Acne drugs and nutrition

• Finasteride is one of several inhibitors of 5 alpha-reductase that have been developed. These drugs selectively block dihydrotestosterone production and androgen action in the prostate and skin
• 13-cis-retinoic acid (an acid form of vitamin A) treatment on severe acne causes a dramatic decrease in androgen 5 alpha-reduction observed mainly in the skin
• Adrenal hyperplasia - low-dose corticosteroids may be added to reduce adrenal androgen precursors
• The antiandrogen cyproteronacetate is an effective agent in the control of recalcitrant acne in males
• Other androgen receptor blockers in use are spironolactone and flutamide
• Isotretinoin is used to treat severe nodular acne. It must not be taken by women who are pregnant or likely to become so, as it causes miscarriages, premature births, birth defects in the foetus or causes the baby to die shortly after birth. A very small amount of isotretinoin can probably be present in the semen of men. It is not known if this small amount of isotretinoin may harm the foetus if a partner is or becomes pregnant

Nutrients

The doses given are to be taken daily. The following all assist in the insulin response or reverse insulin resistance...

500mg arginine; 500mg carnitine; 500mg cysteine (N-Acetyl-L); 4000 mg L-glutamine; 500mg glycine; 100mg isoleucine; 130mg leucine; 500mg taurine; 100mg valine; 200mcg selenium; 200mcg chromium amino acid chelate; 15mg zinc amino acid chelate; 25mg vitamin B1; 25mg vitamin B2; 25mg vitamin B3; 25mg vitamin B6; 200mcg vitamin B12; 1mg biotin; 200mcg folic acid; 4000mg inositol; 100mg ALA (alpha lipoic acid); 515mg milk thistle (82% silymarins).

In addition to stabilising blood sugar it is beneficial for the skin to take 5ml Omega 3 fish oil or 15 to 60ml flax oil and 5ml GLA from evening primrose oil. 15mg zinc might not be sufficient, if no result is found the dose can be increased to 100mg/day.

Acne has often cleared after using a high dose zinc supplement, especially needed by men, as the sperm contains more zinc than any other part of the body.

The probiotics are another essential for clear skin. Be sure to take a supplement containing at least 10 billion bacteria per dose. The soluble fibres such as apple pectin, guar gum and ground linseed are beneficial too, add them to drinks or food.

Other benefits can be had from taking a parasite cleanse, digestive enzymes and betaine hydrochloride (HCl) to improve digestion.

For general information on improving diet and nutrition click here.