Why do adolescence and hormonal imbalances lead to the blossoming of these acne pimples that are bothersome in everyday life? Certain fats, which unfortunately tend to be rigid, clog the pores of the skin. These blocked pores promote the proliferation of bacteria and the development of severe local inflammation: the bacteria can even destroy the white blood cells that defend us, which, once dead, transform into pus.
Why and how do fats clog the pores?
When a large amount of fat cells circulate in the blood, they pass through the skin, making it oily, and due to their rigidity, they clog the pores. Several factors contribute to the increased circulation of fats in the blood.
The rise of androgens
Androgens are male hormones whose secretion increases during adolescence in boys, but also in girls to a lesser extent, and during certain hormonal disorders such as ovarian cysts. This increase is associated with an increase in energy potential and results in a rapid release of fat reserves stored in adipose tissue. It is noradrenaline, the stress mediator, that allows this release of fats from reserves (lipolysis). This explains why stress, which is expressed by the rise in noradrenaline, can be enough to trigger an acne breakout. Japanese researcher Yagi has shown that not only does noradrenaline release fats from reserves, but it also promotes the entry of iron into skin cells. However, iron promotes inflammatory processes and the proliferation of bacteria that use it as a growth factor to multiply.
Excessive eating habits
Excessive eating habits can also lead to oily skin, especially on the face. Stress and hormonal changes during adolescence increase appetite, especially for energy-rich and relaxing foods like fats and fast sugars. These latter transform into circulating fats, triglycerides, in the liver, which easily reach the surface of the skin. The fats that cause acne are primarily saturated fats: butter, cheese, deli meats and fatty meats, fried foods, palm oil, palm kernel oil, or peanut oil. Indeed, it is these saturated fats that are rigid, flow poorly, clog pores, and also promote inflammation. In contrast, monounsaturated fats from olive oil (omega-9), avocado, almonds, and polyunsaturated fats (omega-6 and omega-3) are fluid. The most fluid and anti-inflammatory fats are omega-3 fatty acids. Among the most desaturated fats is a specific omega-6 fatty acid, which is poorly synthesized in most of us, especially in times of stress: gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
Tips for improving skin problems
Reduce consumption of saturated fats and increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids such as rapeseed oil (for seasoning) and fatty fish. In the case of acne, it is useful to supplement with a rich omega-3 complex containing ALA, EPA, and DHA. Take a 3-month course, to be renewed.
Gamma-linolenic acid can be found in evening primrose oil, but this is not a commonly consumed oil. To improve GLA intake, it is ideal to take a dietary supplement based on evening primrose oil.
Dermatologists have long known that zinc supplementation is necessary for acne. Indeed, it reduces iron absorption, participates in the internal production of gamma-linolenic acid, and has anti-inflammatory properties. This zinc should be in a bioavailable form, meaning it is well absorbed and usable by skin cells. Studies using radioactive markers show that the best form of zinc in this regard is zinc citrate.
It is advisable to protect omega-3 fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid and enhance their anti-inflammatory effects by avoiding sun exposure and taking an antioxidant complex containing vitamin E, carotenoids (especially beta-carotene and lycopene), vitamin C, and selenium.
Finally, it is interesting to supplement your therapeutic toolkit with Burdock, a plant recognized for millennia as protective of the skin. Scientifically known as Arctium Lappa, burdock has been the subject of numerous studies, which have validated its anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
According to a text written by Dr. Jean Paul Curtay, a physician and nutritherapist.