Includes

Adolescent acne, hormonal acne, rosacea and couperose.

Description

Acne is an inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous follicle. Contributing factors include an oversecretion of sebum and androgens (hormones), as well as bacterial colonization of the follicles.

Rosacea, also known as couperose, is an incurable skin disease which is benign at first and manifests itself as chronic redness of the nose and cheeks, sometimes spreading to the chin and forehead. Small blood vessels, which are characteristic of varicose veins, are often visible in the affected areas.

From a naturopathic perspective, because the skin is an emunctory, meaning it eliminates body waste, acne is often considered a sign of abnormal elimination. When elimination organs (i.e. the liver, intestines and kidneys) are not functioning properly, toxins are eliminated through the skin, a process which is associated with several disorders, including eczema, psoriasis and some forms of acne.

Dietary Considerations

Avoid fats, soy and simple sugars (e.g. white and brown sugar, molasses and maple syrup).

Supplements

• DC 53
• DC 31
• DC 47
• Detoxification (use DC 26 & DC 13 together)

Note

• If your acne is hormonal (i.e. premenstrual), take DC 15.
• For an overburdened liver or problems digesting fats, take DC 26.
• In the case of rosacea (or couperose), digestive enzyme supplements are often helpful, such as DC 38.