Vitamins for Acne
Besides coming in for Acupuncture to help clear dampness and heat from the skin (as well as strengthening the Lung energy, which controls the skin under the 5 element theory), below are a list of recommended daily Vitamins you may consider:
- Multivitamins and minerals daily
- Vitamin C – 500 to 1000 mg daily is essential for healthy collagen
- Vitamin E – 200 to 400 IU daily enhances healing
- Chromium – 400 to 600 mcg daily aids in reducing infections of the skin
- Zinc – 45 to 60 mg daily is important for healthy skin
- Selenium – 100 to 200 mcg daily encourages tissue elasticity and is a powerful antioxidant
- Vitamin B6 is helpful for premenstrual acne, also take 50 mg B-complex before and during preneustrual flare-ups
- Homeopathic silica reduces pus formation
- Vitex and saw palmetto alleviates hormone-related acne
- Kombucha tea, which has antibacterial and immune-boosting properties, has been found by many people to be beneficial for acne.
Foods for Acne
(please also see foods to remove dampness, and foods to clear heat )
- Make sure the diet contains an adequate amount of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dietary fiber
- Other foods: squash, cucumbers, watermelon, winter melon, celery, carrots, cabbage, beet tops, dandelions, aloe vera, mulberry leaves, carrot tops, lettuce, potatoes, cherries, papaya, pears, persimmons, raspberries, buckwheat, alfalfa sprouts, millet, brown rice, mung beans, and plenty of water (3-4 L daily)
- Increase intake of foods with oxalic acid, including almonds, beets, cashews, and swiss chard
- Avoid high fat foods, junk foods, fried foods, processed foods, saturated fats, refined carbs, sugar, caffeine, chocolate, citrus fruits, oily foods, spicy foods, alcohol, smoking, ice cream, soft drinks
ALSO: try meditation to help with stress
*Thanks to the Acupuncture Desk Reference 2nd edition for information on this page
