Acne Information

Acne and Vitamin Supplements


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


MORE RESOURCES:

Tips for acne-free skin
Times of India
One should always keep his/her skin clean and clear as pimples and acne occur when the pores in your skin get clogged up with oil and dirt. Bacteria infects that pore, leading to acne. Always try to avoid touching the face with your hands.



Dialogue Between A Teenager And The Acne
LA Canyon News
A dialogue between a teenager and acne, based off of Benjamin Franklin's "Dialogue Between Franklin and the Gout." Teenager: Eh! Oh! Eh! Why, a complexion so vile, do I wear upon my features for the whole world to see? Especially mine one and only Prom ...



Acne Control Mask from End-Zit® - Fight Acne with a High Concentration of ...
San Francisco Chronicle (press release)
ABBE Laboratories best-selling END-ZIT® Acne Control Mask is now available in a convenient 2.5oz. squeezable tube. Use as a spot treatment or apply to the entire face, back or any problem area. Visit [www.endzit.com __title__ Fight Acne Today] and see ...

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Watch out for acne 'cure' scams
WDIV Detroit
The Federal Trade Commissions has been cracking down on companies which have made baseless claims about curing acne. "I don't know if they're faking it or they are putting makeup on it or something, but it makes it look worse," said 16-year-old John ...

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Best Acne Treatment Limited Announces A New Site On The Best Acne Treatment
PR Web (press release)
This is a new site on acne infection that provides information on acne and the best ways to treat and prevent acne infection. Acne scars are difficult to contend with. The recent laser treatment reduces acne scars with immediate effect.



Skin and Allergy News Digital Network

Four Questions Assess Acne Patient Quality of Life
Skin and Allergy News Digital Network
ORLANDO – A four-question survey can provide as much information about the psychosocial impact of acne treatment on patients as do longer, more cumbersome surveys. Dr. Peter Saitta and colleagues developed the Acne-Q 4 survey and reported that it ...

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Overweight girls more prone to acne
Washington Post
Overweight girls may be more likely than other young people to develop acne THE QUESTION Acne has no definitive cause but an array of suspects, including hormones, heredity, stress, chocolate, makeup and more. Should being overweight be added to the ...



BlissTree

The Science Of How Dairy Causes Acne
BlissTree
But in the process, he raised another issue about what milk does to your skin: according to him, dairy causes acne, too. But many commenters were up in arms about the connection between milk and skin—you wanted the science, not just the anecdotal ...



Overweight linked to acne in teen girls
Chicago Tribune
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Overweight girls in their late teens were twice as likely as their normal-weight peers to report having a lot of acne in a large new survey of Norwegian teenagers that did not find the same link in boys.

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Stuff.co.nz

Acne risk higher for overweight teen girls
ModernMedicine
Oslo, Norway — Teenage girls who are obese or overweight are significantly more likely to develop acne than their normal-weight peers, a new Norwegian survey suggests. A research team led by Jon Anders Halvorsen, MD, of the department of dermatology ...
Obesity and acne: Overweight teen girls twice as likely to develop skin conditionToronto Star
Really? The Claim: Excess Weight Raises the Risk of AcneNew York Times (blog)
Overweight girls more prone to acneStuff.co.nz

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