Posted by Iren Frasheri, CNP on 2018 Dec 27th
Ah, Acne
Judging by the title, today’s topic is a touchy one… We’ve all had acne at one point or another in our lives, and let me tell you IT IS NORMAL. There’s the typical adolescent acne you get as you’re growing into puberty or for some females that one painful, pimple that pops up before your menstrual cycle begins. Regardless, acne isn’t fun to deal with because it can often be painful and for some it can also be uncomfortable because of its physical appearance – although no one should be embarrassed by something that’s normal
So, why does acne occur? Well… your skin is your largest external organ (your largest internal being your liver) and is one of six organs that your body uses to excrete toxins. The other five being your liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph, and colon. When acne appears, it is your body’s way of telling you that it is trying to remove toxins. I’ve learned to appreciate and recognize signs from the body because it’s a good way to take action of your health before things worsen. When acne appears on my skin, I know it’s either my menstrual cycle coming, my body not excreting waste properly (for example, if/when I’m constipated), stress, not changing my pillowcase often enough, etc. It gives you an opportunity to explore what is happening with your health, make note of any changes in your routine, and help yourself get healthy from the inside-out. Balancing your hormones is a huge part of being in control of your acne. Your liver filters your hormones into the bloodstream, and when things are “off” with your hormones it will show in many ways. Things like going to bed at an earlier time (around 10 pm) and sleeping for about 8 hours a night, having regular bowel movements, trying to eat a nutrient-dense diet, getting some form of exercise in regularly, are just a few things that will help balance your hormones. When one or a few of those things are out of balance, it can be really hard for your body to function optimally. That is when things like PMS, lack of sex drive, acne, and other symptoms show up and let us know that our body needs our attention.
Here are a few things that will help decrease (and hopefully rid) acne:
1.Most importantly, wash your face regularly – both morning and night. For those who wear makeup; make sure to never sleep with it on because it seeps into your pores and sits there overnight. Even those not wearing makeup, make sure to at least wash with water both morning and night.
2.Products. This is SO important. Considering your skin is your largest organ, it also absorbs what we put on it. All those toxic lotions, sunscreens, makeup products and whatnot that we put on it are all getting absorbed into your skin. While it can be overwhelming to switch to natural body care products, use apps like “Think Dirty” to help you out. Also try focusing on one product at a time – say the next time a product runs out, you replace it with a natural one. Listed below are a few products that will help, they are also pictured, in our stores, and some are online on our website as well.
-WildCraft Buff Exfoliator. This product is AMAZING, and it is so important to use so that you really get rid of the dirt on your face.
-Evan Healy Tea Tree Gel Cleanser. Great “for all skin conditions especially oily, blemished and/or teen skin.”
-Skin Essence Light Facial Moisturizer. This is also “for oily and/or acne prone skin” and includes ingredients such as jojoba oil, lavender flower oil, etc.
-Thayers Witch Hazel Unscented Facial Toner. This product is especially nice because it is unscented, making it less likely to cause any acne or breakouts considering it doesn’t have added products to make the “scent.”
-Viva Organics Collagen Hyaluronic Acid Mask. Not only is collagen great for elasticity and “younger looking skin” but it’s protein that your skin needs to thrive. The Hyaluronic Acid is an ingredient that will also help for youthful skin. Not to mention masks are so relaxing. Check out the REFERENCES section for the links to some of the products mentioned above.
3.Change your pillowcase often. Not only can using your conventional detergents be harmful to your face because it rubs on it, but also not changing your pillowcase frequently means you get a buildup of dirt on it (that you cannot see) and you continuously rub in into your face, night after night.
4.Hormones. Try to see a Naturopathic Doctor or an alternative Health Care Practitioner who can help you test your hormones, see where they are at and what changes may need to be made in order to “balance” them. This will make it so much easier for you to know where your body is at and where to begin with the process. Often times, getting tests and comparing the results to the “normal” standards that clinics give you is not enough to help yourself get to a healthy place.
5.Water. Drink lots and lots of water. I mean like three liters of water a day, because it flushes out all your toxins, gets your digestion and bowel movements going, and so much more. This will also help your other organs excrete waste, making it less likely to get acne.
6.Healthy fats. These are crucial for our bodies as they help the liver with the detoxification and filter process of our hormones and whatnot, and they have other benefits such as decreasing sugar cravings (which can lead to acne), brain and cardiovascular health, and so on. Fish oils are great sources of fat aside from coconut oil, avocadoes, nuts and seeds, etc. (Check REFERENCE section to shop products).
7.Fiber. This is also very important for helping us have regular bowel movements and making sure we rid our body of any waste. (Check REFERENCE section to shop products).
Lastly, do not stress. Acne is normal and as I mentioned, it is your body’s way of telling you it needs some love and attention. So be patient, seek help from a Health Care Practitioner if needed, and know that our health journeys are never-ending but we learn and grow daily through the good and bad.
-Iren Frasheri, CNP
References
https://www.noahsnaturalfoods.ca/skin-essence-light-serum-30ml/
https://www.noahsnaturalfoods.ca/ascenta-nutrasea-omega-3-oil-mango-200-ml/