Whiteheads and blackheads are caused by over-production of skin cells and the formation of a plug composed of keratin and sebum. They are not caused by dirt or poor hygiene.

In fact, over-cleansing can contribute to inflammation and the formation of pimples.

The plug is referred to by dermatologists and scientists as micro-comedo. The micro-comedo can become enlarged and form an open comedone or a closed comedone. An open comedone is commonly referred to as a blackhead. A closed comedone is referred to as a whitehead.

There are tools for extracting blackheads, but whiteheads are more difficult to deal with. Regular exfoliation may be beneficial, as long as it is not too vigorous. Scrubbing too much can cause tiny scratches that can become inflamed. Inflammation plays a role in most kinds of acne.

So what’s the best remedy for blackheads, whiteheads and acne? Traditional Ayurvedic healers would tell you to treat the problem from the outside in and from the inside out.

They would also advise that you should not use anything on your skin that you would not eat. Going with that line of thought, the alpha hydroxy acids, which are found in citrus fruits, may be beneficial. They can help to exfoliate or clean away the dead skin cells that would clog the pores.

One of the questions that researchers have looked at is this. Why is there an over-production of keratinized skin cells? The answer is not 100% clear, but they have a best guess.

Their best guess is that a hormone called IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) stimulates the over-production of keratinized cells. They can prove that this occurs in laboratory studies. IGF-1 also has effects deep within the pore (which is actually a hair follicle) that can lead to inflammation and deep the formation of deep cysts or boils.

IGF-1 levels are naturally higher during puberty and other times of growth. But, there is some reason to believe that the level of IGF-1 may be affected by diet and that the bovine IGF-1 found in milk may contribute to acne.

So, the latest dietary recommendations are to keep milk and dairy products to a minimum. There’s no need to cut them out completely. One cup of milk or one ounce of cheese per day is probably okay.

A number of studies indicate that reducing our intake of foods with a high-glycemic index could be important for controlling acne and reducing our risks of various life-threatening diseases. As those foods are digested, they trigger the release of IGF-1.

Dealing with acne can be difficult and may increase a person’s risk of depression. Many doctors are now suggesting a daily omega-3 fish oil supplement for their patients with acne. Not only does the supplement have natural anti-inflammatory activity, but it seems to be a natural anti-depressant, as well.

As you can see, there are many things that you can do to fight whiteheads, blackheads and acne, while staying in a good mood. Give some of the natural approaches a try and see what happens.

Maria’s passion is to share knowledge with others on the same homemade acne treatment that eliminated her acne, for life. For more great discoveries visit natural-acne-treatment-answers.com

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