by James Ellyard

Created on: September 25, 2009   Last Updated: May 16, 2011

Acne is debilitating and destroys self confidence among many teens and adults. The truth is, for many of us its natural, its in our genes. Although it sounds really harsh you have to accept it, but there are brilliant remedies to avoid, cure, remove acne and make your skin look so much better and to make you 'look normal'. Having been a sufferer of bad skin, I have tried countless solutions to eradicate blemishes. I shall give you solutions that i have found really work and not all of them cost much money. However, everybody is different, what has worked for me and other people may not work for others.

1. A good diet is probably the most important thing that you can do for yourself and for your body. Vitamins such as A, B, C and E are all beneficial for your skin. Zinc is also a fantastic mineral to include in your every day diet. I would also recommend foods rich in Omega 3 like fish and seeds, such as LINSEED (flax seed), chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds (available from most health food stores). Although some are fairly expensive, most nuts are also very good for skin because they include zinc, proteins and vitamins. Examples are WALNUTS, Brazil nuts and regular peanuts. Allergies do pose problems for many of us however so there are many other alternatives to these sufferers. Pulses such as baked beans and chick peas are extremely good for you and cheap, as well as OATS and cereals. The main thing to consider for a good diet is to COMPLETELY AVOID SUGAR, this, i found, is one of the worst things to consume if you hope for good skin. Don't put it in your cup of tea, don't put it on your cereal and try to avoid sweet stuff entirely (also avoid as much as possible: doughy products, alcohol and smoking). Another thing: DRINK WATER, but don't go overboard, 1-2 litres of water a day is enough and very beneficial. My best foods (in moderation) : apples, sweet potato, carrots, onions, natural yoghurt, water, green tea, tuna and some dark chocolate (because you deserve it).

2. Exercise. Outdoor activities in fresh air helps skin, sweating and exercise relieves stress and cleans out pores, as long as you shower well afterwards as sweat can block pores and make things worse - don't make this mistake. Walking, running, swimming, sports and body building are good activities that I would recommend. Swimming is very beneficial because the chlorine in swimming pools is anti-bacterial and cleans out pores while you exercise and your body temperature rises (pores open up). Swimming in the sea also has a similar benefit; the salt cleanses because it is generally used as a killer of bacteria. You can do exercise with family, friends or on your own, you can do it whenever you want. You must be pro-active.

3. Cleansing skin is very important, wash twice a day. (over cleansing is harmful to the skin and often makes things worse) Wash with warm clean water, using UNPERFUMED, hypoallergenic products that moisturise yet also cleanse, if you have sensitive/dry skin from too much cleansing, my advice is to use a dependable moisturiser: E45, Simple, Bulldog. I am not a big believer in most skin products as these can alter your skin and harm it because we are all different and one product is not right for us all. Keep hair off your face and don't let those hands wander! Let your skin breathe once in a while: have a day without make-up? Reduce your stress. If you can accept your situation and take that step of confidence, the acne will cure quicker. Believe in yourself and others will believe in you! Holidays and time away from school and work is wonderful; this is a time to relax. Be happy, don't worry, you look brilliant!

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