Tackling troubled skin, including acne, often takes a combined effort between how you care for your skin, what products you use (or don’t use!), and what you eat (or don’t eat!). In addition, there’s often a boost in clarity of the skin and overall skin health with the use of over the counter (OTC) vitamins and/or supplements. The following products are part of the recommended support system for clear, healthy skin.
Methylsulfonylmethane (commonly called MSM) is an organic sulfur compound required for development and maintenance of connective tissue. It is found in our nails, skin, and tissues. This mineral builds collagen and cartilage, provides support for healing scars, detoxifying tissues and is an anti-inflammatory. Read more info at recommended brand website: Rich’s MSM torpedo caplets at richdistributing.com. Take as directed.
Those suffering with acne often have lower than normal levels of Zinc, an essential trace element. Evidence shows that supplementing with zinc monomethionine (the form most readily absorbed by the body for use) has a similar effect as antibiotic therapy in the treatment of inflammatory acne. Recommended dosage is up to–but not exceeding–100 mg daily. OptiZinc 30mg from Source Naturals (60 caplets for just $7) is available at my shop, to be taken up to three times daily. Zinc should be taken with food for effectiveness and to prevent stomach upset. Overuse of zinc supplements may deplete other essential minerals; therefore, zinc supplements should be taken only until clear skin is achieved.
High Quality Fish Oils or High Quality Flax Oils are necessary for hormone regulation and directly affect sebum production and regulation. For acne sufferers, Omega 3′s help reduce the intensity of acne breakouts and shorten their duration. They are particularly effective for hormonal breakouts on the chin and jawline affecting women during their menstrual cycle. Arctic Pure Source Naturals Omega 3 Fish Oil (60 tablets, $22) is recommended and available in my shop. Barleans’s flax oil (liquid–without lignin) is recommended and available directly from their website, along with more info, at barleans.com. Take as directed.
Barley powder contains trace minerals the body needs to build a healthy immune system. It contains enzymes that help balance the pH of the body. A pH that is out of balance directly impacts inflammation. Inflammation is ever present in acneic skin conditions. The brand name Just Barley is recommended, to be taken 2 tablespoons in water or unpasteurized orange juice daily. Available from Pure Planet (along with lots more info) at pureplanet.com.
If you have been on prolonged antibiotic therapy (see article below about such “treatment” for acne), you will want to consider a good probiotic. While antibiotics kill harmful bacteria in our bodies and are prescribed to treat illnesses and infections caused by bacterial organisms, the downside is that they also kill the “friendly” bacteria in our bodies that promote gastrointestinal health. Taking a probiotic supplement can restore your body’s supply of good bacteria. Recommended brands include FloraSMART or Ultimate Flora available at renewlife.com, or DrOhhira available at drohhiraprobiotics.com. Use as directed.
A multivitamin is recommended for overall good health and nutritional support. It is best to choose a brand free of iodine (as iodine can aggravate acneic skin). Recommended multivitamin supplements: GNC Women’s Ultra Mega Multivitamin Without Iron & Iodine available online or at GNC stores. Take as directed.
For more information about getting clear skin ~ and keeping it that way ~ please schedule a private consultation for personalized skin care recommendations and to purchase OTC supplements mentioned above.
