Preventing Acne
By: Dr. Loretta Lanphier, ND, CN, HHP, CH
According to National Institutes of Health, nearly 85% of teens and young adults from ages 12-24 will develop acne. In addition, 25% of all adults struggle with acne into their thirties and forties. As with the majority of health issues, most people seek to treat acne rather than prevent it. But there is a better way. Acne and the unsightly blemishes that accompany it can be stopped before they ever begin.
Tips for Preventing Acne
Clean Up: Keeping your face clean is a crucial part of acne prevention. However, don't roughly scrub your face or use harsh, abrasive cleansers. Such products may irritate your skin, stimulate oil production, and actually worsen your acne. Instead, wash twice a day with a gentle cleanser such as Hydra-Tone™, and rinse with warm, purified water. It is also important to use clean, cotton towels on your face so that you will not introduce bacteria that can cause acne.
Exercise: Regular physical exercise improves your circulation and delivers more oxygen and nutrients to your body. It also helps to rid your body of toxins. This is great for your skin, and may help to prevent acne as well. Exercise also helps to reduce stress, which can also be a trigger for acne. Shower and put on clean clothes immediately after exercising. This will help keep oil and bacteria away from your skin, and decrease your risk for developing acne and other blemishes.
Keep Your Bedding Clean: Most people perspire while they sleep, as this is one way your body cleanses itself. Launder your pillowcases (daily) and pajamas regularly so they don't collect bacteria that can lead to acne. Use 100% organic cotton sheets if possible.
For The Hair: If you have long hair, keep it clean, and wear it in a style that is off your face. At night, tie it back in a loose ponytail to keep it from touching your face. Watch out for oily hair products that may result in blemishes along the hairline.
Stay Hydrated: Water helps to cleanse your system and moves nutrients through the body as well. Drinking enough water is crucial to the overall health of your skin. You need at least eight glasses of purified water every day to keep your skin healthy from "the inside out."
Go Light on the Makeup: If you struggle with acne, keep your cosmetic usage to a minimum. Especially avoid oil-based makeup that can encourage the development of acne. Stay with oil-free and chemical free products, preferably organic, that won't clog your pores or irritate sensitive skin. Remember also to keep your cosmetic applicators clean and free of bacteria by washing them regularly with warm, soapy water.
Eat Right: Eating well is a great deterrent to acne. A wholesome diet high in organic fresh fruits and vegetables will keep your whole body well and will benefit your skin as well. Your body needs about 40 different nutritional building blocks every day to operate at peak efficiency and to repair cell and tissue damage. Eating a variety of healthy foods is a great way to ensure adequate nutrition. Avoiding refined sugar, simple carbohydrates and nutrient deficient foods is especially helpful when battling acne.
Watch Out For The Sun: Those who are prone to acne usually have very sensitive skin. It is best to avoid overexposure to the sun. (Severe cold is not good for acne either.) Two helpful steps you can take are to wear an all-natural sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater, and also to stay out of the sun from 10AM to 3PM if possible.
Don't Get Picky: Never squeeze, pop, or pick at your acne. Behaviors such as this can lead to infection and/or scarring. Picking never helps, and in fact, it usually makes acne worse.
Don't Panic: Emotional stress can trigger acne, so it's best to learn how to manage stress. Find a method that works for you, such as deep breathing or various forms of exercise. Often a 30-40 minute daily walk gives the mind a rest while relieving stress.
Stay Loose: Avoid tight-fitting clothes. They may irritate your skin, and make it more difficult to rid the skin of perspiration and oils. Loose is better when it comes to clothing.
About the Author
Loretta Lanphier, ND, CN, HHP, CH is a Doctor of Naturopath, Clinical Nutritionist, Holistic Health Practitioner and Clinical Herbalist in Houston, TX and Founder / CEO of Oasis Advanced Wellness. Under her leadership, OAW is known and respected as one of the leading companies in providing safe, clean and hi-tech natural health and wellness solutions for whole body wellness. Because of the need for high-end natural and organic skin care products, Dr. Lanphier has developed Lanique Botanicals, an all-natural skin care line which promotes natural health and anti-aging solutions for the skin. All Lanique Botanicals and OAW developed products are free of toxic ingredients, heavy metals, irradiation, excipients and preservatives and are certified organic, organic, wild crafted or of the highest purity and quality that we can obtain while still providing the utmost degree of active ingredients. All product batches are laboratory tested to ensure that you are getting exactly what the label states. We will never knowingly compromise health in order to provide a cheaper product or to get a product out quickly. Lanphier is Editor and contributor to the worldwide Free E-newsletter Advanced Health & Wellness. Please visit us at Oasis Advanced Wellness, the PMS-Progesterone-Menopause Resource Center, the Acne Resource Center, the Glyconutrient Resource Center, the Allergy-Asthma-Sinus Relief Resource Center and www.oasisserene.com
