex. You can find many of these nutrients in food, but taking supplements can ensure you’re getting enough.
Recommended Reading: Where Do I Get My Hormones Tested
How To Heal Hormonal Acne
I hear from a lot of women. From emails to social media, I constantly have women asking me about certain foods, supplements and beauty products that I approve of. I love hearing from all of you as you clearly trust my opinion and I am grateful to always help guide you in the right, healthy direction.
Something I am asked about constantly is acne.
I hear from a lot women who are suffering with hormonal acne or PMS acne and have just had enough of it! I hear and feel your pain! Theres nothing worse than waking up in the morning feel refreshed and ready to start your day to only have a massive zit on your face thats bright red. Or even worse, multiple zits that are popping up around your chin and jawline or even your forehead.
Yup it sucks and its hormonal.
Of course there could be multiple reasons for a breakout, from indulging in too much sugar, to using a product you reacted to, or to lack of hydration but if youve been dealing with monthly breakouts, theres a very good chance your hormones are a little out of balance and are wreaking havoc on your skin.
For me, I tend to breakout just before my period, which is common for many women. If Ive been eating well, taking my supplements and staying hydrated Im not typically affected by pre-period breakouts, but thats not always the case. After ovulation, estrogen drops and progesterone rises. The drop in estrogen is what leads to PMS acne.
So whats a girl to do?
I want to HEAR FROM YOU!
IN NEED OF SOME HORMONAL HELP?
Retinol Treatment For Acne
There is a lot of controversial talk in the clean beauty industry about retinol is it clean, or is it harmful? Its important here to remember that everyone is at a different place in their skincare journey and has the option to choose what is right for them. My doctor recommended for the type of acne I was dealing with to try using prescription-strength retinol. Retinol works by clearing clogged pores of dead skin cells and acts as an anti-inflammatory for cystic-type acne. I have been using this every other night for five weeks, and I do believe it is working. Im willing to give it a full 8 weeks before I reevaluate what I recommend every customer that tries a new product. If you are curious about over the counter retinol, there are a few cleaner options on the market.
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After Years Of Trying Acne Treatments I Decided To Switch Things Up
Longtime sufferers of acne know that theres no such thing as a one-and-done treatment plan. If youre anything like me, the process actually looks more like this: 1) Go to the dermatologist. 2) Get prescribed an expensive cream or two. 3) Apply the dermatologist-approved combo dutifully for six months. 4) See no results. 5) Go back to the dermatologist to try the whole thing over again.
I was on this carousel of dermatologist visits for close to a decade, with each rotation feeling more frustrating than the last. Although my skin did slowly improve, going from angry and constant breakouts to more manageable acne flare-ups, I still wasn’t getting the results I wanted. And in a world of clean girl aesthetics and cakey concealers, I felt stuck. So I decided to change things up and reach out to a holistic acne specialist.
A Holistic Approach To Treating Acne
Written by Alexandra McPhee | 6 January, 2020
Acne can be like playing a game of whack-a-mole. On your face. Just when you get rid of one pimple, another seems to sprout somewhere else. If you experience more severe acne, this can equal a whole new breakout of cysts, just as the last patch begin to finally fade.
Why is cystic acne so stubborn? Why does it keep coming back no matter what ointment, gel or cream you slather on your face? Acne is a common and multi-faceted condition. Over 80% of the population experiences acne at some point in their lives, however the impacts are far reaching for chronic acne sufferers. Alarmingly, chronic acne sufferers are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, poorer employment outcomes and lower self-esteem than non-acne sufferers. Dealing with acne is neither trivial, nor exclusive to teenage-hood.
Many women are prescribed hormonal medications like the oral contraceptive pill, yet find that when they come off the pill, their acne returns. Like most conditions, a holistic approach is the best way to get long lasting results. So what can be done for a chronic case of acne?
Check your dairy intake
Aim for a low GI diet
Make sure your lymph is moving
Get enough zinc
Zinc is THE mineral for acne. Suboptimal levels are pretty much guaranteed if you experience acne, with the risk of deficiency higher in women especially if you are on the pill or follow a vegetarian diet. In acne, zinc can help to:
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I Chose Holistic Dermatology Over Accutane And This Is What Happened To My Acne
After blowing out my 21st birthday candles, I looked in the bathroom mirror to see a face full of adult acnea present, I suspect, from my Italian lineage. “I thought you were in the clear,” my father said when he saw the red lesions on my forehead and cheeks. Growing up, I had smooth, bright skin sprinkled with a few blackheadsnothing compared to the cystic acne my brother and father had as teens. But within 3 weeks of my birthday, I went from clear to cystic acne all over. No longer a teen’s nightmare, adult onset acne has its first onset long after puberty, most often between the age of 21 and 25 years. In my case, its rapid appearance shook my confidence, body image, and wellness like a chew toy.
Acne vulgaris is a long-term skin condition that affects 20 to 40% of adults with a higher reported frequency in women, according to the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. It happens when bacteria on the skin gets inside a clogged pore, where it can multiply fast and cause inflammation. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, if the inflammation goes deep, an acne cyst appears.
More From Prevention
“Isn’t Accutane bad for my body?” I asked one of the three dermatologists who’d recommended it. She raised her eyebrows and replied, “It’s good for your acne.” Needless to say we did not vibe, and I did not return to her office.
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