Acne vulgaris is determined as a genetic predisposition to a malfunction of the pilo sebaceous unit resulting in the formation of comedones, papules, pustules, nodules and or cysts. Acne can be mild or extreme and is graded from 1 – 4 depending on the severity of the condition. Acne develops when the pilosebaceous unit becomes blocked due to sebum and dead skin cells. Acne sufferers tend to produce a thicker, stickier sebum due to higher levels of squalene and wax esters with lower levels of free fatty acids.. Linoleic acid is lower in skin lipids, which is thought to relate further to the congestion. Whilst acne is not an infectious or contagious disease, the naturally present microbes in the skin flora, propionbacterium acnes bacteria, are seen to thrive in an anaerobic environment. This occurs when the follicle becomes blocked and the by products of metabolism from the bacteria may produce inflammation thereby inducing papules and pustules. There is however no real correlation between the number of skin bacteria and the severity or grade of acne. What trigger’s Acne? The most common trigger for acne is often puberty due to surges in androgen hormones that in turn stimulate excess sebum production and hyperkeratosis.
Acne vulgaris is determined as a genetic predisposition to a malfunction of the pilo sebaceous unit resulting in the formation of comedones, papules, pustules, nodules and or cysts. Acne can be mild or extreme and is graded from 1 – 4 depending on the severity of the condition. Acne develops when the pilosebaceous unit becomes blocked due to sebum and dead skin cells. Acne sufferers tend to produce a thicker, stickier sebum due to higher levels of squalene and wax esters with lower levels of free fatty acids.. Linoleic acid is lower in skin lipids, which is thought to relate further to the congestion. Whilst acne is not an infectious or contagious disease, the naturally present microbes in the skin flora, propionbacterium acnes bacteria, are seen to thrive in an anaerobic environment. This occurs when the follicle becomes blocked and the by products of metabolism from the bacteria may produce inflammation thereby inducing papules and pustules. There is however no real correlation between the number of skin bacteria and the severity or grade of acne. What trigger’s Acne? The most common trigger for acne is often puberty due to surges in androgen hormones that in turn stimulate excess sebum production and hyperkeratosis.
Therapeutic Dietary considerations: Nutritional therapeutic objectives are to reduce the inflammatory response and balance hormones. Wholefood nutrient dense high fibre diet. Avoid processed foods, high sugar and trans/saturated fats. Dietary Therapeutic Inclusions: Increase wholegrains, nuts and seeds to improve selenium, vitamin E and zinc intake for antioxidant protection and zinc aids in skin healingHigh fibre consumption: Such as vegetables, fruits and wholegrain has shown to assist with clearing acne possibly due to correction of the effects of constipation. Adequate fibre is essential to cleanse the colon and eliminate toxins Male acne patients: have decreased levels of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase that is normalised with Vitamin E and selenium. May be low in acne patients. Increase nuts and seeds: to improve niacin, selenium, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids and zinc intake. Patients with acne have low concentrations of linoleic acid in the sebum & EFA deficiency in the epithelium that may account for the characteristic follicular hyperkeratosis acne. Linoleic and linoleic acids and acne vulgaris. Include: a variety of green leafy vegetables and brightly coloured fruits and vegetables for increased antioxidant protection i.e. vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E Increase: oily fish for essential fatty acids, vitamin D and niacinamide.Drink: at least 8 glasses of filtered water daily to assist with the removal of toxins and waste materials.What To Exclude In Your Diet: Avoid processed foods: And junk foods which are void of nutrients and enzymes. Which junk food has not been clinically proven to cause acne a nutrient dense diet can be beneficial. Avoid skin clogging hydrogenated fats and excess intake of saturated fats such as margarines, pies, cakes, pastries, deep fried foods, fast foods, burgers, fries , full fat cream, butter Dietary fat may be associated with excess sebum production Avoid high Gi and sugar foods such as sugar drinks, processed foods, raw processed sugar, honey, maple syrup, glucose, excess consumption of sweet fruits e.g. grapes, dried fruits. Sugar impairs the immune function and may also promote growth of candida which can sometimes be a contributing factor in acne Smith 2007. A low GI is beneficial to acne suffers Chronic consumption of high GI foods promotes hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance which in turn can increase levels of free insulin and andogens which can aggravate acne formation. Avoid the use of iodised salt and iodine foods such as seaweed, kelp, onions as iodine may worsen acne in certain individuals Hitch JM, Greenburg BG: Adolescent acne and dietary iodine. Avoid stimulants such as colas, caffeine, coffee, stimulant drugs as these may lower zinc absorption and whilst studies have shown that diet does not cause acne, it may aggravate it. Alcohol may aggravate acne and is high in sugar and puts strain on the liver. Increasing the following nutrients will help clear your system and help you on the way to clearer skin. Specific Nutrients Zinc Source - Oysters, seafood, lean red meat, nuts and seeds. Vitamin A Cod liver oil, carrots, apricots, and green leafy vegetables. Milk and cheese. Vitamin E Sources – Milk, wheat germ oil, eggs, asparagus, peas, sunflower seeds, almonds, wheat germ, avocado EFA’s omega 3 EPA and DHA Sources - Mackerel, salmon, sardines, tuna, flaxseeds, flaxseed oil. Vitamin C Ascorbic acid Sources - Parsley, citrus, mangoes, rep peppers, strawberries, kiwi Selenium . Sources - Brazil nuts, poultry, shellfish, molasses, eggs, garlic, broccoli Vitamin B3. Nicitinamide Sources- Peanuts, beef, chicken, eggs, spinach Vitamin B6. Sources – Brewers yeast, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, beef, walnuts, brown rice Combing a good skincare regime with glycolic, retinol and soothing ingredients such as camomile and aloe with a healthy diet can do wonders to improve acne. Be patient though as the results of all your hard work can take between 3 – 9 months.
