Journey Through Acne Stages and Its Holistic Treatment
Facing Acne Head-on?
Have you had enough of relying on chemicals or concealers to handle your acne? At Complete Balance, we believe in an all-encompassing approach to treating acne, focusing on TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) treatments and lifestyle modifications. This strategy enables you to achieve a blemish-free complexion that tackles the issue both on the surface and from within.
Acne is a prevalent skin disorder globally, causing distress from adolescence through to adulthood. It’s a persistent skin condition, triggered by the blockage of hair follicles due to dead skin cells and skin oil, leading to inflammation. Symptoms such as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, scarring, and oily skin are common, primarily affecting the face, chest, and back.
The main instigator of acne is a bacterium known as Propionibacterium acne, found in our sebaceous glands. Usually, it grows slowly and lives harmoniously within us. However, in anaerobic conditions, like when a hair follicle is blocked and oxygen is absent, they multiply quickly and ignite inflammation. To sum up, the following four factors must be addressed during the stages of acne development:
– Control facial oil production
– Prevent hair follicle blockages
– Diminish inflammation at the onset
– Eradicate inflammation-triggered infection
A young girl with problematic skin. Pictures taken before and after acne treatment.
How does TCM assist in acne management?
Given the plethora of products available for acne-prone skin, choosing the most effective one to reduce, eliminate, or prevent acne can be challenging. So, how can we, your Complete Balance team, support you in your battle against acne?
Step 1: Comprehensive TCM Evaluation
Our TCM practitioners will conduct an exhaustive assessment to pinpoint your acne’s underlying cause. While many acne products endorse external treatments like creams or salves, acne is often caused by internal imbalances due to stress, diet, and lifestyle. An in-depth evaluation from a TCM practitioner will help determine your acne’s exact origin.
Step 2: Tailored Treatment Regimen
After establishing your TCM diagnosis, you will receive a treatment regimen customized to your specific needs. Depending on the diagnosis, treatments may include acupuncture, herbal formulas, lymphatic drainage, and lifestyle modifications to correct internal imbalances.
Step 3: Medicinal Diet
It’s well known that our diet impacts our health, including our skin. Identifying and avoiding foods that can exacerbate your acne is crucial, complementing the treatments.
Step 4: Sustainable Lifestyle
Does everything end once your acne improves? Certainly not! Maintaining your skin’s health and preventing future outbreaks will help manage your acne for years to come. Engaging a fitness trainer and psychotherapist to establish regular exercise routines and stress management for a healthier lifestyle will ensure lasting results.
A young athletic woman practicing Yoga in cobra pose with her dog at home.
What are some lifestyle tips you can implement today?
Due to lifestyle, diet, and stress factors, acne incidence has been rising. The resultant appearance can cause anxiety, decreased self-esteem, and in extreme cases, depression. Here are some tips to combat acne and maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle:
– Acne is a mind-body issue. Make minor changes to maintain a positive mindset and healthy lifestyle.
– Emotional stress, fatigue, and late nights can exacerbate or trigger a recurrence of the condition.
– Patience is key. Skin regeneration takes 21-27 days. Acne treatment requires consistency and patience for improvement.
– Avoid spicy, oily foods and sweets as they can stimulate more oil production, leading to more acne.
– Consume foods high in Vitamin A like carrots, leafy vegetables (cooked, not raw, as Vitamin A is fat-soluble), and bean products like tofu, soybean milk (rich in estrogen).
– Eat plenty of vegetables to ensure regular and smooth bowel movements.
– Choose facial cleansing products based on your skin type. Avoid products that excessively control oil secretion, which may result in skin dryness.
– Refrain from squeezing blemishes or using aggressive products. Allow your skin to heal naturally.
– When using cosmetics, avoid those that block pores whenever possible.
