How Do I Get Rid of This Acne?

By Dr. J Renae Norton

Facial acne is not a simple problem and as such, there is no simple solution. But it is a serious problem because it plays such a huge role in the way we feel about ourselves. Facial acne causes deep and terrible discomfort and shame for many people who experience it. I have found many people with eating disorders whose facial acne may have been instrumental in their decision to starve themselves…..the thought process sounding something like this “Well if I can’t get rid of these pimples, at least I can get rid of these pounds.”

So I’m going to tell you the truth going in; you may have to tolerate some trial and error to figure out the best approach for you. But when we figure it out, trust me, it will be worth it.

You’ve probably already tried a number of things and they haven’t worked. For starters, I’m not a huge fan of medication when it comes to treating acne. I also don’t think that most of the ointments and creams have much of an impact. I prefer using supplements and the healthy organic foods that are needed for gorgeous skin.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. It turns out that there are two basic causes of facial acne; “Hormonal Acne” and “Antioxidant Acne.”

One has to do with our hormones and the other is driven by inflammation. “Hormonal Acne” is a bit more complicated but supplements are still a big part of the solution. “Antioxidant Acne” which is caused by inflammation, is easier to treat because there are so many supplements that reduce or lower inflammation.

Although lifestyle habits, such as good skin care and minimally processed, preferably organic, foods are critical components of having healthy skin, supplements can really turn the tide.

Antioxidant Acne

Since antioxidant acne is far more common, let’s begin with it. Recall that this is the one that is caused by inflammation. The supplements that are most effective at reducing inflammation are vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin E. They all help lower inflammation and stop the free radical damage that causes much of the acne that we see today.

Vitamin C

The best form of vitamin C that you can get comes from the other side of the world, Australia and New Zealand. There are two fruits grown in these countries that are just loaded with natural vitamin C. One is the Kakadu Plum and the other is Camu Camu. Most vitamin C capsules have 200 or 300 mg of vitamin C. Both of these have close to 700 mg per teaspoon! I recommend the Camu Camu because it is easier to get. In fact, you can get it at Whole Foods.

One more thing about US vitamin C is that it almost all comes from genetically engineered corn, which has probably been sprayed with glyphosate. If you’re not familiar with the deadly effect of glyphosate, please click here.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce the inflammation that contributes to acne breakouts. It may also help with scarring by supporting collagen production and wound healing.

Most of the research on vitamin C and acne is associated with topical use, but eating vitamin C-rich foods or taking supplements ensures that you have enough to support your skin from the inside out. Vitamin C is also found in many foods like berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens, and tomatoes, but the Camu Camu supplement can provide a concentrated dose.

Navitas is the company that makes the best Camu Camu in my humble opinion.

Zinc

Several studies show that low zinc levels are associated with more severe breakouts. Taking 400 mg of zinc sulfate each day for 12 weeks reduced inflammatory acne and had nearly the same results as taking antibiotics in a number of scientific studies.

Because this is a high dose of zinc and because zinc can cause upset stomach it is important to find the most readily available zinc so that the benefits can be seen at lower dosages. I have found that zinc bisglycinate works better probably due to its chelated form, which is more easily absorbed and interferes less with other minerals.

Finally, zinc has powerful antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce the bacteria on the skin that contributes to acne.

Another good way to get zinc is to eat foods that are high in zinc. Zinc is found primarily in shellfish (oysters are one of the top sources), organ meat, beans, and pumpkin seeds.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help the skin. People reach for topical vitamin E products for skin regeneration and healing, but maintaining optimal levels of vitamin E in your body is also important.

Numerous studies have found that low levels of vitamin E were associated with acne. You can get vitamin E from nuts, seeds, and oils, and you should add these foods to your diet whenever possible. But supplements appear to be the right option for the additional support your skin may need when you have acne.

Stay tuned next week for Hormonal Acne Treatment.