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[Sippi2008]

I have never had any problems with pimples or acne but I find that when i start training harder, i get a brake-out. Is this just temporary or is there something i can do to avoid this???

[swanso5]

something hormonal maybe...try a naturopth but Katie might know something, she's great with stuff like this

[katiesuarez]

Well, a clean, well-balanced diet and plenty of water is always a good place to start. If you already have that covered, then you could consider the possibility that it is hormonal. It sounds like it if you have flare-ups only since you have been lifting, of course, I definitely would not make a diagnosis. That would be up to your doctor. I would avoid harsh OTC treatments like Benzoyl Peroxide, which is very aging on the skin. Pure tea tree oil would be good. Try diluting a few drops in some clean water and apply it only to the affected areas. Here are a few other things that may help:

Vitex (Chasteberry) is an excellent hormone balancer for both men and women.

Burdock Root (Arctium lappa) works as a blood purifier. It is good for detoxification and elimination, plus it also balances hormones.

Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale) supports hepatic function. It is a detoxifier.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) works the same as dandelion, but it is a bit more aggressive. It can have some pretty severe side effects such as nausea, cold sweats, fever, etc…

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is an anti-inflammatory and it soothes the nervous system.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is good if your acne is stress related.

Vitamin A reduces sebum production. You have to be very careful, as this is toxic in high doses. I would never recommend an A supplement. It is better to get this from things like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots, etc…

Selenium can help reduce inflammation. Brazil nuts are one of the best sources.

Zinc reduces build-up of DHT. It also promotes skin healing. You can find it in lamb, oysters, turkey, etc…

Vitamin E enhances the benefits of A and selenium. You can find this in nuts, seeds, oils, legumes, avocados, etc…If you are going to supplement with E, make sure you get the natural form which is d-alpha-tocopherol. Do not get dl-alpha-tocopherol (note the L after the D) which is synthetic and less potent.

EFAs are like wonder drugs. They have such positive effects on so many areas, everyone should take them. Here are a few examples: Brain development, hormone synthesis, immune function, improve circulation, kidney function, energy production, mood balancer, anti-inflammatory, nerve transmission, skin, nail and hair health, etc…

My sister used to have really bad acne as a teenager. Hers was caused by over-washing and dryness.

I myself have never had an acne problem other than the occasional blemish when I get my monthly visitor, but I did have very dry skin. Even though I was drinking a gallon of water and taking 2g of fish oil daily, I still had really dry skin. I never had this problem until early 2005, which was around the same time my doctor put me on four new prescriptions for migraines. It seemed no matter how much moisturizer I used, I was still too dry and it made me look older. In mid-to-late 2006, I took an interest in naturopathy and holistic medicine. I started with four weeks of milk thistle. After that, I increased my fish oil to 6g and added 2 Tbsp of flaxseed to my diet daily, and I began supplementing with L-Carnitine, grapeseed extract and dandelion root. Within two months, I was off all of my migraine medications and I haven’t taken anything for them since. I haven’t taken any OTCs for anything either. My skin also improved. It felt softer and looked brighter. It wasn’t so dull and dry anymore. You would be amazed as to how medications, prescription and OTC, can change your body chemistry.

Please do some research and seek help from a licensed professional before taking any supplements. Even though you can get them without a prescription, some of them can be harmful, even fatal. I hope this helps and best of luck to you.

[Boss Man]

Too true on the Meds.

People have been getting issues using stuff like Accutane, and it is VERY strong by all accounts.

Selenium is also an immune booster to some extent, however it should be noted that it might be advisable NOT to supplement with Selenium, as Selenium intake per day, above 400-450mcg's can cause Selenosis, and you do not want that, as it can affect mental and renal functions, cause brittle nails, fever, dizziness, baldness, etc etc, and also could contribute to Oxydative Stress, where the body either has lower anti-oxidants, or high Free Radical production, contributing to greater free radical damage to Cells.

Selenosis can in certain circumstances, (though probably severe ones), be fatal.

Nuts will work, but don't forget some Legumes will be okay, as can Seafood, Liver, Kidney, Pork, possibly Chicken and Beef, and also Wheat and Bread have good amounts too.

In the case of Zinc that also works as an immune booster too.

For inflammation, Quercetin also works quite well. Red Peppers, Red Onions, and Apples can be useful, especially for the Anti-Histamine functions, if you suffer from allergies.

You could also look up Krill Oil, if you want an alternative to Fish Oil.

[timtimtimmah19]

How bad is salicylic acid in respect to premature aging? This is the first I've heard of BP causing aging, and I've been using it for a while now :-\...I know a lot of other stuff contains SA so is that any better or is it more of the same pretty much?

[cheergirl]

I have a dermatoligist. I started out out with nasty pimples all over my face. now i take a pill and put stuff on my face every night and now all is clear.