How Can the Immune System Affect Acne?

Zinc and Acne

Studies show that zinc can be used to treat acne because it boosts the immune system. Since the immune system protects every part of the body, it will also protect our skin from acne. Zinc is also responsible for the functioning of white blood cells. If we lack zinc in our bodies, the white blood cells? functionality decreases. When this happens, the production of thymic hormones is reduced. Any imbalance in hormones will also contribute to the growth of acne. It is proven that taking zinc supplements will not only boost the immune system, but eliminate acne as well.

White Blood Cells and Acne

Do you know that white blood cells play an important role in fighting against bacteria-caused infections? At the same time, it is also responsible for balancing hormonal levels that affect the condition of our skin. Therefore, when white blood cells do not function properly, there?s a big chance that we will develop skin problems such as acne. Because zinc helps in the proper functioning of white blood cells, it?s advisable to take zinc supplements on a daily basis. You can opt for a multivitamin that contains only 15 mg of zinc.

Immune System Disorders

The immune system greatly influences our health. That?s why it is important that we are well-informed about it. There are two types of disorders that can affect our immune system, and they are:

1. Immunodeficiency ? immune system cannot recognize the bad cells that cause diseases, so it does not work to destroy them.
2. Auto immunity ? the immune system experiences hyper activity. When this happens, the immune system not only destroys the bad cells but the good cells as well.

What affects our immune system?

There are a lot of factors that can contribute to an immune system malfunction. These factors may include one or more of the following:

• Antibiotics (used for a long period of time or misuse)
• Emotional stress and disturbance
• Genetic makeup
• Unhealthy lifestyle
• Pollution and environmental toxins

It is always wise to practice safe and healthy habits to maintain a healthy immune system, which will in turn give you a healthy mind and body. Read more about the immune system and acne in Unhindered Living, Mnwelldir.org, and Natren.com.

Labels: acne, blood, dirty skin, iummune system, zinc

10 Ways to Keep Your Skin Healthy

1. Wash your face regularly.

   It is very important that you keep your face clean regularly, especially before going to bed. If you don?t wash your face before bedtime, all the bacteria, dirt, and dust you?ve gathered throughout the day will stick to your pillow and sheets. Thus, it will aggravate the acne and cause it to spread.

2. Change your pillow cases.

   It may be true that you always wash your face before you sleep. However, if you don?t shower before going to bed, dirt from your hair will spread to your pillow. If that?s the case, make sure you replace your pillow cases regularly. This may sound like common sense, but a lot of people often forget to change their pillows until after a few months. Make sure you replace your pillow cases at least twice a month. Sometimes, when you go home, you?re already too tired to take a shower, especially if you just came from a party. If you are a smoker, then make sure that you change your pillow the next day. Chances are, your hair will gather all the smoke, dust, and dirt from the party and spread them to your pillow.

3. Stop the habit of touching your face.

   Some people are not aware that they touch their faces very often. Sometimes, when you?re stressed, you tend to touch your forehead. There are also people who love picking at spots and pimples. Put an end to the bad habit. If you can?t help but touch your face, you have to keep your hands clean all the time. But if you touch a lot of things during your daily activities, like handle a lot of paper work, or work in a factory, etc., it will be best to get rid of your bad habit instead.

4. Eat healthy.

   It is important that you go on a proper diet if you want a healthy skin. You have to try to eat as little junk food as possible, but if you can?t control yourself, make sure you add lots of vegetables and fruits to your daily meals.

5. Drink lots of water.

   Drinking water is a very basic way to stay healthy, but then again, this is something people often take for granted. It?s always best to drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Your body should be well-hydrated at all times. When you work out or sweat, make sure you drink more water to replace the fluid you?ve lost.

6. Avoid unhealthy sunlight.

   Sunlight is healthy if it?s not between 10 am and 4 pm. If you want to bathe in the sun, do it early in the morning. The sunlight after 10 am is bad for our skin, so make sure that you apply sun block if you?ll have to be under the sun during those hours.

7. Work out.

   Exercise is very important as it helps increase blood flow. It also allows oxygen to circulate throughout your body, which will in turn keep the skin healthy and vibrant.

8. Avoid heavy makeup.

   Makeup contains many different kinds of chemicals. If you put on too much make up everyday, your face will get irritated and acne will develop.

9. Always wear moisturizer.

   Even though you have oily skin, there are moisturizers that are specifically made for your skin type. Remember that your skin needs moisture so that it can stay supple and young.

10. Get enough sleep.

    Although it is true that you will sleep less as you age, it?s still best to have 8 hours of sleep daily if you want to keep your skin healthy. If you don?t get enough sleep, it will dry up your skin.

Labels: acne, diet, exercise, makeup, moisturizer, sleep, sunlight, wash, water

How Antioxidants Help in Acne Treatment

Natural Sources of Antioxidants

To increase the antioxidants in our body, there are a number of natural resources that we can eat. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants. Coffee and tea are also great sources of antioxidants.

Antioxidant Vitamins

Aside from natural sources, we can also get enough antioxidants from vitamins. The popular vitamins rich in antioxidants are Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Vitamin A, and minerals like Selenium and Zinc. These are all great sources of antioxidants. Vitamins combined with glycolic acid will give you double the protection from free radicals or the process of oxidation.

Topical Antioxidants

Though antioxidants can be taken orally, there are also topical antioxidants that can greatly benefit your skin. The problem with taking antioxidants orally is that it will spread to the whole body and skin, and the receiving areas will only get about 1% of the ingested antioxidant as its share. Applying topical antioxidants will greatly benefit your body as it will go directly to your skin. It will aid in the balancing of free radicals and prevent the UV destruction of cells. The pulp of fruits and vegetables can be used as topical antioxidants. Keep your skin healthy by applying oils like sesame, coconut, and olive oil. You will benefit from applying these oils in small quantities. You can mix it with water before you apply it to your oily skin. These oils can also be used for your face as all skin types need to be moisturized to keep it supple. Just let it sit for three minutes and then wash it away with a medicated soap. Make sure that you get rid of all the oil on your face.

Labels: acne, antioxidants, diet