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Page 24
| Vitamin A helps to reduce sebum and is a natural anti-oxidant. One hundred milligrams of niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is a vasodilator and may make you feel hot, red, itchy and prickly for about 10 minutes. However, it increases nutrients transported to the skin, removes wastes and can help clear up difficult skin conditions such as acne. Caution: Niacin should be avoided by those with rosacea, cuperose conditions and very thin sensitive skin. |
| Other important nutrients: Zinc, which prevents sebaceous glands from becoming enlarged, and flaxseed oil, which helps the body to better metabolize fats. |
| Facial masks to use when dealing with acne can be made of cooked oatmeal, grated raw potato or tomato. Apply witch hazel or aloe vera as a toner after cleansing. |
| Where you feel a pimple about to erupt, rather than squeeze it, try applying spirits of camphor, essential oil of lavender or tea tree oil four or five times daily to help dry it up and perhaps prevent eruption. If you do get an eruption and are prone to scarring, use a salve which includes vitamin E, calendula and comfrey. |
| Avoid excessive exfoliation, which can stimulate oil glands that are already overactive. |
| If the skin is bumpy, especially on the arms, dry-brush skin massaging and daily doses of flaxseed oil should help. |
| It is always helpful to consider any emotional implications such as low self-esteem or feeling ''picked on" during childhood. Process these feelings if they are valid in a safe, positive and effective way, under the guidance of a therapist. |
| Boils |
| Boils, also known as furuncles, are a sign of excess heat or infection in the body. These tender, pus-filled, painful areas can be caused by food sensitivity, poor hygiene, a |
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