Acne-Nutrient Deficiencies?

12:13 AM Jackie Mart 0 Comments

Here is what you need to know!!

In 2009, a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology looked at 1,002 adolescents and found that both mental stress and sweet and oily foods were risk factors for moderate to severe acne.

It’s not just fatty foods that cause acne, however. We need healthy fats and essential fatty acids (EFA's) to produce hormones and other structural components of a healthy body. In particular, imbalances in the levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids create inflammation in the body. This means staying away from rancid oils like vegetable, canola and soybean oils, which are very high in omega-6 fatty acids.

A 1966 study published in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology found that essential fatty acids found in flaxseed and fish oils help correct hormonal imbalances that lead to acne.

Food Sources of EFA's: Brazil nuts, pecans, pine nuts, sesame seed, walnuts and oily fish.


Your skin if your largest organ. Acne could be a sign that your body is highly toxic! Blemishes are a sign that your body is trying to remove these toxins!


Nutrient Deficiencies

Other nutrient deficiencies that may lead to acne include chromium, magnesium, selenium, vitamins A and B and zinc.

Chromium


Chromium helps to balance blood sugar levels and several studies have found a link between low chromium levels and acne outbreaks. Onions, romaine lettuce and tomatoes are good sources of chromium.

Selenium

When selenium is taken along with vitamins A and E, it can help reduce the severity of acne and the scarring that can occur afterwards. Selenium is also found in Brazil nuts, button mushrooms, cod, halibut, salmon and shiitake mushrooms.

Vitamin A and B2


Vitamin A is responsible for the conversion of fatty acids into the oil in skin and can help to balance hormones but it is toxic when taken directly by itself. Vitamin B2 converts the toxic forms of vitamin A into the forms our body needs and uses. Natural sources of vitamin A include carrots, cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens and yellow-orange fruits. Good sources of vitamin B2 are asparagus, broccoli, chard, collard greens, eggs, mushrooms, Romaine, spinach and turnip greens.

Zinc


Zinc is known to increase the production of male hormones and is also needed to renew skin cells on a daily basis. Zinc has brought “dramatic improvement” to acne sufferers, says author of The Encyclopedia of Natural Healing Mark Pritkin.

Zinc is present in Brazil nuts, mushrooms, pumpkin seeds, spinach and whole grains.

Magnesium

Magnesium is vital for the release of insulin, the creation of glucose receptors and the production of enzymes and proteins necessary for skin cells.

Good sources of magnesium are broccoli, halibut, mustard greens, blackstrap molasses, peppermint, pumpkin seeds, squashes and turnip greens. Celery, cucumbers, green beans and kale, along with other seeds are also good sources of magnesium.


Following a diet that DOES NOT include processed or refined foods, and dairy products like those common in the Western Diet will also help clear up acne. Choose meat and whole plant foods.


Acne doesn’t come from the surface of the skin!! Many acne face washes and lotions sold today are also highly toxic personal care products!

Here are a few products I like to use on my own skin:

Breakouts- apply Aura Cacia Pure Essential Oil Tea Tree on the pimple. Mix with a carrier oil (olive oil, jojoba oil, almond oil) if you have sensitive skin!

I love this bar soap from Wyndmere Naturals-Clearer Skin

I use Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel as a toner. If you go through my link to buy the tea tree oil or witch hazel at Vitacost.com you can get a $10 off coupon to use on your purchases!