|
Article Directory
|
+ Authors
+ Articles
|
|
|
|
How to Get Rid of Acne, Pimples, and Other Skin Problems
Copyright (c) 2009-2012 Mark Hyman, M.D.
(See This Article in its Original Format.)
Many people believe that pimples are for kids. But this is not true.
Millions of adults are experiencing acne for the first time. In fact, the average age of acne patients has now increased from 20 to 26 years old. (1) And acne rates are rising -- contradicting the belief that this condition is caused by genes.
Eight million people see the dermatologist every year for acne. Today we spend more than $1 billion a year on prescription acne treatments and millions more rely on over-the-counter products that total $100 million in sales every year.
But no medication or over-the counter remedy treats the causes of acne -- they just cover up the symptoms.
The key to healthy skin isn't just treating symptoms with lotions or drugs. You have to treat the underlying causes of the condition if you want to solve your acne problem. And no matter what health problem you face, the root causes can be traced back to the same underlying factors, because the body-including your skin-is one whole integrated system. The real causes of acne (and all disease) include nutritional status, stress, toxicity, inflammation, and hormonal and gut imbalances.
There's a better way to treat acne, and today I'm going to show you how to get clear, vibrant skin, without drugs.
Good Skin Comes from the Inside Out
Before I explain the connections between what you eat, how you live, and the health of your skin, I want to tell you about my own experience with acne.
I never had it-until I got chronic fatigue syndrome.
This is a disease of toxicity, gut damage, inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and stress, among other things. The trigger that tipped me over the edge was a severe intestinal infection on top of mercury toxicity and a load of stress. When I got the infection, my skin changed right away.
It turned gray and I developed dark circles under my eyes. I got pimples all over my face (at age 36) and rashes around my eyes whenever I ate certain foods. And I developed itchy red patches on different parts of my body. All of these skin symptoms correlated with a worsening of my gut symptoms and the irritable bowel syndrome that I developed.
To heal this problem, I knew I couldn't resort to creams, gels, or lotions like benzoyl peroxide, retinoid acid, salicylic acid, or topical antibiotics (all of which slightly help symptoms). I didn't need oral antibiotics (which can cause long-term gut complications, immune problems, and yeast overgrowth) or Accutane (which can cause liver damage and increase the risk of depression and suicide), or oral contraceptives (which I may have been offered had I been a woman).
Instead, I needed to heal my gut, correct my food allergies and nutritional deficiencies, detoxify from mercury, reduce inflammation, and rebalance my stress hormones. When I did that, my pimples vanished, my eyes cleared up, and my rashes went away (along with my chronic diarrhea, disabling fatigue, and more).
This is hardly a miracle. I have seen the same thing happen for thousands of my patients. The reason is simple: Clear skin comes from the inside out. You have to treat the causes of the condition and rebalance your health if you want to resolve your acne problem.
So here are the real causes of-and solutions for-acne. Address these areas and you can have clear, healthy skin once again.
Poor Diet
Skin health and acne are tied strongly to diet.
Acne is caused by inflammation and oxidative stress (two keys of UltraWellness).
Sugar raises insulin levels, which promotes the production of testosterone in women, and inflammation in general, causing acne.
Saturated and processed fats increase arachidonic acid levels and compete with omega-3 fats in the body, leading to more inflammation and acne.
Milk and dairy consumption is closely linked with acne (and many other problems) because of the hormones and saturated fat in dairy.
High-sugar milk chocolate can increase inflammation-and acne- but dark chocolate does the opposite.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Deficiencies of zinc, omega-3 fats, and anti- inflammatory omega-6 fats like evening-primrose oil promote acne -- supplementing with them can help reduce inflammation and acne.
A topical form of vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) reduces inflammation and improves acne.
Acne patients have low levels of vitamins A and E, which are critical for skin health.
People who eat more fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds have less acne.
Certain foods have been linked to improvements in the underlying causes of acne and can help correct it, including fish oil, turmeric, ginger, green tea, nuts, dark purple and red foods like berries, dark green leafy vegetables, and eggs.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances of testosterone, IGF-1 (insulin-like growth hormone), and insulin promote acne.
The biggest factor affecting hormones is the glycemic load of your diet (how quickly food increases your blood sugar and insulin levels).
Eating omega-3 fats, soy foods, and fiber (to reduce testosterone in women) and exercising and cutting out sugar (to reduce insulin) help balance hormones.
Leaky Gut and Food Allergies
Delayed food allergies are a common cause of acne. Gluten, dairy, yeast, and eggs can be problems if you have a leaky gut.
Probiotics like lactobacillus can improve acne.
Even serious cystic acne can resolve when the gut is fixed.
Your Brain
Stress causes acne flare-ups by increasing inflammation and oxidative stress, raising cortisol, and depleting zinc, magnesium, and selenium, which help control acne.
Stress causes poor dietary choices.
Manage stress through meditation, yoga, saunas, massage, biofeedback, aromatherapy, and more.
Getting to the roots of illness using the strategies above and the 7 Keys to UltraWellness can help you uncover the source of your health problem, wherever you may find it -- even in a pimple on your nose!
Mark Hyman, MD
References
(1) Cunliffe, WJ and Gould DJ. 1979. Prevalence of facial acne vulgaris in late adolescence and adults. British Medical Journal. 1, 1109-1110
Follow "The Phantom Writers" on Twitter
(@phantomwriters)
to be notified when new articles are made available.
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Health and Wellness Articles || Related Categories: Shopping Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Mark Hyman, M.D.
Stunning Levels of Lead Toxicity Revealed in Recent Research
Written by: Mark Hyman, M.D. |
Distributed: 2008-05-15 |
Word Count: 901 |
Page Views: 904
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 3.00
You may have thought lead poisoning was a thing of the past when
it was banned from gas and paint, but it turns out it's still in
our soil and water, and 40 percent of American's have lead
toxicity.
How This Little Known Test Can Unlock the Secret to Weight Loss
Written by: Mark Hyman, M.D. |
Distributed: 2008-05-14 |
Word Count: 716 |
Page Views: 973
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.00
Pioneering research by Harvard Medical School's David Ludwig
shows us the real reason that low-fat diets do not work -- and
reveals the true cause of obesity for most Americans.
Is There Such a Thing As Healthy Junk Food?
Written by: Mark Hyman, M.D. |
Distributed: 2008-04-23 |
Word Count: 533 |
Page Views: 953
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 0.00
Can junk food be healthy? The food industry certainly wants you
to think so! That's why they're creating an increasing number
of foods with health claims. From vitamin-spiked Diet Coke, to
whole-grain Pop Tarts, from misleading labels on Tyson chicken,
to McDonald's salads laden with high-fat salad dressing,
marketing claims abound.
Can Dietary Supplements Save You Money?
Written by: Mark Hyman, M.D. |
Distributed: 2008-04-15 |
Word Count: 689 |
Page Views: 883
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 2.00
New research has shown that spending pennies a day on a few key
nutritional supplements can dramatically reduce sickness and
chronic disease -- and greatly decrease healthcare expenditures
as a result.
Do Artificial Sweeteners in Diet Soda Cause Obesity?
Written by: Mark Hyman, M.D. |
Distributed: 2008-04-07 |
Word Count: 765 |
Page Views: 1823
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 3.25
Ever watch a very large person order a Big Mac, large fries, and
top it off with a Diet Coke? Ever notice that you rarely see thin
people drinking diet sodas? I have. And it made me wonder if
could there be a link between diet beverages or artificial
sweeteners and obesity.
Food As Medicine Touted As New Drug for Treating Chronic Illnesses
Written by: Mark Hyman, M.D. |
Distributed: 2008-03-31 |
Word Count: 886 |
Page Views: 965
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.67
Scientists have discovered a powerful new drug that may help cure
all chronic illnesses. It is a drug you take every day.
A Simple Plan to Diagnose and Treat Low Thyroid Function
Written by: Mark Hyman, M.D. |
Distributed: 2008-03-24 |
Word Count: 861 |
Page Views: 1124
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
Low thyroid function affects more than 30 million women and 15
million men. And it can lead to problems losing weight, decreased
sex drive, depression, anxiety, thinning hair, and poor quality,
thick, cracked fingernails.
Subtle, Undiagnosed Symptoms Could Be Signs of Subclinical
Written by: Mark Hyman, M.D. |
Distributed: 2008-03-19 |
Word Count: 949 |
Page Views: 1076
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 2.33
Are you one of the 30 million women and 15 million men who have a
chronic medical problem that is both under-diagnosed and
under-treated?
Does the FDA Hide Negative Drug Study?
Written by: Mark Hyman, M.D. |
Distributed: 2008-03-11 |
Word Count: 911 |
Page Views: 1109
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 2.25
Think the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is here to protect
you? It isn't. Think your doctor makes decisions about your
health based on medical science? Not so fast. Truth is, half of
medical evidence is hidden from your doctors. And the half
that's hidden is the half that shows drugs don't work.
Are Toxins and Allergens Causing an Autoimmune Epidemic?
Written by: Mark Hyman, M.D. |
Distributed: 2008-02-27 |
Word Count: 806 |
Page Views: 1010
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 2.00
Boosting Your Body's Detoxification System Against Environmental
Toxins Could Prevent Autoimmune Disease.
All of Author's Articles on this site: Mark Hyman, M.D. Articles
Most Recent "Health And Wellness" Articles
The Powerful Antioxidant You Cannot Eat Or Drink
Written by: Nate Rifkin |
Distributed: 2011-07-20 |
Word Count: 499 |
Page Views: 591
There's no need to eat or drink anything to activate your
body's powerful antioxidant to prevent free radical damage.
You'll end up healthier inside and looking better on the outside
as well.
3 Bacterial Vaginosis Remedies You Can Start Using Today
Written by: Louise Endago |
Distributed: 2011-07-20 |
Word Count: 867 |
Page Views: 647
Very few women are successful at treating bacterial
vaginosis using one treatment alone. The secret lies in
using a combination of treatments that complement one
another. In this article you will discover 3 such remedies
that give excellent results.
Encouraging Healthy Children with Outdoor Play Sets and Activities
Written by: Giana Briggs |
Distributed: 2011-03-17 |
Word Count: 410 |
Page Views: 866
Having a play set in your backyard can be a great way to get
your child off the couch and out into the fresh air. With
childhood obesity on the rise, we need to do what we can as
parents to get our children active and enjoying playing and
interacting with each other children again. Being able to go
out in the yard and have something to do is just one small
step in the right direction.
How to Recognize Anxiety in Children and Adolescents
Written by: Dr Jeannette Kavanagh |
Distributed: 2010-12-28 |
Word Count: 836 |
Page Views: 916
Problems with a too-high level anxiety can start in
childhood with children and adolescents worrying to a
greater extent than their peers about all sorts of things.
Some behaviors are an indication of a fussy and over tidy
child. When we go just a little bit over fussiness and we
have entered the realm of an anxiety disorder.
How to Tell if You Have Anxiety Disorder
Written by: Dr Jeannette Kavanagh |
Distributed: 2010-12-23 |
Word Count: 1093 |
Page Views: 910
If you're someone who can never earn enough or have enough
money to relax about it, and to enjoy spending it, you may
have underlying anxiety problems that you haven't had to
face, or you haven't wanted to face.
How to Tell the Difference Between Anxiety and Normal Worry
Written by: Dr Jeannette Kavanagh |
Distributed: 2010-12-21 |
Word Count: 979 |
Page Views: 775
Anxiety is a normal feeling people experience when faced
with threat, danger or stress. Feeling anxious can sometimes
be a good thing. Occasional anxiety is part of normal life.
However, for some people anxiety is a constant factor in
their lives. When a person has anxiety problems, it
interferes with their ability to function normally on a
daily basis. Anxiety disorder can cause people to feel
intense, long-lasting fear or worry, in addition to other
symptoms.
How to Treat Your Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Written by: Dr Jeannette Kavanagh |
Distributed: 2010-12-16 |
Word Count: 742 |
Page Views: 895
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 2.50
Next to Depression, one of the most common disorders which
affects an estimated 2.4 million people in America alone, is
anxiety disorder. Anxiety can manifest as a generalized
anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety and agoraphobia.
Anxiety disorder can be mild or so totally disabling that
the person is confined to her or his home. All forms of
anxiety can be extremely frightening to those who experience
it frequently, but many individuals have found comfort in
the fact that anxiety disorders can be treated.
Anxiety Disorder and Panic Attacks: How Cognitive Behavior Therapy Can Help You
Written by: Dr Jeannette Kavanagh |
Distributed: 2010-12-09 |
Word Count: 748 |
Page Views: 871
In your journey to conquer anxiety and to eliminate panic
attacks from your day-to-day life, no one approach will be
totally right, but Cognitive Behavior Therapy can be a very
powerful part of your recovery. In this short article, I
want to explore what's involved in Cognitive Behavior
Therapy, so that you can make a decision whether or not
you'd like to explore it with your therapist.
Losing Weight - The Addiction of Comfort Food
Written by: Larry Tobin |
Distributed: 2010-11-04 |
Word Count: 863 |
Page Views: 1288
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 0.00
Its very name is appealing - comfort food. What could be
more wonderful than a food that helps us feel better? Almost
everyone can name something that they eat when they're just
feeling sour or sad. Of course, we know that food can't be
the solution to our problems, especially the problem of
trying to lose weight and keep it off. So why do we find
ourselves trapped in the eat/feel better/feel worse/eat some
more cycle?
Understanding the Roles of Respite Caregivers for Seniors
Written by: Bob Fischer |
Distributed: 2010-11-02 |
Word Count: 582 |
Page Views: 974
Caregivers for seniors are typically paid providers but they
may also be volunteers from a government or nonprofit
organization. Where care is being provided in the home there
is often a mix of formal and informal care provided. And the
trend is towards using more formal care since, unlike the
past, more informal respite caregivers are employed. Read
on.
Most Viewed "Health And Wellness" Articles
Bone Density and Your Well Being
Written by: Kamau Austin |
Distributed: 2006-06-15 |
Word Count: 685 |
Page Views: 47775
| Votes: 39 |
Rating: 2.69
We spend a lot of time and energy thinking of ways to reduce our
weight but we need to think about the bones that form the basic
structure of the very same body. Bone density is an important
factor in helping us stay young and on our toes. Bone density
needs to be checked as we age and if found low, adequate measures
need to be taken to improve it.
Losing Weight Without Gaining Stretch Marks
Written by: Kamau Austin |
Distributed: 2006-12-11 |
Word Count: 579 |
Page Views: 15076
| Votes: 37 |
Rating: 2.78
Few things can make us as elated as seeing the pounds melt way
through our efforts of eating less and exercising more. We gain
new confidence and vitality as we watch our waistlines reappear
and become reacquainted with the tops of our feet. But as the
weight falls away we can be plagued by a new assault - one we did
not see coming - stretch marks.
President Given the Cure for Herpes and Cold Sores ?
Written by: James Kaylon McIntyre |
Distributed: 2006-11-09 |
Word Count: 404 |
Page Views: 13176
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 2.57
Viraway was founded by a man who is in his 70s today. As a Young
man he suffered from acute cold sores. The discomfort was so
severe that he thought they would never go away. A native
American Indian gave him a tribal mixture of herbs and told him
that this mixture would eliminate the cold sores with in two
weeks...
Oyster Extract Improves Men's Sexual Health
Written by: Stephen Kavanagh |
Distributed: 2008-06-26 |
Word Count: 851 |
Page Views: 12420
| Votes: 38 |
Rating: 3.45
Description of the benefits of taking oyster extract powder for
good sexual health in men and women. Details of the features and
benefits, the different brands, the alternatives and advice on
choosing the right oyster extract product.
Is Retinol Good for Your Skin?
Written by: Craig Elliott |
Distributed: 2007-10-04 |
Word Count: 576 |
Page Views: 11127
| Votes: 26 |
Rating: 2.62
These days, whether you have wrinkles or you are certain that you
will get them in the near future, it is hard to ignore the
hundreds of new anti aging products on the market. With retinol
and AHAs, BHAs and vitamins, it's hard to tell which products
are actually going to work and which ones are will not. While a
lot of the success rate depends on the unique qualities of your
skin, there are scientific studies that have shed light some of
the more popular skin treatments.
Two years after 60 Minutes - Is Authentic Hoodia Available?
Written by: Dan Nessel |
Distributed: 2006-10-25 |
Word Count: 733 |
Page Views: 11010
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 3.22
In November of 2004, 60 Minutes praised Hoodia Gordonii for its
ability to suppress appetite. Within days of the segement,
everyone and their mother were claiming to have "real" hoodia
for sale. The question remains - is any authenic Hoodia
available?
Causes for Yellow or Dark Brown Poop - Symptoms of Healthy Poop - Dr Oz's Tips to Diagnosis Yourself and Self Help
Written by: John Khu |
Distributed: 2009-12-29 |
Word Count: 545 |
Page Views: 9055
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 2.27
Now the question arises how to detox your body? Body toxins
are accumulated due to improper food consumption; sedentary
lifestyle also causes digestion problem and heavy metal
toxins to accumulate in our body. Therefore, in order to
avoid bowel problem, your body needs to heavy metal detox.
Flax Oil And Gynecomastia
Written by: Will Brink |
Distributed: 2006-06-06 |
Word Count: 678 |
Page Views: 8680
| Votes: 19 |
Rating: 2.53
Q: Dear Will, I remember in your book "Priming the Anabolic
Environment" you recommended flax oil as a possible way to treat
gynecomastia or "bitch tits" in men and I know you recommend flax
oil losing fat and general health also. Would flax have equal
benefits for athletic women like me who lift weights and do you
still think it helps with gyno?
14 Causes of Constipation
Written by: Howard Richman |
Distributed: 2008-12-02 |
Word Count: 1642 |
Page Views: 8530
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 3.00
For people who know all about drinking liquids and eating fiber
but still have never been able to break free of their curse of
constipation, this article offers many other considerations that
will help the reader find solutions to lifelong constipation.
How to Force Your Body To Melt Fat Like Butter In A Microwave
Written by: Robert Kokoska |
Distributed: 2008-04-08 |
Word Count: 613 |
Page Views: 7416
| Votes: 22 |
Rating: 2.77
There are a couple of very simple changes you can make to the way
you eat that will force your body to become a fat burning furnace
and cause you to easily drop your unwanted pounds day after day.
Highest Ranked "Health And Wellness" Articles
The Role of Antioxidants in Good Health And Healthy Living
Written by: Cheryll Rice |
Distributed: 2008-01-24 |
Word Count: 718 |
Page Views: 1344
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.20
Everyone has heard about the importance of a balanced diet for
maintaining good health. Similarly, everyone knows that they
should be getting exercise - or at the very least adding more
activity into their days. Getting a good night's sleep is
essential - without it, you'll find that your immune system
starts to slack off a bit and you put yourself at a greater risk
for catching a cold or coming down with the flu. We all know what
we should be doing, but let's be honest: we don't do it...
What Makes Tea So Effective At Preventing Heart Disease?
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2007-02-02 |
Word Count: 812 |
Page Views: 1542
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 4.00
Many bodies of research have shown that tea is effective at
preventing heart disease in several ways. Tea prevents the
oxidation of LDL cholesterol into plaque, the hard substance that
clogs our arteries, making us more susceptible to heart attacks
and strokes. Tea is also thought to have an anti-inflammatory
effect, which helps the heart in its overall function.
Which Full Face CPAP Mask is Best for You?
Written by: Chris Vasta |
Distributed: 2009-09-01 |
Word Count: 690 |
Page Views: 3640
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 4.00
If you've been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, you are
undoubtedly trying to narrow the choice of masks. If your
mouth opens during sleep, one option would be full face CPAP
masks. The full face CPAP mask is used to deliver pressure
through both the nose and mouth. Trying to decide which full
face CPAP mask to use can be complex and expensive. The
number of mask options available is confounding. Based upon
comfort, fit, good seal, and durability, we recommend the
following three full face CPAP masks.
Neurotransmitter Testing: How It Help Depression, Anxiety and More
Written by: Anne Arthur |
Distributed: 2006-08-03 |
Word Count: 663 |
Page Views: 2211
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.86
Millions of people suffer from bipolar disorder, anxiety, panic
attacks, depression and ADD/ADHD without a known cause. If you or
someone you know suffers from anxiety, bipolar disorder,
depression, mania, ADD/ADHD or even panic attacks, you owe it to
you to find the real cause of your problem. There are many
natural treatments available that effectively combat these
diseases.
Concocting the Perfect Body Detox Plan
Written by: John Khu |
Distributed: 2009-04-21 |
Word Count: 588 |
Page Views: 1236
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.86
If you have recently made a committed resolve to stick to a body
detox program, then it is best to get very well prepared for it.
Otherwise, you might catch yourself doing some last-minute
enjoyment and drowning yourself in your favorite food and drinks.
Want To Try Body Detox?
Written by: John Khu |
Distributed: 2009-08-25 |
Word Count: 595 |
Page Views: 977
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.86
Ever since more and more people became aware of the harmful
effects of improper diet and toxins to the body, body
detoxification also became very popular. Although it is a
fact that the body can detoxify by itself, it is also a fact
that without the initiative of a person's mind to reinforce
more action aside from the organs' functions, then the
detoxification process will take a long time, or worse, not
work at all.
Heavier Weight Sometimes Equals Smaller Jeans
Written by: Kamau Austin |
Distributed: 2007-02-07 |
Word Count: 1005 |
Page Views: 1590
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.83
A concept many women sometimes have difficulty understanding is
that a smaller weight does not always indicate a fitter body.
Muscle mass is more dense than fat tissue. This means two women
of the same height, weight, skeletal structure and body type may
look drastically different.
Get a Great Night's Sleep
Written by: George Esser |
Distributed: 2007-05-15 |
Word Count: 597 |
Page Views: 1311
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.83
Reasons why we need magnesium supplements to get a great night's
sleep. Research points to reduced restless leg syndrome and other
sleep disorders.
Colon Cancer: Risks and Prevention
Written by: Abel Travers |
Distributed: 2007-12-13 |
Word Count: 785 |
Page Views: 1096
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 3.80
Cancer: it's not a word that anyone really wants to hear. While
not necessarily a death sentence, cancer is an illness that does
have a high mortality rate depending on where in the body it
strikes. Read on as we examine what can be done to head-off Colon
Cancer, the third most common cancer.
A Comparison of Tattoo Removal Methods: Tattoo Removal Skin Peels Vs Tattoo Removal Creams Vs Tattoo Removal Using DermaBrasion
Written by: Abe Granberry |
Distributed: 2009-09-30 |
Word Count: 1821 |
Page Views: 2409
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 3.79
A friend and I, along with 3 other buddies, decided to try
an experiment to remove tattoos that we have all had for
many years. Over time we just decided we no longer liked
what we saw on our arms, shoulders and chest so we decided
to test all the varieties of tattoo removal except Laser
because none of us could afford the price, plus we wanted to
see for ourselves if the other products actually worked or
were just marketing hype.
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|

This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
|