You might not know it, but not eating certain foods can actually be damaging your skin and making your current acne condition even worse. There are certain foods that have been shown to help maintain the health of the skin and keep it nourished while also helping to repair any present damage. Some of these foods include: Certain Oils, Fish and Beans.

Many of you many have already heard me carry on about how important some acids are for healthy skin and how some of them play a major role with aging. Some of these acids are known as EFA’s (essential fatty acids) which are needed to maintain the pliability of our skin. Not adding these “good fats” to our diets, such as the increasing in popularity Omega-3′s, causes your skin to age and get wrinkles way too soon. The majority of people are actually deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids.

One of the best sources of EFA’S is in the form of flax seed oil but is also found in other oils such as coconut and borage. These can be used for cooking instead of other oils such as olive and sunflower or they can be added to your diet via supplementation which is often the best way because heating EFA’s above a certain temperature actually damages the oils structure.

You can create your own highly-effective anti-aging face wash by making a puree out of several squashes and some oil containing EFA’s. This will also contain the beneficial chemical known as alpha-hydroxy which I’m sure you’ve heard of if you use cosmetics. You will no longer need to waste your money on all of those high-end products you see everywhere since the most important components of them are right in your refrigerator! Also, the cells of your skin cannot be repaired without adequate protein.

If you don’t like to eat much meat trying eating some more raw seeds and nuts and a little fish for your protein needs or maybe even egg whites or soy products. Also, the one substance that you can’t give your body enough of is water. Considering that experts claim that your body is roughly seventy to eighty percent water, it is a very good idea to replenish your water stocks in your body constantly, especially if you are active or exercise a lot or live in a dryer climate.

Drinks that are known to dry your skin are sodas and caffeinated beverages. If you think that drinking a large amount of water daily is a challenge, try drinking a little more fruit juice or eat watermelon and cucumber with your salads. It is a fact that you are what eat so you must remember to eat well and your skin will reflect this by looking healthy and having less acne spots.

When you buy fruits and vegetables, you should try your best to purchase them from your local farmer’s market or greengrocers that specialize in natural foods that have been organically grown and a free from harmful pesticides, insecticides and hormones.

For most people, their cause of acne is internal due to hormones and other factors. Author Chris Gibson has created a unique treatment program that targets these internal causes that has seen as much as a 90% success rate on people who try it. If you suffer from acne you should definitely give it a try. It’s called Acne Free in 3 Days and you can read more about the program by clicking on this link: Acne Free in 3 Days

For years, scientists, doctors, biologists, dermatologists, and dieticians have searched for and studied all of the various causes of acne. Since the majority of the worlds population suffer from acne at some point in their lives, there is no surprise that such efforts are invested in finding out how to it. While there have been some definitive answers on whether acne is hormonally induced (yes), and what can be done to prevent it (prescription drugs, certain herbal remedies, etc), there are still many unknown factors that cause acne.
However, of all the many acne questions that science is yet to find answers to, the most controversial is whether or not diet has an effect on acne.
Historically, diet was thought to be linked to acne. Doctors and housewives alike believed that a high fat content in ones diet would cause an oilier complexion, and this in turn would create acne breakouts.
However, as time went on, science found no directly link between a diet high in lipids (fat), and acne. Since acne is caused by a bacterial growth in sebum trapped in clogged pores, there is no such thing as “extra oil secretion”. So, for at least the last 15 years, western medicine has claimed there is no connection between diet and acne.
However, a study conducted in 1997 has rekindled the flame in the “diet causes acne” argument, and this time, with a bit more heat.
This study, conducted by Dr. Lit Hung Leung, states that Acne breakouts are because the body cannot create enough of Coenzyme A to break down the fatty acids that create sebum. The reason is, Coenzyme A is probably the single most needed enzyme in the body. This Coenzyme-A is what synthesizes sex hormones, and what breaks down fatty acids.
The only part of Coenzyme-A that the body does not produce itself is vitamin B5. So, if there is a shortage of B5, there is a shortage of Coenzyme-A. And if there is a shortage of Coenzyme-A, the body will use it to synthesize sex hormones, not break down fatty acids.
So, you can see where this is going?more fatty acids, more sebum production, more acne.
Now, the interesting thing is that Dr. Lit Hung Leung substantiated this claim by testing it on 100 people. The group took 10 grams or more per day of pantothenic acid ( B5 ), and used a B5 topical cream of 20% by weight. After 2-3, sebum production was reduced, and many people with acne noticed a reduction. For those with more extreme acne, a higher dosage of B5 was used (approx. 15-20 grams per day), and treatment was prolonged to see an effect, sometimes up to 6 months.
So, while one study does not definitively prove whether B5 can prevent or reduce acne, it may well be worth considering, particularly for those who want a natural or herbal cure for acne, and do not want to use chemicals such as benzoyl peroxide, or other prescription acne treatments.
As with any medical treatment, it is best to consult a doctor before trying a B5 regimine.
Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and is the editor of acne treatments website, http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com