Acne

Acne is a common skin inflammatory condition afflicting people of all ages. There are a variety of internal and external causes of acne and delaying medical treatment can cause the development of scars and psychological damage. Acne can be controlled by external treatments; however it can rarely be eliminated. Active skin treatment, nutrition and lifestyle modifications may be necessary for the patient’s long-term health. The Naturopathic Doctors at the Nardella Clinic in Calgary focus both on the internal and external basis of acne treatment.

Breakouts are largely influenced by our daily lifestyles and physiology. In the lifestyle of the Western world; nutritional voids, stress, and hormonal imbalances exist. Acne lies in the result of our modern diet and lifestyle habits. We simply do not eat enough of the right foods. Also, some patients have difficulty appropriately utilizing nutrients. Detoxification, digestive problems and metabolism of essential fatty acids all pose long-term risk to our health and are of an immediate concern when it comes the treatment of acne.

The commonly occurring foods in the average diet have a high glycemic index and can spike blood sugar levels and insulin release; significant players in the production of sebum (oil) that can clog the follicles, folliculitis. Excess intake of saturated fats and dietary sugars provoke inflammation of the follicle. High iodide content in many foods can aggravate the skin and promote acne. When working with one of our naturopathic doctors, daily nutritional intake is measured, assessed, and adjusted based on a patient’s individual dietary needs.

Androgenic hormones, such as testosterone, are a significant factor in the development of acne because of their ability to produce sebum in both males and females. Stress is a known contributor to the production of testosterone. The naturopathic doctors at our Calgary clinic can help to recommend tests and treatments to help control an individual’s particular hormone levels.

Inflammation can be connected to all chronic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and even acne. Hydrogenated trans and saturated fats and dietary sugars also found in Western diets are among the largest contributors to the growing negative influence of inflammation on health. The over consumption of omega-6 fatty acids (e.g. Corn, safflower, and sunflower oils) has been proven to promote inflammation. Conversely, omega-3s have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Fish oils may be prescribed to a patient battling acne.

The Nardella Clinic in Calgary emphasizes the importance of a healthy intestinal tract. The bacteria inherent to healthy micro flora enormously influence the immune system by preventing toxins and unwanted materials from entering the bloodstream. The micro flora in our colons can diminish levels of inflammation and directly affect our skin. Colon hydrotherapy is available at the clinic as a means of flushing excess toxins from our intestinal tract, thus regenerating and maintaining a healthy environment for good bacteria.

External care and maintenance of acne is equally as important for producing and maintaining healthy looking skin. Sunlight, climate, friction, industrial factors, and cosmetics are all environmental contributors of acne. These forces can be mitigated through Ultrasonic facials (Dermasounds), alpha hydroxy acids, and a variety of other effective products and treatments provided by the naturopathic clinic in Calgary.

As clinical skin care experts, our naturopathic doctors have a deep interest in successfully treating acne. We maintain a successful track record in restoring healthy skin and decreasing the long-term negative influences of systemic inflammation for our acne patients.

Acne can be a traumatic and disfiguring condition, impacting self esteem and confidence, causing countless hours trying to manage and camouflage this condition. Unfortunately, it is not just limited to the awkward teen years. With genetics, hormones, environment, diet, sun exposure and stress, acne can be an issue throughout life. At the Nardella clinic, through diet and supplementation, our naturopathic doctors address the internal causes of acne, while our Dermasound Facials work to control the outward expression of acne in conjunction with the Glymed Plus line of homecare acne products. Ultimate success with acne results from the balance of internal and external factors influencing acne, which are both treated at this naturopathic clinic in Calgary.