Acne vulgaris, or common acne, is a skin disorder of the pilosebaceous unit that generally develops in adolescence and improves in adulthood. Adolescent males, in particular, can be severely affected by acne, which, if left untreated, can cause scarring. Acne is caused by the action of dihydrotestosterone, derived from endogenous and exogenous precursors, likely acting synergistically with insulin-like growth factor-1. Diet is one of the causes of acne that we can do something about.

Natural solution for Acne
Acne is difficult to treat and we do not have an acne cure that works for everyone. However, one acne solution is dietary intervention.  Diet does play a role, even though the medical profession denies that food has anything to do with acne solution. Here are some suggestions to treat or prevent acne, or even perhaps an acne cure:

Avoid friction or contact with acne pimples. Leave them alone, do not play with or pop pimples.
Avoid androgenic hormones such as pregnenolone, DHEA, testosterone, and androstenedione. Stress can make acne worse by releasing certain hormones.

Reduce intake of sugar (including excessive amounts of fruit juices), sweets, processed flour, baked goods. Substitute Stevia, the no calorie natural sweetener rather than sugar. Avoiding high glycemic load foods could help acne sufferers clear up their skin. High glycemic load foods refer to foods that cause a sharp increase in blood glucose, or sugar, such as low-fiber carbohydrates. Low glycemic load foods cause an more gradual and sustained increase in glucose, and include foods such as high-fiber, complex carbohydrates.

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Acne improves on low glycemic diet
Foods that produce a high glycemic load -- such as sugared drinks, white bread and white potatoes -- cause a quick rise in blood sugar. More complex carbohydrates with fiber, such as unrefined cereals, grains, or beans, lead to a more gradual change and have a low glycemic index. Dr. Robyn N. Smith, from the RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, evaluated acne symptoms in 43 male patients, between 15 and 25 years, who were randomly assigned to a low glycemic load diet or a normal diet. After 3 months, the low-glycemic diet was associated with a significant reduction in acne compared with the normal diet. In addition, the low-glycemic diet produced greater reductions in body weight and body mass and a greater increase in insulin sensitivity.
   One reason for the success of this low glycemic acne diet is that it limited the rise in high insulin levels. Chronically high levels of insulin may lead to blockages in skin pores and extra oil building up under the skin. I also think eating lots of fish full of omega-3 EPA and DHA oils is very helpful for acne. Even with the best diet, many teenagers will still be bothered with pimples, but the skin problem is likely to be less severe when a healthier diet is adopted.

Reduce intake of and trans and hydrogenated fats. Examples include donuts, cookies, pastry, etc.
Reduce intake of nuts. Peanuts and peanut butter may provoke acne in some individuals.
Reduce intake of milk products. There is a high amount of hormones produced in the milk of cows, particularly in the milk of pregnant cows, which makes up the bulk of marketed milk and dairy products. Milk from pregnant cows contains progesterone, 5-alpha reduced steroids, and other steroid hormones. These hormones, when consumed, can break down into dihydrotestestosterone (DHT), the final molecule that turns on oil-making cells. Studies show there is an association between milk consumption and acne, and it didn't matter whether the milk was whole, lowfat, or skim. For those who eliminate or significantly reduce milk products from their diet, calcium supplements could be helpful.
Reduce or avoid vitamin E. I have come across some patients who have noticed acne pimples after taking vitamin E. I am not certain of this connection, but until more is known you may wish to stop taking supplements of this vitamin.

Increase intake of foods that may improve acne such as fish (halibut, salmon, tuna, sardines) and eat a wide variety of vegetables. These are the best foods to eat. They will make a difference in the health of your skin.
You may consider taking fish oil capsules if your intake of fish is fewer than twice a week.
Increase your intake of water. Drink a glass or two of cold water first thing in the morning to eliminate the bowels. Drink 4 to 8 glasses of water per day, more in hot weather.

Relax, meditate, do yoga, take long walks, attempt to change your response to perceived stressful experiences.

Traditional acne treatment with medications
Comedonal acne is often treated with topical retinoids; papulopustular acne with a combination of retinoids and topical antimicrobial substances (benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, or azelaic acid). Those with acne on parts of the body beyond the face can be treated with oral antibiotics combined with topical retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. Acne conglobata and other severe manifestations are treated with oral isotretinoin. Women are also treated with oral contraceptives containing anti-androgenic progestins. Second-line agents include oral zinc or dapsone.

Acne treatment with antibiotics
Tetracycline derivatives are the most common drugs that have been used for acne vulgaris treatment. An extended-release (ER) tablet formulation of minocycline was approved by the FDA for the treatment of inflammatory lesions of moderate to severe acne vulgaris in patients 12 years and older.

Acne treatment with isotretinoin can lead to depression
People with acne who are treated with isotretinoin are more likely to have depression. Because depression could have serious consequences, close monitoring of isotretinoin users is indicated.

Acne treatment in women
The oral contraceptive Yasmin, plus a low-dose of the diuretic spironolactone, is a treatment for women with severe facial acne.

Acne cure diet questions
Q. I have been suffering from acne for 21 years. I had 42 surgeries on my face and I still get acne. I have been on Accutane for years up to 120 mg a day. Recently, some doctors are associating my acne to an auto immune disorder called sapho and some beleive that I do not have an auto immune disorder. I have been on antibiotics for 10 years. Recently, I have seen a Chinese doctor who does reflexology and has prescribed a schizonepta and siler formula. I don't know if I should take this or not. I do not want my acne to get worse.
   A. We strongly suggesting the dietary advice of daily fish (salmon, halibut, etc) and high intake of a variety of vegetables. We are not familiar with the Chinese herbs schizonepta and siler you mention. We truly hope you can make these dietary changes which can offer a good acne solution. Acne is such a frustrating and sometimes depressing skin condition. For info on isotretinoin side effects.

Q. Does 5-HTP cause acne?
   A. It should not.

Q.  I have taken a 5 month course of Accutane over a year ago and it worked wonders for me. But about 18 months later the acne is coming back, not like it was before Accutane, but its back. I'm 20 years old and I've been very into working out and nutrition since iI' 14, so I definately agree about diet and acne but its so hard to eat like that especially when your trying to keep on muscle and with little time and almost no where to get some descent food from. Im starting a second course of Accutane and my question to you is they say not to take vitamin A supplements while on Accutane. But my protein shakes contains 33% DV of vitamin A. Is it safe to consume my shakes while on the Accutane?
   A. We seriously doubt the small amount of vitamin A in the protein shake would have a negative impact.

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