You'll get a lot of different opinions on here, so here's a brief rundown of possible things you can google or search the boards for

SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)

Hypochloridia (low stomach acid)

Inadequate gut flora (probiotics)

Candida or other fungal problems

Not eating processed foods is a great start. May I also suggest cutting out dairy if you haven't already. Dr. Hyman has some great research on the dairy-acne link.

You'll get a lot of different opinions on here, so here's a brief rundown of possible things you can google or search the boards for

SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)

Hypochloridia (low stomach acid)

Inadequate gut flora (probiotics)

Candida or other fungal problems

Not eating processed foods is a great start. May I also suggest cutting out dairy if you haven't already. Dr. Hyman has some great research on the dairy-acne link.

 

This is interesting. I did a web search of all of these, yet I do not seem to have any of the associated symptoms. This may be a vague statement, but overall I feel pretty healthy. Is there some kind of test I can take which will reveal disorders like these and others?

Also, I did forget to mention that I do not consume much dairy at all.

I have noticed that I eat many grains (usually whole grain) such as pita, rice, bread, and pasta. Would elimination of grains or gluten help my skin?

I think your problem is mostly under control. It's just that blackheads don't just go away as there's nothing to heal. They have to exfoliate away, or you can extract them. I recommend oil cleansing. Massage grapeseed, safflower, hemp or whatever blended with a little castor oil for a while, then wipe clean with a warm damp cloth. Some people have claimed seeing their blackheads pop out. I never did, but doing this is the best method I've found to control my blackheads. Make sure it's a good oil. Those PUFAs are prone to rancidity, and most of the oils in the average store are suspect. Buy food grade. If you are in the U.S., I recommend Napa Valley Naturals (or Organics, I can never remmember the name) from Whole Foods. Whatever you get, it should be fresh and in a dark bottle. Store in the fridge. Info on the benefits of high linoleic acid content oils: http://www.acne.org/messageboard/index.php/topic/314390-acne-prone-skinsebum-deficient-in-linoleic-acid-possible-topical-solution/

Keep up the good diet, sleep well, get outside into the light daily, move around a lot daily, etc.. Hopefully you replaced all the processed and sugary foods with nutrient dense foods.

Hi- what is your lifestyle like? Are your sleep cycles regular? Do you have a lot of stress in your life? How often do you exercise, and when you do, do you wash your face right after? Do you smoke or drink? Even though you avoid things like soda, processed foods and white bread: do you eat lots of veggies and fruits and consume a lot of water???

I think your problem is mostly under control. It's just that blackheads don't just go away as there's nothing to heal. They have to exfoliate away, or you can extract them. I recommend oil cleansing. Massage grapeseed, safflower, hemp or whatever blended with a little castor oil for a while, then wipe clean with a warm damp cloth. Some people have claimed seeing their blackheads pop out. I never did, but doing this is the best method I've found to control my blackheads. Make sure it's a good oil. Those PUFAs are prone to rancidity, and most of the oils in the average store are suspect. Buy food grade. If you are in the U.S., I recommend Napa Valley Naturals (or Organics, I can never remmember the name) from Whole Foods. Whatever you get, it should be fresh and in a dark bottle. Store in the fridge. Info on the benefits of high linoleic acid content oils: http://www.acne.org/...pical-solution/

Keep up the good diet, sleep well, get outside into the light daily, move around a lot daily, etc.. Hopefully you replaced all the processed and sugary foods with nutrient dense foods.

 

Thanks I will try this. But there isn't a way internally that could possibly stop non-inflammatory acne from forming?

Hi- what is your lifestyle like? Are your sleep cycles regular? Do you have a lot of stress in your life? How often do you exercise, and when you do, do you wash your face right after? Do you smoke or drink? Even though you avoid things like soda, processed foods and white bread: do you eat lots of veggies and fruits and consume a lot of water???

 

My sleep is fairly normal and I do have some stress. I used to exercise frequently, but it had no effect on my acne and I always washed my face after. I drink but do not smoke. I definitely consume a lot of water but I could certainly eat veggies and fruit more often.

There are lots of ways you can alter your diet and lifestyle, and herbs you can consume, to reduce overall inflammation. You might find Dr. Weil's Anti-Inflammatory Diet a good read.

I think your problem is mostly under control. It's just that blackheads don't just go away as there's nothing to heal. They have to exfoliate away, or you can extract them. I recommend oil cleansing. Massage grapeseed, safflower, hemp or whatever blended with a little castor oil for a while, then wipe clean with a warm damp cloth. Some people have claimed seeing their blackheads pop out. I never did, but doing this is the best method I've found to control my blackheads. Make sure it's a good oil. Those PUFAs are prone to rancidity, and most of the oils in the average store are suspect. Buy food grade. If you are in the U.S., I recommend Napa Valley Naturals (or Organics, I can never remmember the name) from Whole Foods. Whatever you get, it should be fresh and in a dark bottle. Store in the fridge. Info on the benefits of high linoleic acid content oils: http://www.acne.org/...pical-solution/

Keep up the good diet, sleep well, get outside into the light daily, move around a lot daily, etc.. Hopefully you replaced all the processed and sugary foods with nutrient dense foods.

 

Thanks I will try this. But there isn't a way internally that could possibly stop non-inflammatory acne from forming?

Hi- what is your lifestyle like? Are your sleep cycles regular? Do you have a lot of stress in your life? How often do you exercise, and when you do, do you wash your face right after? Do you smoke or drink? Even though you avoid things like soda, processed foods and white bread: do you eat lots of veggies and fruits and consume a lot of water???

 

My sleep is fairly normal and I do have some stress. I used to exercise frequently, but it had no effect on my acne and I always washed my face after. I drink but do not smoke. I definitely consume a lot of water but I could certainly eat veggies and fruit more often.

 

Sounds like you have mild acne- so if you could, I would take an anti-inflammatory (like fish oil) supplement, eat more fruits and veggies....limit alcohol consumption (definitely, as it puts a strain on the liver), and cut out WHEAT as much as you can, as it is an inflammatory substance. Be strict and check back in a few weeks.

I think your problem is mostly under control. It's just that blackheads don't just go away as there's nothing to heal. They have to exfoliate away, or you can extract them. I recommend oil cleansing. Massage grapeseed, safflower, hemp or whatever blended with a little castor oil for a while, then wipe clean with a warm damp cloth. Some people have claimed seeing their blackheads pop out. I never did, but doing this is the best method I've found to control my blackheads. Make sure it's a good oil. Those PUFAs are prone to rancidity, and most of the oils in the average store are suspect. Buy food grade. If you are in the U.S., I recommend Napa Valley Naturals (or Organics, I can never remmember the name) from Whole Foods. Whatever you get, it should be fresh and in a dark bottle. Store in the fridge. Info on the benefits of high linoleic acid content oils: http://www.acne.org/...pical-solution/

Keep up the good diet, sleep well, get outside into the light daily, move around a lot daily, etc.. Hopefully you replaced all the processed and sugary foods with nutrient dense foods.

 

Thanks I will try this. But there isn't a way internally that could possibly stop non-inflammatory acne from forming?

 

Yes. The diet and lifestyle habits mentioned.

Thanks everyone this is Interesting. Dr. Weil has some good advice I will follow. I will also cut out wheat and see what happens. Are other cereal grains, such as rice, ok to eat?