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Vitamin Treatments for Acne
Acne is caused by excessive oil production in the sebaceous glands.
The secretions are called sebum and this oil drains into hair follicles.
Acne comes in many forms including blackheads,
whiteheads, cystic,
severe nodular and mild inflammatory acne. Acne is the most common
skin disease in the world; it is not contagious but it does affect
more than 75% percent of the population.
While it is considered a rite of passage for teenagers, many adults
may suffer acne into their 40s. The causes for acne are not
limited to one portion of the population. Acne affects all ages, races
and genders.
Causes of acne include one or a combination of
the following:
- Genetics
- hormones
- Prescribed Medications
- Oil Based cosmetics
- Stress
- Physical irritation
- Humidity and Environmental pollutants
The human body is a complex organism that employs a variety of methods
to maintain internal balance (homeostasis) and to deal with waste products,
imbalances, and energy. Stress depletes the body of vital resources
because of the effect the stress reaction takes on a system. A suppressed
immune system and poor digestion may result in a lack of essential vitamins
and minerals. The body processes vitamins for cellular energy and work.
Hormonal imbalance may also contribute to excess production by the
sebaceous glands and in effect, increase acne outbreaks. There are several
treatments for the various types-of-acne, including prescriptions and
over-the-counter medications.
A healthy sebaceous gland
Vitamin supplements also play an important role in the treatment of
acne because vitamins support the body’s ability to create energy
for cellular processes as well as provide the basic nutrients for life.
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Some vitamins and minerals that play a key role
in treating acne include:
- Vitamin A: This vitamin is essential for acne-free skin. Vitamin
A produces a lot of the effects of the isotretonoin and retinoids
but without the side effects (including severe birth defects in unborn
fetuses).
- Vitamin E: This vitamin is important for skin repair and retards
cellular aging.
- Zinc: Zinc is essential for absorption of Vitamin A and also regulates
levels of Vitamin E in the blood. It also boosts the immune system
and helps kill acne bacteria.
- Selenium: Selenium is needed for skin elasticity. It also boosts
the action of the other anti-oxidants. (Anti-oxidants are important
because they prevent the spread of oxidative cells that can attack
cellular function in all major systems of the body.)
- Magnesium: This mineral seems to play a major role in hormone balance,
which is a major cause of acne.
[For more information on Vitaplen
Complete, our liquid multivitamin
which has all of the ingredients mentioned in this article,
click here.]
There is no cure for acne, but acne can be treated completely. While
vitamins alone may not clear up acne, they support a healthier diet
and can offset some causes including stress, poor nutrition, and hormonal
imbalances. When acne is severe, a physician or dermatologist should
be consulted. With modern medicine, no one should have to suffer from
the poor self-esteem and discomfort that acne causes. Vitamins can
play a key role in the treatment of the overall physiology of a person,
including supporting their internal systems and promote a healthier
body.
Dermatologists agree that three-step acne fighting kits are an excellent
way to treat acne without the harmful side effects or dangers of oral
drugs. A 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide kit is ideal, and we strongly recommend
our solution, Tru-derma, as it is backed by all of the research and
information on the Acne-Resource Center. Click here to learn more.
Other Resources:
Acne.net
BringHealth.com
McKinley Health Center
A Guide to the Treatment of Acne (http://www.burnsurvivorsttw.org/acne.html)
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