Acne is a skin ailment in which the sebaceous glands become inflamed. Acne generally begins to manifest during adolescence and is caused by over activity of the sebaceous glands.
The sebum produced by the glands cannot escape because the hair follicles become blocked by keratin. The keratin blockage becomes black, forming blackheads.
85% of the population aged between 12 and 25 are affected by acne and the most commonly afflicted group is pubescent boys. The second most commonly afflicted group is women aged 20 - 40. Acne is the most prevalent skin ailment in the western world.
Some aspects of acne are hereditary.
An excessive consumption of dietary fats (especially the trans-fatty acids) may cause acne by increasing sebum production. A high intake of margarine can cause acne as most margarine contain trans fatty acids.
Brewer's yeast has been found to be useful for the treatment of acne. In one double blind clinical study it was found that in more than 80% of the former patients, the condition was considered to be healed or considerably improved, abstract at the end of this article.
Some aspects of acne are hereditary.
An excessive consumption of dietary fats (especially the trans-fatty acids) may cause acne by increasing sebum production. A high intake of margarine can cause acne as most margarine contain trans fatty acids.
Brewer's yeast has been found to be useful for the treatment of acne. In one double blind clinical study it was found that in more than 80% of the former patients, the condition was considered to be healed or considerably improved, abstract at the end of this article.
Vitamins that have been found helpful include:
Folic Acid
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B3 oral and topical
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B6
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin A deficiency can be a cause, however the high doses required to help should only be considered under proper supervision as the dose can be potentially toxic
Minerals that have been found helpful include:
Chromium
Selenium
Silicon
Zinc orally and topically.
Silver orally and topically.
Calcium and/or a Potassium deficiency can be a contributing factor
Lipids that have been found helpful include:
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (LNA)
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)
Lauric Acid
Jersey Foodstate Nutritional Support Program:
Multi Antioxidant with Co-Q10 + Zinc
EFA (essential fatty acid comlex)
(The multi vit/mineral and multi antioxidant contain many of the recommended nutrients including Vit.D/Vit.E/Folic acid/Selenium/Chromium/Zinc & Calcium)
Foods and Herbs that have been found helpful include:
Saccharomyces cerevisiae and brewer's yeast may be useful for the treatment of acne.
Propolis (tincture or ointment applied topically)
Aloe Vera (gel applied topically)
Burdock
Calendula (Marigold)
Chaparral
Chaste Berry
Goldenseal (applied topically)
Green Tea (extract cream applied topically and tea consumed)
Fish Oils
Flax Seed Oil
Lavender (oil applied topically)
Neem Oil (applied topically)
Oregano Oil (applied topically)
Tea Tree Oil (applied topically)
Fenugreek Seeds (crushed as a tea)
Grapefruit Seed Extract (applied topically)
Rye Sprouts (concentrated extracts of Rye Sprouts applied topically)
Peer-Reviewed Professional Journal
· Weber, G., et al. [Treatment of acne with a yeast preparation]. Fortschr Med. 107(26):563-566, 1989.
In a randomized, controlled double-blind study involving 139 patients with various forms of acne, the effectiveness and tolerance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 (Perenterol - Saccharomyces cerevisiae, not killed, but living in a lyophilized form) was studied in comparison with a placebo over a maximum period of five months.
The results of therapy were assessed by the physician as very good/good in 74.3% of the patients receiving the preparation, as compared with 21.7% in the placebo group. In more than 80% of the former patients, the condition was considered to be healed or considerably improved, while the corresponding figure for the placebo group was only 26%.
Seasonal differences in the effect of treatment with Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 were not observed. Side effects leading to a premature discontinuation of the test were seen neither in the test substance group nor in that receiving placebo. The therapeutic efficacy of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 makes this systemic form of therapy an alternative that is becoming more and more widely accepted by acne patients.