How To Get Rid Of Acne Now
You want to figure out how to get rid of acne but it's all just so confusing. Everywhere you turn, you see promises to get rid of acne over night. You know that it's not possible but under the influence of desperation a little whisper says "Maybe it will work this time." If you're reading this article, then I know you've been in that place as I have, where you are hoping to buy your last acne product ever. As your acne angel, I am here to teach you how to get rid of acne for good. The key I am about to give you will change your life for a happier, healthier more productive you.
What Is Acne?
Before the secrets of how to get rid of acne are revealed, lets take a quick science tutorial. Acne is described as a disease of the pilosebaceous unit. The pilosebaceous unit consists of the hair, hair follicle, sebaceous gland and a muscle called the arrector pili. Three things need to exist for acne to occur.
- Excessive sebum production
- Increased production of skin cells lining the hair follicle (These cells do not loosen like normal cells and clog the follicle)
- The proliferation of the Propionibacterium acnes. ( P. acnes bacteria) Now bear in mind that this bacteria normally resides on skin.
Learn How To Get Rid Of Acne By Eating Correctly
Dermatologists have told us for many years that the correlation between diet and knowing how to get rid of acne does not exist. We know now that this is simply not true but since proper nutrition can not be patented, pharmaceutical companies pay little attention to non profitable areas. In any case, we need to get back to basics. The food we eat provides the building blocks of our cells. So it makes perfect sense that the proper functioning of those cells will be highly dependent on the quality of fuel we put in our bodies. Furthermore, acne is affected by hormones and our hormones are stimulated by the foods we eat.
Avoid Or Cut Down On Dairy Products
Insulin Like Growth Factor IGF-1 is an anabolic hormone directly involved in growth and development. A Penn State University study conducted in 2006 showed that IGF-1 stimulated the production of oil by the sebaceous glands. Insulin, our blood-sugar regulating hormone does the same thing. Drinking milk has been proven to raise blood levels of IGF-1. Furthermore the cow derived IGF-1 is identical to human IGF-1. And since we have IGF-1 receptors throughout the body including our oil glands, the excessive amounts of this hormone incite excessive oil production.
Reduce High Glycemic Foods
We are starting to see clearly that knowing how to get rid of acne is all about knowing what to put in our bodies and what to limit or avoid. Eating minimal carbs or carbs low on the GI is a buzz these days. (The Glycemic Index measures how quickly a carbohydrate turns into blood sugar. ) This means that eating a lot of high GI foods will dramatically raise blood-sugar. Insulin will then rush out into the blood to help get this sugar into our cells. High levels of insulin will cause the sebaceous glands to over produce oil. So your second step in learning how to get rid of acne is to limit your high glycemic choices that are concentrated in sugar and low in fiber.
These foods include but are not limited to:-
- White Rice
- White Bread
- Pasta
- Mashed Potatoes
- Baked Goods
- High sugar dairy based products ( ice-cream, milk chocolate)
- Soda
Reduce Foods High In Fat
Studies conducted over the years have shown a significant relationship between saturated fat and increased androgens in adults. Androgens are male hormones (testosterone, DHT) that stimulate sebum production in both men and women. We have androgen receptors in our sebaceous glands and also in the cells that line the follicle canal. More saturated fat=more androgens=more oil production.
Research has also shown that our sebaceous glands can actually manufacture inflammatory chemicals from Omega 6 fatty acids. Given that corn, safflower, sunflower and soybean oils are high in Omega 6, it is best to limit our intake of them.
So in this third step, we learned how to get rid of acne by reducing hydrogenated fats, trans fats and saturated fats.
Avoid High AGE Foods
AGE stands for advanced glycation end products. These chemicals are produced when food is cooked at high heat without moisture. Since these AGEs are inflammation and oxidative stress promoting and acne at its basis is an inflammatory disease, it stands to reason that when you are thinking about how to get rid of acne you will choose boiling, stewing, poaching, steaming and slow cooking instead. This is the fourth step in knowing how to get rid of acne. When you turn down the dial of inflammation and oxidative stress throughout your body it will thank you with skin that is less reactive and more resilient.
Conclusion
Learning how to get rid of acne is more about learning about your body and eliminating those foods that do not serve it to its highest potential. We have touched upon the harmful effects of dairy products, high glycemic index foods, foods high in saturated fats and omega 6 fatty acids and food which is high in AGE. I don't believe in diets that are too restrictive simply because they will be hard to follow longterm. And compliance in the key to success in anything. Things won't work if you do not follow through. It is better to reduce dairy consumption than to cut out all dairy and being miserable and not able to sustain your diet. Remember, acne at its basis is due to inflammation. You now know how to get rid of acne for good. But please be gentle on yourself. This is a process and will take some time to achieve. Congratulations! You are on the right track.
Wishing you Clear skin always
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