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Acne, the PC word for zits, bothers people of all ages including me when I was a teenager. There’s a lot of possible causes of acne, as well as a host of treatments available. I remember during my teenage years having to see the dermatologist regularly. I would be given OTC meds such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics such as tetracycline and occasionally have some “angry” zits “popped”. No dietary advise was given at the time except for the avoidance of chocolates. Acne, especially during the teenage years, is usually due to hormonal imbalance. Although in today’s world, I would say that toxicity could also be a likely cause, similar to adult acne. In Chinese medicine, any pathologic skin condition including acne could be attributed to liver dysfunction. So, if a person sees a holistic practitioner, one of their possible recommendations would be to do a liver cleanse. The liver by the way, is one of the major detoxification organs of the body. Improve the liver’s function and skin function improves as well. Cleansing the colon could go a long way in clearing the skin too. Having a diet consisting of anti-inflammatory vegetables and fruit also helps inflammatory skin conditions. Supplements such as omega 3-fatty acids, chromium (by balancing blood sugar levels), and B complex, are just among the few things that could lead to healthier skin. Cleansing the skin with natural agents, avoiding synthetic/petroleum-based skin care products, and for women (and some men), avoiding toxic make-up could help improve the skin. Getting adequate sleep, exercise, and stress reduction are all good.
Hot Tips, News and Trends for Healthy Aging By Dr. Joel Lopez, M.D. 
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