by Scotty, 11/18/97.

The skin is the largest organ of the body. One of its functions is to eliminate a portion of the body’s toxic waste products through sweating. If the body contains more toxins than the kidneys and liver can effectively discharge, the skin takes over. In fact, some doctors call the skin the "third kidney". As toxins escape through the skin, they disrupt the skin’s healthy integrity. ." If the pores become clogged, the microbes that are involved in causing acne flourish because they are protected against the bacteriostatic action of sunshine. Dirt, dust, oils, and grime from pollution clog the pores, but this can be eliminated by washing the skin properly. A body pH that is too high, or too alkaline, also fosters the nesting and breeding of acne-causing bacteria."

Acne is a common disorder of the oil glands in the skin that is characterized by the recurring formation of blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples that to some degree afflicts about 80 percent of all Americans between the ages of twelve and twenty-four. Acne occurs primarily on the face and sometimes on the back, shoulders, chest, and arms. Age is no escape, adult acne is common.

The incidence of acne is greatest during puberty and adolescence, when hormones influencing the secretion of the oil glands are at their peak level of activity. Acne is more common in males because androgens (male sex hormones) like testosterone stimulate the production of keratin and sebum, which leads to clogged pores. During puberty, androgens increase in both sexes, making girls in this age group more susceptible as well. Hormones don’t go away after adolescence, though. Many women suffer premenstrual acne flare-ups that are prompted by the release of progesterone after ovulation. Oral contraceptives high in progesterone can cause breakouts, too.

The sebaceous glands, located in each hair follicle of tiny pit of skin, produce oil that lubricates the skin. Sebaceous glands are found in large numbers on the face, back, chest, and shoulders. If some of the oil becomes trapped, bacterial multiply in the follicle and the skin becomes inflamed. Several of these spots can come and go over a period of months or years. Acne is not caused by ‘dirty’ pores, but most likely by overactive oil glands; the excess oil makes the pores sticky, allowing bacteria to become trapped inside.

Blackheads form when sebum combines with skin pigments and plugs the pores. If scales below the surface of the skin become filled with sebum, whiteheads appear. In severe cases, whiteheads build up, spread under the skin, and rupture, which eventually spreads the inflammation. In sever cases, you can get acne scars.

The exact cause of acne is not known, but factors that contribute to the condition include heredity, oily skin, and androgens. Other factors are allergies; stress; the use of certain drugs (especially steroids, lithium, oral contraceptives, and certain antiepileptic drugs); over consumption of junk food, saturated fats, hydrogenated fats, and animal products; nutritional deficiencies; exposure to industrial pollutants (machine oils, coal tar derivatives, chlorinated hydrocarbons); the use of cosmetics, monthly menstrual cycles; and over washing or repeated rubbing of the skin.

• Eat a diet that is high in fiber. This is important for keeping the colon clean and ridding the body of toxins.
• Increase your intake of raw foods that contain oxalic acid, including almonds, beets, cashews, and Swiss chard. Exceptions are spinach and rhubarb; these contain oxalic acid, but should be consumed in small amounts only.
• Eat more foods rich in zinc, including shellfish, soybeans, whole grains, sunflower seeds, and a small amount of raw nuts daily. Zinc is an antibacterial agent and a necessary element in the oil-producing glands of the skin. A diet low in zinc may promote flare-ups.
• Eat plenty of soured products, such as low-fat yogurt, to maintain healthy intestinal flora.
• Avoid alcohol, butter, caffeine, cheese, chocolate, cocoa, cream eggs, fat, fish, fried foods, hot and spicy foods, hydrogenated oils and shortenings, margarine, meat, poultry, wheat, soft drinks, and foods containing brominated vegetable oils.
• Try eliminating dairy products from your diet for one month. Acne may develop due to an allergic reaction to dairy products, and the fat content of the dairy products can worsen the condition. After the month is over, add dairy products back one at a time to see if the acne returns.
• Avoid all forms of sugar. Sugar impairs immune function. In addition, biopsies of individuals with acne have shown their tissues’ glucose tolerance to be seriously flawed. One researcher calls this condition "skin diabetes".
• Eliminate all processed foods from the diet, and do not use iodized salt. These contain high levels of iodine, which is known to worsen acne. For the same reason, avoid fish, kelp, and onions.
• Following a program.
• Use cleansing enemas to remove toxic buildup in the system and promote faster healing.
• Keep the affected area as free of oil as possible. Shampoo your hair frequently. Use an all-natural soap with sulfur that is designed for acne (available at health food stores). Wash your skin thoroughly but gently; never rub hard. Vigorous scrubbing can make acne worse.
• Avoid wearing makeup. If you feel you must use cosmetics, use only natural, water-based products; do not use any oil-based formulas. Avoid any products containing harsh chemicals, dyes, or oils. Wash and dip makeup applicator brushes and sponges in alcohol after each use to avoid contamination.
• Friction makes pimples more likely to rupture, so avoid wearing tight clothing like turtlenecks. Carefully adjust straps on sports equipment such as bicycle or football helmets. Even using the telephone can exacerbate inflammation if you hold the receiver against your cheek for long periods.
• If you must shave an area of skin affected by acne, use a standard blade. Using an electric razor may lead to scarring. Always shave in the direction of hair growth.
• As much as possible, avoid stress. Stress can promote hormonal changes and cause flare-ups. Many dermatologists also recommend fifteen minutes of sunshine each day, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep for people with acne.
• Avoid the use of oral or topical steroids, which can aggravate acne.
• Do not squeeze the spots. To do so is to risk increasing the inflammation by causing breaks in the skin in which harmful bacteria can lodge. Do not touch the affected area unless your hands have been thoroughly cleaned." Acne medications get spotty results (pun).