Acne - forehead and cheeks

I am 18 years old with acne on both sides of my cheeks, and on my forehead. I want to find the root cause of my acne. What should I do?

In Chinese Medicine face diagnosis acne presenting on the cheek area is related to the functioning of the digestive system, acne presenting on the forehead area is an indication of liver congestion. It is therefore recommended that you concentrate on improving these systems in order to improve the appearance of the skin, cleanse the blood, eliminate wastes and reduce inflammation. Acne is caused by congestion of the skin follicles due to bacteria, dried sebum (oil) or dead skin cells. The health of the reproductive system (hormones - androgens and progesterone), liver function, digestive function, skin hygiene and bowel elimination can all affect the health, vitality and appearance of the skin.

Common causes of acne

Genetics
Nutritional deficiencies
Stress
Pollution
Chemicals
Medications
Substances which block the skin pores (grease, oils, cosmetics)

What can help reduce acne?

To address complaints of skin congestion and inflammation the internal environment of the body first needs to be cleansed so that the skin receives a good supply of nourishing nutrients and better elimination of wastes. Treating skin conditions is often a slower process and it is recommended to persevere with a cleansing program for at least 3 months before you judge its effectiveness.

It is recommended to address the functioning of your digestive system, especially if you suffer from any other symptoms relating to digestive dysfunction such as bloating, constipation, nausea, flatulence, reflux or indigestion. By improving the way that the body absorbs and assimilates nutrients from the foods in our diets we can help to improve the health of the skin. This is because by absorbing more nutrients, antioxidants, minerals and proteins from foods our skin benefits.

It is suggested that it may be beneficial to take a liver detoxification supplement which may help to remove excessive wastes from the liver and improve lymphatic circulation.. Liver herbs also act as anti-oxidants, promote liver and lymphatic function (waste removal), improve digestion and are anti-inflammatory, helping the body to expel excess wastes via the kidney and bowels instead of through the skin.

Diet tips to reduce acne

Ensure you drink plenty of liquids, at least 2 litres per day
Start the day with a small warm glass of water with ½ lemon squeeze into it. This promotes digestion and cleanses the liver and bowels
Reduce foods which can trigger outbreaks such as saturated fats,chocolate and sugars from the diet and this will contribute to dirty blood and skin.
Increase fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet to help alkalise and clean the blood.
Have a vegetable juice each day, some suggestions are carrot, celery, beetroot, ginger, parsley and apple. Vegetable juices nourish the blood, contain anti-oxidants and help to detoxify wastes

Lifestyle factors to reduce acne

Dont pick the pimples as this can cause the bacteria and inflammation to spread
Ensure healthy skin hygiene and dont use synthetic facial products. Using witch hazel, tea tree oil and calendula on the skin is a basic beauty routine when used with water
Consider doing a liver detoxification program to help cleanse the blood
Address any underlying digestive disorders (Candida, maldigestion, constipation, indigestion)

Natural remedies to help reduce acne

A fish oil supplement due to its anti-inflammatory effects, fish oil also moisturises and corrects skin oiliness and imbalances. Increase the amount of essential fatty acids in your diet by increasing your intake of fish, flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil, nuts and seeds and avocados
Zinc is helpful to reduce inflammation and improve wound healing. Other nutrients specifically for the health of the skin are Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B Vitamins and Betacarotene
Specific herbs to cleanse the blood and skin are Red Clover, Dandelion, St Marys Thistle, Burdock, Rhubarb, Yellow Dock, Calendula and Blue Flag. Speak to a Herbalist who can tailor make a herbal tincture specific to your needs
Probiotics are beneficial for ensuring adequate amounts of healthy bacteria in the body

For further information see the Ask a Naturopath.com webpages concerning liver detoxification and digestion