Womens Health Acne Acne is an inflammation of the pilosebaceous glands which secrete oil providing lubrication for the hair and skin. For acne to occur there needs to be increased sebum (oil) production which cannot escape because the glands become blocked by keratin. Once this takes place bacterial overgrowth with propionibacterium acnes takes place releasing fatty acids which are irritating and set up inflammation. This results in the familiar blackheads or whiteheads, as well as papules and pustules all of which are very unsightly and extremely debilitating. This process is thought to be caused by excess testosterone which reaches peak production in adolescence. Males, having higher testosterone levels, are more affected than females. However, acne can manifest throughout life and just why this happens remains much of a mystery. Research that has recently come to light has led to interesting new perspectives on acne.
The 7 new findings: 1) Testosterone, DHEA and Dihydrotestosterone The adrenal hormone DHEA as well as raised testosterone levels are associated with the perpetuation of severe acne. Testosterone is converted to djhydrotestosterone, an even more potent male hormone, by means of an enzyme called 5alpha reductase. Dihydrotestosterone is the hormone which does the damage to your skin. It is important to realise that females have these hormones and some have more than others. There are two ways to prevent the negative effects of dihydrotestosterone on your body. Either you have to inhibit the activity of 5-alpha reductase or you have to increase the breakdown of dihydrotestosterone via your liver. Those nutrients that reduce the activity of 5-alpha reductase include zinc, soy, flaxseed, pumpkin seed and evening primrose oil. Diets high in saturated fat such as meat, milk and butter increase 5-alpha reductase. To enhance the detoxification capability of your liver, thereby reducing dihydrotestosterone a diet high in garlic, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower would be beneficial. Consuming lots of berry fruits such as strawberries and blackberries, as well as taking supplements of the vitamins A, C and E and the herb St Mary’s thistle (Silybum marianum) would further augment liver function. 2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome This syndrome is also associated with the overproduction of male hormones. If you have acne, irregular periods, and fertility problems and are overweight, you may be suffering from this syndrome. It is now thought that this hormonal imbalance arises from high insulin levels in your bloodstream, which have an inability to regulate your blood sugar in an appropriate fashion. This leads to sugar cravings which are difficult to satisfy. Dietary manipulation can correct your insulin levels and rectify the oversupply of male hormones. 3. Oestrogen Excess oestrogen has equally been linked with the development of acne. If you suffer from breast pain, headaches and skin complaints chances are you have too much oestrogen in your system. Consuming more soy products, chickpeas, lentils and the herb red clover, all of which are rich in nutrients known as phytoestrogens, will reduce the potency of oestrogen in your body. The effects of excess oestrogen will dramatically diminish and your skin should improve significantly. 4. Progesterone John Lee 2nd in his book on natural progesterone claims that progesterone deficiency leads to the increased production of male hormones resulting in acne. He has found that giving progesterone cream reduces androgens (male hormones) which improves acne considerably. 5. Candida Candida infestations of the skin and mucous membranes have now been linked with the development of acne. The association of Candidiasis with other disorders has long been ridiculed by the medical profession, however there is now evidence that this connection may be valid. Studies show that patients with acne have a much higher incidence of oral and genital thrush. Eradicating Candida overgrowth may significantly improve your acne. 6. Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium which proliferate in plaque on the teeth and resides in the stomach where it causes ulcers, has now been associated with the development of rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic acne-like condition of the face whereby raised red lumps develop around the nose and forehead. If you suffer from pain in your stomach area as well as indigestion and you have acne it may be worthwhile having a test for Helicobacter pylori. Treating this bacterium may ameliorate your skin condition. 7. Free-radicals Free-radicals are those chemicals which generate all sorts of diseases in your body. A study performed in Japan this revealed that free-radicals generated by white cells which are part of your immune system lead to the development of acne. Linoleic acid found in evening primrose oil was able to suppress free-radicals and reduce the inflammation associated with acne. NEXT Let us now look at how we can incorporate these dramatic new developments in the treatment of acne.
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