I had cystic acne for almost 15 years. Sometimes it was mild, sometimes moderate and sometimes pretty severe. I tried everything from over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide creams to prescription antibiotics but nothing got rid of the pimples completely. Finally, I revisited a dermatologist whom I saw once many years ago and this is what she prescribed I do:
MEDICATION
Solodyne (45mg) twice daily for 3 months (I took an additional 3 files for once-a-day dosage)
FOOD
1. Avoid dairy products
note: Milk contains growth hormones that trigger male hormone (Androgen) receptors to open that can activate oil glands and clog pores
2. Avoid sugary products and other high glycemic index foods such as white bread
note: High glycemic index foods spike insulin level in the blood that triggers inflammation resulting in big, red pimples
CLEANSING
Wash face twice daily with a 2% Salicylic Acid wash (I used Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash - nothing unclogs pores better than this drugstore classic!)
SUN PROTECTION
Apply an oil free sunblock in the morning (I like Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion, Sensitive Skin, SPF 15 - a broad spectrum sunscreen with Zinc Oxide that won't clog pores and is hydrating)
I followed her advice and within 6 months my acne was gone for good! And it has stayed that way ever since!
BELOW IS A LIST OF NUTRIENTS THAT DERMS BELIEVE MAY HELP WITH ACNE:
Zinc controls oil production. Less oil means less sebum and fewer pimples
8milligrams
Food Sources - Total breakfast cereal (15mg per serving) / turkey (4mg per cup) / beef sirloin (4mg per 3ounces) / part skim ricotta (3mg per cup)
Vitamin A dries up sebum that mixes with dead skin cells and clogs pores
5000IU
Food Sources - Sweet potatoes (28000IU each) / cooked spinach (23000IU per cup) / cooked carrots (27000IU per cup) / cooked kale (19000IU per cup) / cantaloupe (5400IU per cup) / red bell peppers (4700IU per cup) / asparagus (600IU per 4 spears)
Omega-3 fatty acids helps maintain the body'es essential oils that keep skin cells from flaking and congesting pores. They are also anti-inflammatory that help with healing as acne really is like a mini wound.
600milligrams
Food Sources - Flaxseed (1600mg per 1 tablespoon) / canola oil (1300mg per 1 tbsp) / soybean oil (900mg per 1 tbsp)
MEDICATION
Solodyne (45mg) twice daily for 3 months (I took an additional 3 files for once-a-day dosage)
FOOD
1. Avoid dairy products
note: Milk contains growth hormones that trigger male hormone (Androgen) receptors to open that can activate oil glands and clog pores
2. Avoid sugary products and other high glycemic index foods such as white bread
note: High glycemic index foods spike insulin level in the blood that triggers inflammation resulting in big, red pimples
CLEANSING
Wash face twice daily with a 2% Salicylic Acid wash (I used Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash - nothing unclogs pores better than this drugstore classic!)
SUN PROTECTION
Apply an oil free sunblock in the morning (I like Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion, Sensitive Skin, SPF 15 - a broad spectrum sunscreen with Zinc Oxide that won't clog pores and is hydrating)
I followed her advice and within 6 months my acne was gone for good! And it has stayed that way ever since!
BELOW IS A LIST OF NUTRIENTS THAT DERMS BELIEVE MAY HELP WITH ACNE:
Zinc controls oil production. Less oil means less sebum and fewer pimples
8milligrams
Food Sources - Total breakfast cereal (15mg per serving) / turkey (4mg per cup) / beef sirloin (4mg per 3ounces) / part skim ricotta (3mg per cup)
Vitamin A dries up sebum that mixes with dead skin cells and clogs pores
5000IU
Food Sources - Sweet potatoes (28000IU each) / cooked spinach (23000IU per cup) / cooked carrots (27000IU per cup) / cooked kale (19000IU per cup) / cantaloupe (5400IU per cup) / red bell peppers (4700IU per cup) / asparagus (600IU per 4 spears)
Omega-3 fatty acids helps maintain the body'es essential oils that keep skin cells from flaking and congesting pores. They are also anti-inflammatory that help with healing as acne really is like a mini wound.
600milligrams
Food Sources - Flaxseed (1600mg per 1 tablespoon) / canola oil (1300mg per 1 tbsp) / soybean oil (900mg per 1 tbsp)
