Pimples and zits are an unfortunately common part of life for most people under the age of 40. Pimples and zits are caused by pores clogged with sebum that can become infected with bacteria. They're painful and embarrassing, but the best way to deal with a single pimple or zit is to simply wait it out. However, if you're regularly suffering from them and want to get permanently clearer skin, there are a number of natural, healthy ways to do so.
Foods to Eat
Eat lots of orange and dark-green vegetables, according to Dr. Geovanni Espinosa, naturopathy expert for "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments." They contain beta-carotene which is healthy for the skin, and fiber which absorbs waste estrogen in the intestines, preventing it from being reabsorbed. Dr. Espinosa suggests you cook the vegetables lightly to preserve the nutrients and fiber. Eat organic meat to avoid the hormones and antibiotics pumped into factory-farmed animals. In "Bottom Line's Prescription for Natural Cures," Dr. James Balch and Dr. Mark Stengler recommend drinking plenty of water. Water helps flush toxins out of the body so that they don't need to be eliminated through your skin. The pores of well-hydrated skin are also less likely to become clogged.
Foods to Avoid
Dr. Espinosa recommends staying away from junk foods which contain chemicals and toxins the body must expel. Reducing sugar and simple starches can have the single greatest effect on your skin health. Sugar in the body encourages bacteria to grow, and insulin inflames the skin, causing the flesh to swell and force pores shut. Doctors Balch and Stengler advise that you avoid foods that create an acidic internal environment. This includes soda, alcohol, coffee, red meat and fried foods.
Vitamins
In "Healing Without Medication," Dr. Robert Rister recommends taking vitamin E with selenium. Selenium is a cofactor of vitamin E, and it suppresses the parts of the immune system that trigger allergic reactions while boosting those that fight bacteria. Vitamin E is an important cofactor of vitamin A, which is vital for healthy skin. So Dr. Rister recommends taking 200mcg of selenium, 400 IU of vitamin E and 100,000 IU of vitamin A daily. Vitamin A should only be taken at that dose for up to three months, and because it is potentially toxic at this level, it should be taken under a doctor's supervision.
Herbs
Dr. Rister suggests swabbing the affected area with tea tree oil and calendula (marigold) oil. Tea tree oil kills 27 strains of bacteria associated with pimples. Calendula kills staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that can cause pimples which tea tree oil doesn't kill. It is also an anti-inflammatory and an astringent. Dr. David Kiefer, herbalism expert for "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments," suggests burdock root. Burdock root is a powerful blood purifier and detoxifier. It reduces the amount of toxins your skin is required to eliminate. Take 300 to 500mg of burdock root in capsules, or make a tea by boiling 2g in a cup of water and drink three times daily for at least eight weeks.
Detox Fast
To thoroughly rid your body of toxins, doctors Balch and Stengler suggest a three-day fruit and vegetable juice fast. Make juice from carrots, apples, beets, spirulina, wheatgrass and barley grass. They explain that at first, as toxins are eliminated from your system, your pimples may get worse, but that they will then be reduced or even eliminated.
References
- "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments"; Dr. Victor Sierpina (ed.); 2007
- "Bottom Line's Prescription for Natural Cures"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.; 2004
- "Healing Without Medication"; Robert S. Rister; 2003
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