Hormonal AcneBy: M Yannitell

Causes of Acne

Hormonal changes during adolescenceChanges in hormone levels before a

female’s menstrual period or during pregnancy

Rich moisturizing lotions or oily makeupEmotional stressNutritional supplements that have iodineSome anticonvulsive medications and lithiumIllegal steroids

Myth

Foods and beverages, such as chocolate, nuts, greasy foods, and cola cause acne

These Do Not Cause Acne!

Consequences of Acne

SpotsRednessFeelings of embarrassment/ low self esteemPhysical Scarring-

Ice Pick: deep, very narrow scars that extend into the dermis

Boxcar: round or oval depressions with steep vertical sides

Rolling: rolling or “wave-like” undulations Keloid: looks raised, firm mass of tissue

Cystic or Nodular Acne

Can leave skin pitted or pockmarkedCysts are large Infection is deeply-rooted in skinScarring is inevitable unless action to cure is

quickPopping a cyst forces the infection further

underneath Leads to further painful inflammation Leads to numerous breakouts in the future

Massive consumer overload of Products

Overw

helmed

Yet???

How to restore the integumentary system to normal function?

Fresh fruits, vegetables, nut, and seedsJuicingWaterReduce stressExercise- Improves skin blood flow and supports

in the healing process Boots the condition of the internal organs, allowing them to

eliminate waste more effectivelyRelaxation techniques, i.e. meditationReduce sugar intake and refined carbohydrates

Can trigger a process leading to the production of too many male hormones, in turn excreting huges amounts of sebum

How to restore the integumentary system to normal function?

Reduce caffeine intake Hikes the level of stress hormones in the body

Healthy amount of sunshine Triggers the production of Vitamin D Fresh air and sunshine cut down on stress levels

Facial Steams with oilsHomemade scrubs (recipe in Personal Strife

section)Teas/Infusions

Click the glass of tea for recipes!

Personal Strife

It seems as I am ‘gracefully” moving through my thirties, there is nothing graceful about my hormonal acne these past two years.

Here is my personal reflection on what is working: Tretinoin – As much as I hate having to reach for a

prescription, this is working great Derivative of Vitamin A Increases skin cell turnover

Promotes the extrusion of the plugged material in the follicle

Prevents the formation of new comedones People usually get frustrated due it taking a few months to

see results

Personal Strife Continue

Water, water, water! Your body needs it!Juicer. I make a carrot and apple juice. Makes

my skin look healthier!I once sent an email to the author of

susanweed.com about hormonal acne and she responded telling me to add more Nettle infusions to my diet (still working on this)

I learned about a great facial scrub from my herbalism class. This works great and makes my skin feel soft and clean: 1 T grounded almonds, 1 T rose petals, and 1 T

oatmeal

Personal Strife Continue

Lavender Steam facial for around 20 minutes, followed by taking an ice over face. Feels great!

And lastly, my last comment on my opinion about acne is that the internal state of the body always

reveals itself through the skin. Stresses, sleep deprivation, and poor nutrition are always evident!