by Barbara Davis

Created on: July 30, 2009   Last Updated: July 31, 2009

Another pimple? Acne in your teenage years is one thing but in your 20's, 30's, even 40's is quite another. You have likely tried every acne treatment on the market. Some have probably helped your skin, others may have made it wIt is time to get to the root of the problem.

The quality of our skin has more to do with what we put in our face instead of what we put on it. Skin care problems are often related to hormonal imbalances and/or food intolerance. In order to find out what is causing your skin to break out, take a look at your diet.

As a 36 year old, mother of two, I am amazed that I have continued to be plagued by acne ever since I turned 13. Recently, I did some research to see if I could find a natural cure for my acne. After perusing countless websites, I learned that both dairy and caffeine are major contributors to acne issues. I was heartbroken! I love dairy and as a mother, I didn't think I could get out of bed in the morning without coffee. However, the acne on my neckline and chin was out of control and I knew I had to try something.

Choosing the lesser of my two addictions, I tried going dairy free first. For a month, I didn't eat a shred of cheese, sip of milk, or bite of butter. I used Earth Balance on my vegetables, almond milk on my cereal, and well, I just gave up cheese. The thought of soy cheese was just not something I wanted to try. At first, it seemed to be helping. Less breakouts, my face wasn't as puffy, and I think I could even smell things better. I thought I had found my cure! However, once my menstrual period started, the same old breakouts came popping up all over my face.

At first I thought, it was possibly a hormonal issue and that I should see an endocrinologist to see if my estrogen or testosterone levels were out of balance. However, upon calling around I found out it would be nearly two months before I could see someone. In the meantime, I decided to give up caffeine.

Caffeine can great affect the levels of the stress hormone known as cortisol. Cortisol is an important hormone in the body, secreted by the adrenal glands and involved in the following functions and more:

Regulation of blood pressure

Insulin release for blood sugar maintenance

Immune system function

Inflammatory response (such as skin breakouts)

Plays a role in insulin resistance

Oh the horror! Giving up caffeine seemed unfathomable. I have a 3 year old and a 9 month old who STILL doesn't sleep through the night. I needed

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>