Resist the temptation to squeeze

Acne is an extremely common inflammatory skin condition, which affects most people, to some extent, at some point in their life.

It is something that many of us strongly associate with teenagers, but many adults are affected too.

The science
Spots form when hair follicles in the skin get blocked, and then infected with bacteria. Some culprit organisms have been identified, such as Propionibacterium acnes.

So why do follicles get blocked in the first place? In teenagers (boys and girls), elevated levels of the hormone testosterone, cause increased sebum production. Sebum is an oily substance, which is naturally released from sebaceous glands in the skin. Sebum combined with dead skin cells can plug the hair follicle and provide a perfect closed environment for bacteria to multiply.

But it’s not just puberty; other hormonal disturbances cause acne too. Stress is a recognised trigger and is likely related to the hormonal changes that take place when stressed. Some women notice changes at certain times of their menstrual cycle and acne sometimes affects women for the first time during pregnancy.

Washing
Wash your face regularly (twice-a-day) with mild, un-perfumed soap and water. Application of a gel-based moisturiser is preferable to oil-based alternatives for acne prone skin. Do not wash excessively, as this will not prevent you from getting acne and may even make it worse.

Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil, which is a recommendable remedy for acne. It contains terpinen-4-ol, that’s thought to be responsible for most of tea tree oil’s anti-bacterial activity. Applying tea tree oil to acne lesions is believed to kill Propionibacterium acnes, the skin-dwelling bacteria involved in causing acne.

Zinc
A couple of research studies have found that zinc is somewhat effective, for reducing acne, when taken as a supplement, but you can also increase your zinc intake in your diet. Foods that are high in protein generally contain higher amounts of zinc. Meat (especially beef, lamb and pork), peanuts, beans and pulses are all good sources.

Diet
Many people think that eating fatty foods, such as chocolate increases your risk of acne… This is NOT true… Music to the ears of all the Daisygreen chocoholics I’m sure!

A handful of studies have suggested that diets high in carbs may worsen the severity of acne. So ditching white bread and high sugar content food and switching to options with a lower glycaemic index might be worth a try. Even in the spots don’t improve, you’ll feel and look better for it anyway.

“Low-GI foods, by virtue of their slow digestion and absorption, produce gradual rises in blood sugar and insulin levels, and have proven benefits for health. Low GI diets have been shown to improve both glucose and lipid levels in people with diabetes (type 1 and type 2). They have benefits for weight control because they help control appetite and delay hunger. Low GI diets also reduce insulin levels and insulin resistance.”

It has been proposed that eating a lot of dairy products can worsen acne breakouts in some people. You could try reducing your intake, especially if you consume a lot of dairy, and see if it has a positive effect on your skin.

Omega-3 fatty acids have both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, so are likely to help reduce the severity of acne. Oily fish, such as salmon and some seeds like flaxseeds are great sources of Omega-3. If you’re not a fish lover then it is worth trying a supplement such as cod liver oil, or EFA’s (essential fatty acids). Flaxseeds can be added to salads, cereals or again taken in supplement form.

Time to see a doctor!
If your acne is severe, or if you are developing scars or are prone to scarring, it’s important to see your doctor. There are various treatments available from your GP, ranging from topical applications for the skin to tablet form medications.

See Daisy’s product recommendations for blemish-prone skin

Dr Zoe Williams (aka Gladiator Amazon) is a qualified GP, fitness expert and keen green. Visit her official site.