"All of the products on progressivehealth.com are formulated with quality in mind. Our team of naturopathic physicians closely analyzed each formula to find the best balance of effective ingredients. I personally take Advecia for hair maintenance, Acktiva coral calcium for long term health, and Balance Point Multivitamin to help fulfill my daily nutritional needs."
Acne is caused by sebaceous glands at the base of the hair follicles on the
skin most of the time. When sebaceous gland makes too much sebum, which is an
oily substance released from the pores to keep the skin lubricated and healthy,
the gland becomes clogged and forms hard plugs that block the pores. The result
of this blocking is acne.
Hormonal imbalances are common cause of an overproduction of sebum. This is
mainly seen in adolescence, but can happen at any time. Menstrual periods and
pregnancy can also create hormone imbalances that can lead to too much sebum in
the skin causing breakouts.
Other triggers that can cause hormonal level changes are emotional stress,
irritation on the skin, medications such as steroids, some birth controls and
any other medications that can change hormone levels. Other things that can
bring on acne are certain food or food allergies.
To help prevent your pores from becoming clogged there are many useful herbs
that can be used. Here is a list of herbs that can be used:
Tea Tree Oil - known as an effective acne fighter as well. It has been
shown to be as effective as benzoyl peroxide in treating acne, with less
drying, stinging and redness
Gum Guggul - has also shown to help with inflammation, one clinical
study showed gum guggul to be as effective as tetracycline
Aloe Gel - has astringent and antibacterial properties and is applied
topically
Calendula - promotes healing of skin tissues. It is available in many
creams, it can be used as part of a facial or with steam
Lavender - used to relieve inflammation
Rosewater - is applied topically for pain and inflammation
Walnut Leaf - is used as an astringent face wash
Witch Hazel - has antibacterial and astringent properties
Echinacea - taken internally promotes healing and reduces inflammation
Goldenseal - is an antimicrobial that can stop oozing
Burdock Root and Dandelion - both contain insulin which can improve skin
by removing bacteria
Milk Thistle - helps remove excess hormones through the stool by
stimulating bile production
Acne responds well when a combination of herbs are used. It is important to
take herbs internally and externally to help combat clogged pores. The reason
being skin needs to treated from the inside out. The best herbs to use topically
are Tea Tree Oil, Lavender and Calendula, while the best herbs to take
internally are Milk Thistle and Dandelion.
Herbal Supplement for Acne
Progressive Health does carry
an all natural supplement called
Actimine
that does contain the herb Gum Guggul. It also contains other vitamins and
minerals that are your best defense against acne. The ingredients include Gum
Guggul mentioned above along with some other acne specific supplements:
Vitamin A- Vitamin A has been shown to reduce sebum
production and the buildup of keratin in the follicle. Vitamin A is more
effective when used in conjunction with Vitamin E and Zinc.
Selenium and Vitamin E- When there is a Vitamin E
deficiency in your body, your levels of Vitamin A will stay low, no matter
how much you are supplementing into your diet. When Vitamin E is restored to
the diet, Vitamin A levels normalize- this is why it is important to use
these vitamins in combination.
Vitamin E - is important for its interactions with
Selenium, which is an important antioxidant trace mineral. Selenium has been
shown to have a function in the enzyme glutathione perozidase. This enzyme
plays a crucial role in preventing acne inflammation. Those who experience
acne usually have low levels of glutathione perozidase. After supplementing
Vitamin E and Selenium into your diet, acne can be significantly diminished.
Zinc- Zinc is a very important nutrient for the health of
the skin. Zinc is involved in the proper metabolism of testosterone. When
zinc levels are low, there is an increase in the conversion of testosterone
to DHT. It is known that DHT stimulates the manufacture of sebum and keratin
which are primary factors in causing acne. Only certain forms of zinc have
proven to be effective. These include effervescent zinc and zinc gluconate.
Methylsulfonyl Methane- Has been shown to improve the
permeability of cell walls which allows nutrients to flow in and out of
cells with ease. This helps deliver nutrients to the cells and dispose of
wastes.
Gum Guggul Ext.- Studies have shown that Guggul Ext can
effectively help with nodulocyctic acne. A study with 20 patients showed
that Guggul is more effective that Tetracycline.
To learn more about Actimine and its benefits
click here.
