Although often thought of as a problem only affecting teenagers, acne can affect people of all ages. Occurring when hair follicles become blocked with oil and dead skin, the condition can result in the development of whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and scarring. Those afflicted often suffer considerable emotional distress. Fortunately, as with many other common health problems these days, micronutrient-based therapies can help treat acne both effectively and safely.
While research suggests that a tendency to develop acne can be inherited, there is no doubt that diet and lifestyle play an important role. Studies show there is a close relationship between dietary patterns and skin conditions. In some people there is evidence that consumption of dairy products may play a role in acne. A strong correlation between acne and smoking has also been shown. For anyone afflicted with this common skin problem, ensuring a healthy diet and lifestyle is vital.
Conventional treatments for acne include the use of skin creams and antibiotics. In women, hormonal contraceptive drugs are also sometimes given. While such approaches may result in improvement they are not cures, and the patient’s acne invariably worsens if treatment is stopped. Moreover, long-term use of antibiotics disrupts the body’s intestinal microbiota, resulting in negative effects on immunity, metabolism, and overall health. Research has also shown a link between long-term antibiotic use and the development of bowel cancer. Hormonal contraceptive drugs similarly carry dangers, including a risk of life-threatening blood clots.
Ensuring at least 7 hours of good quality sleep each night, 2 to 3 liters of still water a day, an organic diet rich in fiber and micronutrients, and regular daily exercise are all important for the successful prevention and treatment of acne. Consuming optimum daily amounts of the proper micronutrients is vital. Micronutrients that are particularly beneficial in skin conditions include vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, the minerals selenium and zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and the green tea extract epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Probiotics have also been found to be helpful.
Consistent with Dr. Rath’s scientific Cellular Medicine concept, research shows that micronutrient deficiencies are common in acne patients. A study published in 2014 in the journal Cutaneous Ocular Toxicology found deficiencies of vitamin A, vitamin E and zinc, for example. A study published in 2016 in the journal PLOS ONE found patients are frequently deficient in vitamin D.
Combining micronutrients to take advantage of their synergistic effects has been shown to have markedly positive effects on acne. A study published in 2008 in the journal Lipids in Health and Disease followed patients who were given a daily micronutrient supplement combination containing the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (1000 mg), EGCG (200 mg), zinc (15 mg), selenium (200 mcg), and chromium (200 mcg). The researchers found that in addition to reducing inflammation and the redness of skin lesions, the micronutrients also resulted in a significant improvement in the patients’ mental health.
The use of synergistic micronutrient combinations has similarly shown benefits in other chronic skin conditions. The Dr. Rath Research Institute has published a very impressive case report of a 36-year-old woman who had suffered from severe psoriasis since she was 22. The disease was present everywhere except for the face, and the patient had been using topical creams for 14 years with no significant improvement. While continuing her usual treatment, the patient improved her dietary habits and started taking a specific micronutrient combination that included vitamin C, the amino acids lysine and proline, and other essential micronutrients. At the end of six months, she reported complete healing.
If you would like to receive further information on the natural prevention and treatment of acne or other chronic skin conditions, please feel free to contact us.