Adult Acne - a Natural Remedy

Adult acne affects literally millions of people. We tend to think of acne as

a teenage problem but, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, it

is the most common skin disorder in the United States.

Consider this:
· Over 50 per cent of women of all ages suffer from acne at some stage in

their lives. .
· 80 per cent of adults between the ages of 20 and 30 suffer from mild to

moderate acne
· Even after age 50, over 15 per cent of women and over 7 per cent of men

still suffer from acne
· Adult men are not as prone as women to acne but they can suffer for longer

periods of time and have more severe symptoms
The same things cause adult acne as teenage acne - too much sebum in the body.

Sebum is oil secreted by the sebaceous glands to lubricate the skin. It is

when too much oil is produced that the problems start - the pore becomes

blocked, p.acne bacteria multiply and attacks the follicle. In the process

the bacteria produces free fatty acids that irritate the skin. The body then

reacts to defend the skin, which can cause an inflammatory response resulting

in the acne symptoms we know so well.

The main reason the body produces too much oil is an imbalance of hormones

in the body. That's why women will have acne outbreaks when their hormones

are awry - ovulation, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. It's also why

men have more severe and longer lasting acne - they produce more

testosterone.

The way to treat acne is to restore the body's natural balance. That's why a

healthy lifestyle can help - by helping the body rid itself of toxins,

controlling the production of oil and restoring hormonal balance.

Whilst there has been a long running debate about the effects or non-effects

of diet on acne, recent research has shown there is a strong link. There are

indications that a low GI diet lowers the outbreaks. The reason for this is a

high GI diet - one high in refined sugars, white flour, white rice -

increases the blood sugar level. The body needs to bring the blood sugar

level down. It does this by a surge of insulin and other male hormones. This

creates an excess of sebum, which starts the whole process of acne formation.

A well-balanced diet on its own may not cure acne but it will certainly help

control it by laying a good foundation for other treatment. Following a

healthy diet will:

· Provide nutrients to the body in the form of vitamins and minerals
· Help the body's immune system deal with ailments
· Help the body heal itself
· Lift energy levels
· Promote a positive feeling of well being

It is no surprise then, when we learn researchers have found a strong link

between a healthy lifestyle and reduced acne breakouts.

William Burnell has followed a healthy diet and regular exercise for many years and has enjoyed the benefits. He has an interest in following and promoting natural solutions to health problems - particularlty since a smart doctor helped him beat chronic fatigue syndrome without using drugs.
You can read more about reducing adult acne
breakouts by restoring hormonal balance at http://www.squidoo.com/naturaladultacneremedies