| Whiteheads and blackheads are caused by | | | | Their best guess is that a hormone called IGF-1 |
| over-production of skin cells and the formation of a | | | | (insulin-like growth factor 1) stimulates the |
| plug composed of keratin and sebum. They are not | | | | over-production of keratinized cells. They can prove |
| caused by dirt or poor hygiene. | | | | that this occurs in laboratory studies. IGF-1 also has |
| In fact, over-cleansing can contribute to inflammation | | | | effects deep within the pore (which is actually a hair |
| and the formation of pimples. | | | | follicle) that can lead to inflammation and deep the |
| The plug is referred to by dermatologists and | | | | formation of deep cysts or boils. |
| scientists as micro-comedo. The micro-comedo can | | | | IGF-1 levels are naturally higher during puberty and |
| become enlarged and form an open comedone or a | | | | other times of growth. But, there is some reason to |
| closed comedone. An open comedone is commonly | | | | believe that the level of IGF-1 may be affected by |
| referred to as a blackhead. A closed comedone is | | | | diet and that the bovine IGF-1 found in milk may |
| referred to as a whitehead. | | | | contribute to acne. |
| There are tools for extracting blackheads, but | | | | So, the latest dietary recommendations are to keep |
| whiteheads are more difficult to deal with. Regular | | | | milk and dairy products to a minimum. There's no |
| exfoliation may be beneficial, as long as it is not too | | | | need to cut them out completely. One cup of milk or |
| vigorous. Scrubbing too much can cause tiny | | | | one ounce of cheese per day is probably okay. |
| scratches that can become inflamed. Inflammation | | | | A number of studies indicate that reducing our intake |
| plays a role in most kinds of acne. | | | | of foods with a high-glycemic index could be |
| So what's the best remedy for blackheads, | | | | important for controlling acne and reducing our risks |
| whiteheads and acne? Traditional Ayurvedic healers | | | | of various life-threatening diseases. As those foods |
| would tell you to treat the problem from the outside | | | | are digested, they trigger the release of IGF-1. |
| in and from the inside out. | | | | Dealing with acne can be difficult and may increase a |
| They would also advise that you should not use | | | | person's risk of depression. Many doctors are now |
| anything on your skin that you would not eat. Going | | | | suggesting a daily omega-3 fish oil supplement for |
| with that line of thought, the alpha hydroxy acids, | | | | their patients with acne. Not only does the |
| which are found in citrus fruits, may be beneficial. | | | | supplement have natural anti-inflammatory activity, |
| They can help to exfoliate or clean away the dead | | | | but it seems to be a natural anti-depressant, as well. |
| skin cells that would clog the pores. | | | | As you can see, there are many things that you can |
| One of the questions that researchers have looked | | | | do to fight whiteheads, blackheads and acne, while |
| at is this. Why is there an over-production of | | | | staying in a good mood. Give some of the natural |
| keratinized skin cells? The answer is not 100% clear, | | | | approaches a try and see what happens. |
| but they have a best guess. | | | | |