The exact cause behind acne remains unknown, although several factors appear to influence it. Hormonal changes during puberty and pregnancy, heredity, certain medications and oily makeup can all trigger acne outbreaks. Alternative medicine points to toxins residing in the liver as the root cause of acne and advocates a liver cleanse to treat the condition, yet no scientific evidence exists to support this claim.
Identification
Acne results when the skin's pores become clogged by dead skins cells, hair and oil, which causes swelling, infection, pus and often pain, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Though acne does not threaten health, it can cause severe social distress, especially in teens. Liver cleanses, also known as liver flushes, typically involve a period of fasting on juice, water, fruit or brown rice combined with cleansing supplements and herbs. One popular liver cleanse employs olive oil and lemon juice to flush the liver, according to the website Real Age. Though liver flush proponents affirm that the flush itself removes toxins from the body, the liver and the kidneys effectively eliminate the majority of ingested toxins via urine and stool.
Theories/Speculation
Alternative health websites such as AbsoluteAcneInfo.com point to toxins in the liver as a potential cause of acne. The rationale is that toxins deplete liver function, which in turn forces the liver to expel waste through the skin, triggering acne. Liver flush proponents advocate a two-day liver cleanse using Epsom salts, olive oil and lemon juice. According to Real Age, at present there exists little to no scientific support for the efficacy of liver cleanses and no support for the general theory of toxification itself.
Misconceptions
Fallacies abound in the acne arena. Contrary to popular belief, acne does not stem from dirty skin, stress, chocolate or deep-fried foods, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Also, acne is not something you must simply live with. It can be treated through medications prescribed by dermatologists or over-the-counter treatments.
Prevention/Solution
As of 2010, no hard evidence exists to definitively prove that acne-prone skin directly benefits from liver cleanses. In some cases, a liver flush may help. In others, it may have no effect whatsoever. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, pressure from backpacks, bike helmets, or tight collars do seem to elicit breakouts, as do pollution, high humidity, hard scrubbing of the skin and touching or squeezing pimples. Avoid these triggers and you may see an overall improvement in your complexion.
Warning
Detoxification methods such as liver cleanses may have side effects, according to the Mayo Clinic, including fatigue, dizziness, nausea and dehydration. Speak to your doctor or health-care practitioner before you begin a liver cleanse. Also, consider seeing a dermatologist if you have persistent acne.
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