For most people, acne is as unwelcome a fact of teenage life as homework and curfews. With an incidence among adolescent populations as high as 95 per cent in some Western countries, acne is not just the most frequent skin disorder, but one of the most common of all medical conditions.
Of course, acne is not just a teenage problem. Fifty-four percent of women and 40 per cent of men experience acne past the age of 25, and 12 and three per cent, respectively, show facial acne into middle age.
Acne is an inflammatory disease of the hair follicles and oil-secreting sebaceous glands that is marked by the eruption of either closed or open comedones - that is, blackheads or whiteheads. These pustules typically appear soon after the onset of puberty, when the growth of androgens (male hormones) promotes increased oil secretion.
Because these hormones are more prevalent in males than females, boys are somewhat more prone to acne than girls. In later life, women become relatively more susceptible because of hormone imbalances caused by pregnancy, menstruation or starting or stopping the use of birth control pills. Less commonly, menopause can induce the disorder.
The high incidence of acne in Western countries is largely a factor of a diet heavy in saturated fats, processed foods and refined sugars. Hormones contained in milk and other dairy products are another culprit.
Acne lesions can occur in response to a variety of medical compounds, including anabolic and corticosteroids, halogens, lithium, anti-seizure and tuberculosis drugs, and iodine-based medicines. Industrial pollutants are a common trigger, as are cosmetics, scents and toiletries, particularly if they contain preservatives. Excessive washing and rubbing the skin can both cause acne and exacerbate an existing condition.
The severity of acne can vary greatly, but if left untreated the disorder can leave scarring. Pharmaceuticals used to treat moderate to severe cases include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, isotretinoin and tetracycline. Unfortunately, these drugs have side effects ranging from liver toxicity to depression and suicidal thoughts. More importantly, they treat the symptoms of acne, but not the cause. Even if the acne disappears completely, it may reappear weeks or months later.
The first step to a cure is to replace problematic foods with ones that can help the healing process. Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, and the "good" fats found in avocado, almonds, seeds, fish and olive oil internally hydrate the skin. Drink plenty of water and reduce caffeine consumption.
Vitamin and mineral supplements can often correct underlying deficiencies. Vitamins A, C, E, B5 and B6, and the minerals zinc, magnesium and selenium are especially important, as is high potency omega 3 oil. Topically, tea tree oil has antifungal properties, and herbs such as milk thistle and dandelion help the body to eliminate animal hormones.
The other key is stress reduction. Proper sleep hygiene, exercise, meditation, yoga, tai chi and qi gong all lower stress and strengthen the immune system. Ultimately, healthy living is the best guarantee of wholesome skin.
Naturopathic physician Dr. Ashley Gordon is principal of Garibaldi Health Clinic in Squamish She can be reached at [email protected]
