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Herbs are antiseptic, antibacterial and healing.
CARE OF the skin and the treatment of acne are best approached in a holistic fashion. The predisposing factors for acne must also be addressed in order to manage the treatment process. The primary approach, however, is through nutrition.
Winsome Belnavis, holistic health practitioner based at the New Lifestyle Holistic Health Clinic and Spa on Phoenix Avenue in St. Andrew explains that acne is a condition that manifests itself in excessive production of oil and results in the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, papules and pustules. These affect the face, the shoulder and the upper back, in most cases.
There is no definite cause for oiliness and the formation of these bumps, but there are certain predisposing factors including excessive production of sebum. Sebum is the skin's own natural lubricant. Excessive production results in dead cell formation trapped in sebum, blocking the hair follicle shaft. This causes the formation of whiteheads.
BLACKHEADS
When the sebum itself is excessive and sticky, it blocks the hair follicle forming blackheads and whiteheads which, in turn, have various stages of manifestation. There are deep formations, which are difficult to remove, or blockages which move close to the skin surface, becoming filled with pus and leading to the formation of pustules. Before the pustule stage, the blockages may also be filled with tissue fluid under the skin in what is called a papule. Humans also produce high levels of hormones, which produce allergic type reactions in the skin. Excessive production of sebum is related to an imbalance in hormones. This has other effects in teenagers and also affects moods. Excessive secretion of sebum may also be due to genetic factors. Allergies which may cause eruptions are not only linked to hormonal changes but also to certain foods, drugs and other products.
Diet also affects the state and frequency of acne eruptions. Foods, which contain super refined substances and excessive carbohydrate intake also predisposes individuals to eruptions.
The skin is the largest organ of the body and frequently, whatever enters the body is also excreted via the skin. Undigested food may build toxic chemicals and fumes, which are absorbed by the blood stream and excreted through he skin. The skin is a reflection of the internal environment of the body.
The next major predisposing factor of acne eruptions is stress mental and emotional stress in particular. Keeping stress under control will also reduce the predisposition to acne outbreaks.
The first resort in treating acne is nutritional says Winsome Belnavis. One must look at eliminating or getting rid out of the diet those foods, which will cause a build-up of toxins in the body and acne outbreaks. Eat lots of fresh foods as well as fruits and vegetables. As many as five to nine helpings of fruit and vegetables would be included in the diet.
SOME THINGS TO AVOID
One should also avoid soda, caffeine, drinks sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners. One should also drink a minimum of eight glasses of water so that the body can flush and cleanse itself naturally. The other major area of focus, Winsome Belnavis notes, is vitamin and mineral as well as antioxidant supplementation therapy. Important supplements include Vitamin A, which is essential for building healthy tissue, making skin soft and smooth and prevention of disease.
The B-Complex vitamins will reduce facial oiliness and also the formation of blackheads. Vitamin C is essential and helps especially in preventing infection and reduces allergic reactions. Vitamin C also helps in the formation of healthy skin. Vitamin E nourishes the skin and is a very powerful antioxidant. Vitamin D assists in the absorption of sunlight into the skin and also maintains the health of the skin.
Calcium is a mineral which maintains the pH balance of the bloods and also prevents infection and keeps the skin clear. Zinc is yet another element which is important in maintaining the integrity of the skin. It accelerates the healing process and strengthens the immune system, also protecting the body against infections and allergies.
Information provided by Winsome Belnavis of the New Lifestyle Holistic Health Clinic and Spa on Phoenix in St. Andrew. Next week: Caring for the skin and herbal treatment of acne.
