Acne can appear due to hormonal imbalance, toxin build-up, improper diet and emotional stress. While it's always helpful to identify the main cause you can reduce your acne symptoms by simply adjusting your lifestyle.

1) Ensure adequate intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Bright-coloured fruits and green leafy vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, beetroot and spinach are rich in antioxidants and fibre. Beta-carotene, vitamins C and E are important components for acne treatment.

2) Take your vitamins. Vitamin C is needed to form collagen and heal acne scars. The mineral zinc and vitamin B2 help to normalise oil production from sebaceous glands and prevents acne scarring.

3) Add Omega-3 acids to your vitamin intake to combat acne. Essential fatty acids (EFA) are needed for the formation of the lipid layer of the skin. Evening primrose oil and spirulina are rich sources of the omega-6 fatty acids. They contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which helps strengthen skin cells, correct hormonal imbalance and boost moisture content.

 

4) Wash your face with organic anti-acne cleanser formulated with Tea Tree oil, St. John’s Wort and Calendula. Tea Tree oil has remarkable antiseptic properties while St John’s Wort and Calendula are soothing for the skin. This combination cleanses deep into the skin and controls an oily complexion. It also brings down inflammation.

5)Stay away from highly refined carbohydrates and processed foods such as sugar, chocolates, pastries, junk food and white bread as these may trigger flare-ups. Avoid trans-fatty acids in soft margarine, milk, fried foods and those high in iodine.

6) Drink at least six to eight glasses of pure non-carbonated water daily. Best mineral waters to assist in clearing acne are Vichy, Evian and Fiji.

7) Get adequate sleep and learn to manage stress which can be a triggering factor to your acne. 

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