For a growing number of adults, acne is more than a terrible teenage memory – in fact, it’s on the rise.

Acne is fast becoming a problem for a growing number of adults – many of whom enjoyed previously unblemished, peachy looking skin. And while it’s not life-threatening, it can be soul destroying.

“I can’t think of a single condition that makes people of all ages and both sexes more miserable than acne,” says Anita Vukomancic, holistic cosmetologist at London’s Inhale clinic. “It damages self-esteem, can be physically painful and any scarring can last a lifetime. I hear heartbreaking stories of people hiding away whenever they can to avoid having to face people. But the fact is, adult acne is on the increase and contrary to popular belief, it is not caused by junk diets or poor hygiene.”

There are a number of different causes and contributing factors, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, low immunity and stress. It can affect anyone at any time and there is no way of knowing if it will just be a phase, or if it’s there for the long haul.

Skin experts suggest that if you think you are suffering from more than just a breakout, it’s best to take immediate action and seek professional help. Adult acne generally cannot simply be treated by using a strong face wash, and often needs to be looked at by a qualified skin professional or dermatologist.

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If you’re worried about the possible side-effects antibiotic skin treatments may cause, it’s best to try an alternative remedy first. What doctors often fail to tell patients is that intestinal health has been found to be important in the severity of the disease. In one study, tests showed 50% of those with severe acne had increased blood levels of toxins that were being absorbed from a faulty gut. This suggests that many acne sufferers need a several-pronged approach, which not only helps the skin to return to normal functioning but also repairs and heals an impaired digestive tract.

Vukomancic believes that it is vital to treat the skin from the inside as well as the outside by balancing hormone levels and using a non-inflammatory skin care approach. She uses traditional Chinese diagnostic tools to determine imbalances and establish which trigger factors are causing the outbreaks and which solutions will work.

Foods to Prevent Acne

Calcium. A calcium-rich diet has been found to help reduce the severity of acne – but that doesn’t mean you should step up the dairy. It’s important to eliminate cow’s milk and cheeses, at least for a while, as the lactose (sugar) in these may be causing a hidden food intolerance. Instead, get your calcium from nuts and seeds, dried fruits, oily fish with bones, beans, pulses, green leafy vegetables and broccoli, tofu and shellfish.

Vitamin A helps maintain normal skin functioning. Dietary sources include all the yellow fruits and vegetables, especially carrots, and fish oils.

Zinc helps your body absorb vitamin A. Good food sources include pecan nuts, peanuts, shellfish, turkey and wheat germ.

Bananas to help the good bacteria in your gut. If your acne is severe, take a probiotic supplement too, and drink two litres of water every day to help the body flush out toxins as well as increasing your intake of dietary fibre.

The largest study ever conducted on acne reveals that people under high levels of stress are 23 per cent more likely to develop severe acne. To read more, Click Here.