Carisa

Natural Acne Solutions

Well, here it is….everything you ever wanted to know about acne, and then some!
Let me tell you, I had suffered with severe cystic acne as well as acne vulgaris
since I was 10 years old. I finally found the answer, and the answer is that
acne is never caused by just one simple thing. It’s generally a combination of
factors; pollutants, parasites, improper makeup, oxidation/free radical damage,
UV radiation and nutritional deficiencies to name a few. Now, your first
response may be to assume that I’m going to recommend you see your
dermatologist. Well, think again. Natural remedies can be just as effective as
synthetic medications, if not more powerful. I have been on every prescription
known to man for acne and they all failed. Sometimes, all your body needs is the
right nutritional balance and proper skin care. I will explain some possible
causes as well as the ways to get around these causative factors and heal your
skin.

Nutritional Deficiency is perhaps the main, yet most overlooked cause of acne.
Certain vitamins and minerals are responsible for healing wounds and keeping the
skin healthy. If your diet is nutritionally poor (most people’s are), then you
could end up with acne. Synthetic vitamins that you find in stores are inferior
to natural source vitamins from whole foods. They are “fractionated” substances
that are missing important parts of the vitamin complex. They kill off the
beneficial bacteria in the body and In certain doses they can even be dangerous.
Below are recommendations for dosage if you want to take synthetic forms, but I
strongly recommend whole food sources. Here are some of the most important
nutrients for healthy skin:

Vitamin A (beta carotene)

Vitamin A strengthens the protective tissue of the skin and prevents acne. It
helps reduce sebum production. This vitamin is essential for the maintenance and
repair of the tissue which the skin and mucous membranes are made of. Vitamin A
is also a powerful antioxidant needed to rid your body of toxins. Did you know
that a deficiency in vitamin A can actually cause acne? Recommended dosage
(synthetic) to fight acne: 10,000 IU. With synthetic vitamin A, there is always
a risk of overdose and toxicity. Beta Carotene is far superior to synthetic
Vitamin A and has no risk of toxicity. If you are pregnant, do not take more
than 5000 IU of vitamin A. Take Spirulina and drink lots of fresh carrot juice
to get safe, mega doses of Beta carotene from a natural source.

Vitamin B Complex

The B vitamins are vital in maintaining healthy skin. They are also helpful in
relieving anxiety and stress. Stress can be a major player in causing acne. The
B vitamins should always be taken together. The vitamins in the B complex are
Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin (Nicotinic Acid, Niacinamide), Pantothenic Acid,
Pyridoxine and Cyanocobalamin. Each one of these vitamins has a specific role in
promoting healthy skin, as well as overall health. Brewers yeast, green leafy
vegetables and whole grains are excellent natural sources of B vitamins.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

Thiamine acts as an antioxidant ridding your body of toxins. It enhances
circulation and assists in proper digestion. Recommended dosage (synthetic) to
fight acne: 100 mg 3 times daily

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Riboflavin works together with Vitamin A to maintain and improve the mucous
membranes in the digestive tract. It is also essential for healthy skin, hair
and nails. Acne is a symptom of Riboflavin deficiency. Recommended dosage
(synthetic) to fight acne: 100 mg 3 times daily.

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

Niacinamide is vital for healthy skin by dilating blood vessels to improve
circulation as well as helping your body with the metabolism of carbohydrates,
fats and proteins. A deficiency in Niacin will cause acne. Topical niacinamide
is a powerful acne fighter. Recommended dosage (synthetic) to fight acne: 200 mg
3 times daily.

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)

Vitamin B5 is popular for reducing stress. It is needed for the proper
functioning of the adrenal glands. Recommended dosage (synthetic) to fight acne:
100 mg 3 times daily. You may also take a loading dose of 2.5 grams 4 times
daily for up to 2 weeks, then back off to 100 mg 3 times daily.

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)

Pyridoxine is important in the functioning of your immune system and your
antibody production. A deficiency of vitamin B6 can result in acne as it is
needed to fight infection and bacteria in the skin. It is especially effective
in combating acne breakouts associated with the menstrual cycle. Recommended
dosage (synthetic) to fight acne: 25 mg 3 times daily.

Vitamin C with bioflavonoids

Vitamin C is another "super vitamin.” It is an antioxidant that is required for
at least 300 metabolic functions in the body, including tissue growth and
repair. Vitamin C protects against infection and enhances immunity.
Bioflavanoids have an antibacterial effect. Recommended dosage (synthetic) to
fight acne: 1000 to 1600 mg 3 times daily. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor
about the proper dosage. Citrus fruits, goji berries, kale, broccoli, mangos and
kiwis are excellent natural sources of vitamin C.
Chromium
For acne, it aids in reducing infections of the skin. To get the adequate amount
of chromium in your diet, chromium should be taken in supplemental form called
chromium picolinate or chromium polynicotinate. Chances are you are chromium
deficient because the form of chromium in foods is lost during processing. High
quantities of sugar in the diet also cause a loss of chromium from the body. A
chromium deficiency also causes sugar and carb cravings. Recommended dosage
(synthetic) to fight acne: 200-400 mcg per day. Brewers yeast and Spirulina are
excellent sources of chromium.
Selenium
Selenium is an important antioxidant trace mineral that functions in the enzyme
glutathione peroxidase. This enzyme is very important in the prevention of the
inflammation of acne. Acne can be significantly diminished with selenium
(seleno-l-methionine) and vitamin E together. Recommended dose: 55-200 mcg. 2
Brazil Nuts provide all the selenium you need. Microhydrin Plus is also a great
source.

Zinc

Zinc is extremely important in maintaining healthy skin as it aids in healing of
the tissues and helps prevent scarring. It helps prevent acne by regulating the
activity of the oil glands. Zinc promotes a healthy immune system and the
healing of wounds. It is also an antioxidant that helps to fight and prevent the
formation of free radicals. Acne can be a sign of Zinc deficiency. Effervescent
zinc sulfate is one of the most effective forms. Recommended dosage (synthetic)
to fight acne: 45 mg per day. Fresh ginger, eggs and nuts are excellent sources
of zinc.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that enhances healing and tissue repair. It prevents
cell damage by inhibiting the oxidation of lipids (fats) and the formation of
free radicals. It is also important in the metabolism of vitamin A. During
vitamin E deficiency, blood levels of vitamin A stay low regardless of the
amount of oral supplementation. Recommended dosage (synthetic) to fight acne:
400 IU daily. Raw spinach, vegetable/nut oils and corn are good sources of
vitamin E.

Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids

These essential fatty acids are vital to so many processes in the body. They are
especially helpful in maintaining supple, smooth skin and healthy hair. They
help keep the sebum thin and free flowing which helps keep pores clear. They
also help reduce the symptoms of PMS and enhance the function of the immune
system. Flax and hemp seed oil and Spirulina are 2 of the best source of Omega 3
and 6 fatty acids.

Toxicity is another of the main culprits with acne. Our diets and our
environment are more toxic now than they have ever been. Hydrogenated fats, food
additives, preservatives, carcinogens and a host of other substances bombard our
bodies daily. Our organs of elimination cannot keep up with the burden of these
toxins, thus we experience toxic overload. Symptoms may include poor bowel
function, digestive problems, chronic degenerative disease and of course, acne.
There are several measures you can take to reduce the toxic load on your body:
Cleanse Your Body
Perhaps the most important organs to cleanse in relation to acne are the colon
and liver. Colon cleansing is required for the removal of toxic and mucus
buildup in the colon and assists in recovering natural balance of good and bad
bacteria and the adequate absorption and production of enzymes and vitamins.
Proper colon cleansing will help reduce food intolerance, improve skin
appearance, reduce cellulite, improve energy, reduce acne, reduce weight and
enhance immune function. A toxic colon is a major factor in the development of
food intolerance, malnutrition and chronic ill health. The colon is a main organ
responsible for ridding the body of toxic waste. When the colon is not
functioning properly because of diet, stress, drugs, chemicals, parasites and
other substances, it tries to protect itself by producing more mucus. This
additional mucus can bind with the sludge from refined foods, such as white
flour products, and build up on the wall of the bowel, narrowing the lumen and
reducing absorption of vital nutrients. This layer of gluey, hardened feces can
weigh several pounds and is a good place for harmful organisms and bacteria to
breed. Do not think because you have regular bowel movements, or even diarrhea,
that you have escaped this problem. The stool can pass daily through a dirty
colon and leave the accumulated residue on the walls behind. Cleansing the colon
with the Life Force colon cleanse or the Royal Body Care colon cleanse will
greatly enhance your health and allow you to absorb the other supplements you
take to help your skin.

Liver cleansing is required to remove stones and congestion that cause the liver
to function poorly. The liver acts as a filter for the blood as well as aiding
in digestion of fats. A clogged, toxic liver can’t do its job and impurities and
excess hormones are left to circulate in the blood. Often, these toxins and
hormones can cause acne and other skin problems. Do a Liver Cleanse according to
Dr Clarks protocol and you will see great improvements in your skin and your
general health. You may also want to take herbs that benefit the liver such as
milk thistle, dandelion and artichoke. They will help stimulate the production
of bile and cleanse the liver.

Cleanse Your Skin

Apply a raw honey and bentonite mask to your face each day. Honey has
antibacterial properties so it is great for disinfecting and healing minor
blemishes. It is also gentle on sensitive skin. You can even buy honey with
propolis for additional skin benefits. Add calendula and comfrey to your mask
and you’ve got an incredibly healing treatment. The bentonite clay is excellent
for drying excess oil and pulling toxins and infection out of the skin. I have
some excellent recipes for other healing masks that you can make at home very
inexpensively. Just ask!

Hormonal Imbalance is another key factor in acne. We can all remember the days
of teenage angst and teenage acne. However, as we age, adult acne can be brought
on by hormonal fluctuations. People who suffer from acne generally metabolize
testosterone in the skin differently than others. There is increased activity of
the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase that converts testosterone to a more potent form
called DHT. This, rather than increased testosterone, is the true hormonal
culprit. There are herbs that can help. Saw palmetto and nettle or beta
sitosterol (the active ingredient in saw palmetto) help to bind DHT and remove
it from the body.

The birth control pill is another causative factor with acne. If you must take
birth control pills, try switching to Ortho-Tricyclen. It is the only birth
control pill clinically proven to reduce acne. Other brands can actually make
your acne worse.

Testing your hormones is the best way to determine if you have imbalances.
Modern diets can cause estrogen dominance and other hormonal imbalances in
females and even males. Royal Body Care offers broad spectrum Hormone Tests you
can use to determine if you need to balance your hormones.

Improper Cosmetics are a hidden enemy. We think because the bottle says
“non-comedogenic” that the product won’t cause acne. Wrong! Most foundations
contain fillers, gums and other additives that are not good for the skin. Try
switching to a pure mineral make-up such as my brand new line, Phoenix Minerals.
BareMinerals, Youngblood and other mineral lines contain potential irritants and
additives such as bismuth oxychloride. Phoenix Minerals does not contain these
irritants. In addition, my line also contains Zinc, which is anti-inflammatory
and offers even more SPF protection. Phoenix Minerals provide better coverage
and sun protection than BareMinerals. You won’t believe the difference in your
skin!

Drinking Alcohol is another causative factor with acne. Not only is it very hard
on the liver, but it dehydrates the body and leaches important nutrients from
the system. Alcohol has the following adverse effects:

- interferes with B vitamin storage and absorption. B vitamins are
vital for healthy skin

- interferes with the metabolism of EFA. Essential fatty acids are very
important for skin and cardiovascular health.

- Causes increased loss of magnesium in the urine.

- Metabolizing alcohol uses too much of the zinc stores in the body and
increases zinc excretion in the urine. Zinc is vital for fighting acne infection
and the proper metabolizing of testosterone. Improper metabolism of testosterone
can produce too much DHT, which causes acne. It’s all tied together!

- Alcohol negatively effects intestinal flora. The good bacteria suffer
and bad bacteria are allowed to grow out of control. This can lead to
malabsorption of fats, carbs, proteins, folic acid and B12. It also leads to,
you guessed it, ACNE. Alcohol also increases intestinal permeability, allowing
toxins free access to areas of the body that they shouldn’t go. This leads to
more ACNE.

UV ray exposure is terrible for the skin in so many ways! Many people think UV
radiation actually helps clear their acne. It doesn’t. The temporary drying
effect of UV exposure may help dry out the blemishes you currently have, but it
sets you up for more acne down the road. UV light thins the dermis and thickens
the epidermis, aggravating acne as well as causing wrinkles, premature aging and
possibly skin cancer. It gives the skin a dull, sallow appearance and also
bombards the skin with free radicals, breaking down collagen and further
damaging the tissues. Moderate sun exposure and stay away from the tanning beds!
My skin has improved 100 times since I stopped tanning. Use the Mystic Tan
self-tanning system if you still want a tanned look without the negative effects
of UV radiation.

Parasites are a little known culprit in acne. Trichinella is probably the main
parasite at fault here and no matter how much glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide or
salicylic acid you put on your face, it will not clear this parasite. You can
learn more about how parasites can cause acne in Dr Hulda Clarks book, "The Cure
for all Diseases.” You can also use her Parasite Herb Program to rid yourself of
all parasites, including the Trichinella that may be causing your acne. If you
have pets, you need to de-parasitize them as well or they will continue to
re-infect you everyday and you will never get better!

Improper skin care products often aggravate rather than help acne. Most skin
care lines are formulated with petroleum by products and silicones that do not
allow the skin to breathe and release toxins. In addition, they may contain
alcohol or other drying or irritating ingredients that are not appropriate for
all skin types. Miessence has the first internationally certified organic skin
care line. The natural plant oils and extracts heal and protect the skin while
helping it perform better as an organ, not impairing its functions. The
essential fatty acids (EFA) in plant oils are virtually identical to the natural
protective layer of sebum in the skin. These EFAs are mistaken for sebum by the
skin and accepted as such, allowing moisture, oxygen and carbon dioxide to pass
in and out of the skin and the body. This is the critical difference between
natural plant extracts and petroleum based ingredients. Petroleum based
ingredients have no affinity for human tissue and mucous membranes.
They create suffocating films over the skin, preventing moisture, waste,
toxins, oxygen and carbon dioxide from leaving the body. They may even cause
cancer. Don’t use these products! Use the organic products from Phoenix and
Miessence. They are truly all natural and very effective. These products are
available at Phoenix Organic Day Spa. In addition to the Miessence and Phoenix
products, there are several natural substances that can help control acne. Some
are:

- Cinnamon oil: cinnamon essential oil is VERY powerful and kills every
strain of p. acnes bacteria without the risk of developing resistant strains.
However, it is very strong and must be used well diluted or it will cause
irritation in some skin types. Using a face wash with cinnamon oil is a good way
to start.

- Tea tree oil has been found to be just as effective as benzoyl
peroxide without the side effects. It is antifungal and antibacterial and is
less likely to cause contact dermatitis. Try a 20% concentration in your toner
or put it on individual blemishes undiluted.

- Sulfur is also an effective healing agent that has been used for
thousands of years. Try using a 10% concentration as a spot blemish treatment or
in a facial toner.

- Clay masks draw impurities from deep within the skin and help to
remineralize the skin and calm inflammations. You can easily obtain powdered
clay (Pascalite, green clay or red clay) from a health food store and mix it
with water to create your own mask. Mixing it with raw honey adds an extra
soothing and antiseptic effect.

- Many essential oils will help heal and prevent acne. Some of the most
popular are clary sage, thyme linalol, lavender, chamomile, juniper and
patchouli. Try mixing these with your masks or cleansers to add a therapeutic
effect

Improper Diet can cause a host of problems including acne. Excess sodium causes
water retention within your skin and can pinch off the sebaceous glands and make
you break out. Excess salt and spices are the most common triggers, so if you
eat too many potato chips… they contain both. You should also avoid trans
fats, margarine, dairy, fried foods and iodine, if you are iodine sensitive.
Cooked meat is another dietary cause of acne. Heat destroys and/or changes
essential nutrients. New, harmful substances are formed in all animal or
vegetable foods that are heated beyond 118 degrees. Protein is partially damaged
in the preparation process (cooking, freezing, etc) Protein molecules interact
with dietary carbohydrates, forming new molecules. This process is called "the
Maillard reaction" . Additionally, digestive enzymes break down amino acids only
if the targeted part of the protein matches what the enzyme is programmed for.
If the linked amino acids have changed due to heat, the
enzymes cannot break down the amino acid chains into usable pieces. The
un-separated amino-acid chains are transported by the lymph system at a much
lower rate than blood does. Many of these oxidized proteins are discharged into
the skin so that the lymph can return to the digestive tract and the liver to
pick up new cargo of valuable nutrients that it transports for use by the body’s
organs. Cooked proteins end up as toxins in the inner layer of your skin
attracting moisture and pinching off your sebaceous glands to the point of
blocking them… and thus causing acne. Sounds complicated? It’s not! Cut back
on salt and cooked foods, especially meat. More details follow in the letter I
enclosed about how to eat for better health and clearer skin.

A few tips that might help….

Keep your hair off your face

If you have long hair or bangs, pull your hair off your face. Your hair contains
oils as well, and will contribute to your breakouts. If you use styling
products, make sure they are oil free and keep them to a minimum. You should
also wash your hair everyday and after workouts, and try to pin your hair up at
night so you don’t end up laying your face on your hair. When I wear my hair
straight, I don’t wash it for 2 or 3 days. That’s exactly when I get a pimple
from my dirty hair brushing against my jaw line.
Chill out with ice
I found a great way to stop a blemish in its tracks. If you feel a pimple coming
on, simply wrap an ice cube in a paper towel and ice the spot down for about 30
minutes. You can use plain water, herbal tinctures or green tea to make the
cube. The pimple will never appear! The swelling simply goes away and the pain
is stopped immediately. Usually one 30-minute session will do the trick, but you
may want to repeat if you feel a larger lump coming under the skin or if it’s
very tender. You must catch the blemish before it’s a full-blown zit or this ice
treatment won’t help as much.

Do not touch your face

As tempting as it may be, do not squeeze, scratch, rub or touch your pimples and
blackheads. Doing so actually increases the sebum production and adds a cocktail
of bacteria and dirt from the hands. Plus, when you squeeze, you are actually
rupturing the membranes below your skin, causing infection and sebum to spread
underneath your skin. The result is more pimples. I used to break out on the
left side of my face until I realized it was from resting my head in my left
hand while I worked at my computer. Now I sit up straight!

Wash your pillowcase every other day

Your face spends many long hours on your pillowcase each night. Your pillowcase
absorbs the oils from your skin and the fabric then becomes a breeding ground
for bacteria. You then lie down on that same pillowcase the next night and it
reapplies the dirt, bacteria and oil to your freshly washed face. Keep your
sheets and pillowcases clean.

Drink your water!

Your body is made up of 70 percent water. Water is literally your body’s life
force. It is involved in nearly every bodily process, including digestion,
absorption, circulation and excretion. Water is also the primary transporter of
nutrients throughout your body. If you don’t drink enough water, toxins can
build up and cause breakouts. Water flushes toxins out of the body. Without
adequate water, we would poison ourselves with our own metabolic wastes. Your
kidneys remove waste products that must be dissolved by water. So, by drinking
half your body weight in ounces (a 120lb woman would drink 60 ounces or 7-8
glasses) of water each day, you are flushing out the toxins that would normally
escape through the pores of your skin… thus preventing acne breakouts.

In addition, your kidneys cannot function properly without enough water. When
they do not work to capacity, some of their workload is dumped onto your liver.
One of your liver’s primary functions is to metabolize stored fat into usable
energy for your body and to clear excess hormones from the bloodstream. However,
if your liver has to do some of the kidney’s work, it cannot work at full
capacity. A liver that is not performing at its best can worsen acne because it
cannot break down and clear excess hormones from your body.

Water helps maintain proper muscle tone, by giving muscles their natural ability
to contract and by preventing dehydration. Water plumps shrinking cells and
leaves the skin clear, healthy and resilient.

Drinking your water each day can also eliminate water retention. Excess sodium
in the diet can cause water retention that leads to the swelling of the skin.
Swollen skin can cause pores to be blocked, and can keep the acne cycle going.
Water flushes the sodium out of your system.

Water can help relieve constipation. When your body gets too little water, it
siphons what it needs from internal sources. The colon is one primary source.
The result is constipation. Constipation and a poorly functioning colon can be
the primary cause of acne and most disease. If you drink enough water, normal
bowel function returns.

Your body will not function properly without enough water and cannot rid itself
of wastes and toxins. Drinking water is essential for clear, healthy skin!

Well, I think that’s a wrap!

A long, exhaustive story, I know, but acne is a complicated and STUBBORN problem
if you don’t know all the details. Here’s an overview of the supplements and
regime you need to start:

CLEANSE your colon and liver so that you can properly absorb and digest your
supplements and rid your body of toxins.

SUPPLEMENT with Spirulina, Brewers Yeast, Parasite Herbs, Fresh ground flax or
hemp seeds/oil and Bone Supply (a calcium supplement) to make sure your skin has
all the ingredients it needs to be healthy.

GET NEW SKIN CARE such as Miessence. Their product line really works. Using this
at home along with your acne control facials will give you optimum results. You
may experience a flare-up, and then your skin will start to look amazingly
healthy. Stop by Phoenix Organic Day Spa and talk to me about what products and
services you need to get clear and stay clear.

GET NEW MAKEUP such as Phoenix Minerals. It is ideal for acne sufferers.

AVOID THE BAD STUFF like excess salt, alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, UV radiation,
junk food and cooked meats. Try not to touch your face and keep your hair and
pillowcases clean.

KEEP HYDRATING by drinking half your body weight in ounces each day.

Good luck, and let me know if you have any questions!

Carisa Holmes

Natural Skin Care Consultant

Hi Adrian,

Like most people, I’ve suffered from acne before. Mine was worsened
by greasy skin. I found that if I could keep my skin clean and not
let it get greasy, acne slowly went away. I tried to change three
things in my life:

1) Consciously avoided touching my face (as there’s lots of
bacteria on your hands).

2) Changed my diet to include less oily and fatty foods, and drunk
more water.

3) Carried a face cleanser with me at all times, so I could wash my
face in the middle of the day.

I really hope this helps. I know how you feel, so I hope it gets
better.

Peter

Like most people, I’ve suffered from acne before. Mine was worsened
by greasy skin. I found that if I could keep my skin clean and not
let it get greasy, acne slowly went away. I tried to change three
things in my life:

1) Consciously avoided touching my face (as there’s lots of
bacteria on your hands).

2) Changed my diet to include less oily and fatty foods, and drunk
more water.

3) Carried a face cleanser with me at all times, so I could wash my
face in the middle of the day.

I really hope this helps. I know how you feel, so I hope it gets
better.

Peter

Hi everyone, Im Adrian and Im from Mexico, please somebody help me, i
got this serious problem, I have moderated acne or something like
that, im 20 years old, and i dont know what to do, Im happy, i laugh,
My friends love me, but i dont feel OK with my acne problem, One year
with this problem and my doctor didnt help me, i think the human body
is some kind of cage and we are trying to control that cage, but
sometimes it seems different, so please if someone has a technique or

some kind of product, let me know, i will be glad about it, every
single person has to be happy…

Greetings from the biggest city on this earth…

Adieu

Adrian Orozco.

Cinema Is the most beautiful Fraud in the world -Godard-