Get Clear Skin Part 2
If you struggle with acne and no product or treatment seems to help, your hormones are likely a central factor. I mentioned in my last post, when your hormones are out of whack, your skin pays an unfortunate price. While we can’t stop our hormones from making these drastic shifts, there are some steps we CAN take to get them more under control and get our skin back in the clear!
Testing your Hormone Levels:
A simple first step in determining if your hormones are imbalanced is to visit your doctor and get tested. Your doctor or holistic practitioner can test your progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, DHEA and cortisol levels. I don’t recommend self-diagnosing, especially when it comes to your hormones, as there are many doctors and holistic practitioners that can help you go over your hormonal imbalances and find a solution to the problem.
One of my dear client’s, Doctor Marsha Nunley, has a great article on hormonal issues, and guess what? She is located in my building, and has a wealth of knowledge in this area. If you want more information about hormones and the roles they play in skin care, give her a call. Here’s what she has to say about hormones….
Diet:
There are a few foods that you should consider limiting from your diet that may help reduce the acne flare ups from hormonal fluctuations. Here are a few foods to avoid or consume in moderation: Sugar, dairy, shellfish, peanut products, fried foods…..Yes, fried foods, they make it on all Bad lists!
Sugar raises insulin levels which in turn promotes the over production of testosterone causing acne flare ups. Milk and dairy consumption is closely linked with acne (and many other skin and health problems) in part because of the hormones (including growth hormone) in dairy and because of the saturated fats. Shellfish (crab, lobster, shrimp, clams, oysters, and scallops) leads to hormonal acne because of its iodine content which, if consumed in large quantities, can make hormonal acne worse.
Consider adding more of the following anti-inflammatory and essential vitamins and foods into your diet to promote clear and glowing skin:
Tumeric, ginger, green tea, deep green leafy vegetables, nuts (except peanuts), omega 3, lacto-fermented foods for good digestion, zinc, Vitamins A, B, D and E, all types of berries, the darker the better, and salmon which is full of omega oils!
Stress Management:
A healthy diet will certainly help to balance your hormones and get you on the path to clear skin, however, if you are plagued with stress and anxiety, your positive efforts may face a setback. Stress elevates cortisol levels which in turn depletes other important minerals that help control acne. This leads to more breakouts, which leads to more stress. It’s a vicious cycle. Finding a way to manage your stress is key. Here are a few suggestions: Yoga, exercise, meditation, therapy, regular chats with good friends, mindful breathing.
Exercise:
Get your body moving. Exercise promotes vital blood circulation, helps to flush out toxins and will reduce stress and help balance your hormones.
You’ve learned here that acne is not merely skin deep. Adopt a few of these hormone balancing tips and healthy, glowing skin will be well within your reach.
Do you suffer from acne? Have you noticed acne after eating s\certain foods? Please comment on Facebook and Twitter I would love to hear from you.