Are you struggling with acne and breakouts? Learn how to prevent or treat acne NATURALLY with these eight simple steps.
Dr. Jill's Tips to Prevent Acne
- Stay away from milk. It is nature’s perfect food—but only if you are a calf.
- Eat a low glycemic load, low sugar diet. Sugar, liquid calories, and flour products all drive up insulin and may cause breakouts.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. People who eat more veggies (containing more antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds) have less acne. Make sure you get your 5–9 servings of colorful fruits and vegetables every day. Leafy greens are loaded with folate & magnesium – throw them in your smoothie!
- Get more healthy anti-inflammatory fats. Make sure to get omega-3 fats (fish oil) and anti-inflammatory omega-6 fats (GLA from borage or evening primrose oil). You may need supplements to get adequate amounts.
- Include foods that correct acne problems. Certain foods have been linked to improvements in many of the underlying causes of acne and can help correct it. These include fish oil, turmeric, ginger, green tea (ECGCs), nuts, dark purple and red foods such as berries, green foods like dark green leafy vegetables, and omega 3 rich foods, like fish or enriched eggs.
- Take acne-fighting supplements. Some are critical for skin health. Antioxidant levels have been shown to be low in acne sufferers. And healthy fats can make a big difference. The next bullets are a few of my favorites.
- Borage Oil: Take 1000mg 1-2X daily
- EPA/DHA: Take1500-2000mg daily
- Zinc citrate: Take 30-50 mg a day.
- Vitamin A: Take 25000-50000 IU daily for 2 months. Do not do this if you are pregnant. This does is too high for long-term use but may be used for short periods to clear skin.
- Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols, not alpha tocopherol): Take 400 IU a day.
- Try probiotics. Probiotics also help reduce inflammation in the gut that may be linked to acne. Taking probiotics (lactobacillus, bifidobacteer) can improve acne.
- Avoid foods you are sensitive to. Delayed food allergies are among the most common causes of acne—foods like gluten, dairy, yeast, and eggs are common culprits and can be a problem if you have a leaky gut. Dr. Jill can test you to see what foods you might be reacting to.
- Gluten: Many people go for years without knowing the connection between gluten and their skin disorders. I have seen remarkable improvement in many patient’s illnesses, especially skin disorders and autoimmune disease on a grain-free diet. See Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance.
- Leaky Gut: Some of the systemic signs of a leaky gut include skin rashes, acne or rosacea.
Following these simple tips will help you eliminate acne and have that glowing skin you have always dreamed of. And it’s much cheaper (and safer) than expensive medications and dermatologist visits. Improve your diet and take acne-fighting supplements and you will watch your pimples disappear.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The product mentioned in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information in this article is not intended to replace any recommendations or relationship with your physician. Please review references sited at end of article for scientific support of any claims made.
Share: