ACNE (back to nutrition facts A to Z menu)

Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder which most commonly affects teenage boys and girls, when androgens (male sex hormones) increase in both sexes and cause overproduction of keratin and sebum, which leads to clogged pores and infection. In Acne after the teenage years, hormones can still cause acne, and in women this is especially so pre-menstrually.  

In acne, Vitamin A deficiency causes over-keratinisation of the skin cells and a diet high in fried foods and saturated fat can cause the pores to become blocked. Vitamin A, zinc and vitamin C are needed to fight infection, and vitamin E is needed to heal the wounds and prevent scarring. Vitamin B3 (niacin) is helpful in that it causes the skin to flush which brings clean blood to the area with its nutrients, and expels toxins through the skin.  

Essential Fatty Acids are needed to keep the skin soft, dissolve fatty deposits that block pores, and repair damaged skin. Blue-green algae provides chlorophyll which aids in cleansing the blood and delivers oxygen, in the presence of which certain bacteria can’t survive. Other important nutrients include vitamin B Complex, chromium, acidophilus, selenium.

Acne Diet advice and nutrition facts

• Eat a high-fibre diet; this keeps the colon clean and reduces toxicity.

• Eat plenty of vegetables of all types, and some fruit

• Eat foods rich in zinc, such as pumpkin seeds, a small handful of other nuts and seeds, soybeans.

• Drink at least 1½ litres of clean water per day

• Avoid alcohol, coffee, dairy produce, eggs, fried food, soft drinks and sugar. 

• Avoid excessive iodine, found in fish and table salt, as this can worsen acne.

Health Supplements - Acne

Often, a combination of supplements may help in alleviating this condition. You may wish to consult a nutritional therapist for personal advice. Supplements that may be helpful in alleviating symptoms are shown below:

(please also read this important notice concerning supplement medical claims)

• 1 x Multivitamin and Mineral (e.g. VM75 from Solgar)

• 1 x Advanced Antioxidant Formula (from Solgar)

• 1 x OptiZinc (7mg elemental zinc) from BioCare)

• 1 x True Food Form Vitamin C  (from Higher Nature)

• 1 x Vitamin B Complex (Biocare)

• 400 iu Vitamin E to prevent scarring (Higher Nature) (not suitable at this dosage for individuals taking anti-blood clotting  drugs such as Warfarin and Heparin. Caution is advised with individuals with high blood pressure).

•  2 x Bio-acidophilus bacteria (from BioCare). 

Recommended Books (back to top)

health book - Rosacea: Your Self-Help Guide

See also Cookbooks