Ugh pimples! In this article we will guide you through the different types of acne, what causes acne and how to get rid of it! Our holistic guide to treating acne utilises Osmosis Beauty Skin Map to identify and treat the source of your breakouts.

Firstly lets all take a moment to really appreciate how amazing our skin is! Our skin is our bodies largest organ and it's primary function is to protect the internal structures of the body and to remove toxins. This removal of toxins is what causes breakouts and acne. Identifying what type of acne you have will determine how to you treat it.

Blackheads

Blackheads are most commonly found on the nose and chin. They are open pores that fill with debris and waste. The top oxidises and turns black. 

Papules

Papules are small red bumps that don't have a white centre. These are usually located on the forehead but can graduate to the rest of the face including cheeks, nose and around the mouth. When they have a white centre they become pustules or whiteheads. These are primarily caused by an imbalance in the gut.

Cystic Acne

Large cysts that can form on the face, neck, back or chest. These cysts are deep and cause inflammation and swelling and may or may not come to the surface with a large white head.  Cystic Acne is primarily caused by environmental toxins.

Keratosis Pilaris

A common skin condition that looks like acne which is why we've included it in this article. Keratosis Pilaris causes rough patches along with small hard bumps. Normally located on the back of arms, legs and buttocks. Keratosis Pilaris is caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the gut.

In general waste and toxin build up causes acne. What toxins depend on what type of acne you have.

Blackheads

Blackheads are caused by excess mucus build up in the gut. This mucus lines the intestinal wall and prevents the absorption of nutrients. Mucus develops in your gut by eating a diet high in dairy and fast foods. Removing the mucus and tweaking your diet will get rid of the black gunk in your pores. If you find that your pores are large and open then this is an ageing issue which can be corrected by collagen and elastin renewal.

Papules

Papules are caused by an overgrowth of Candida in the gut. Candida feeds off sugar, dairy and fried food. Once Candida is established it can be hard to move just with changes to your diet. The best way to get rid of this type of acne is to first kill off the candida strain, remove the waste associated to it and make changes to your diet to prevent it's return.

Cystic Acne

Large cysts are caused by environmental and hormonal toxins. Your body tries to remove these toxins through the skin causing painful deep cysts. If you get cysts along your jawline and around your chin these are caused by hormonal toxins and often the reabsorption of toxins through constipation. Cysts on your neck are caused by pesticides often found in farming areas and non organic food. Cysts and papules on your chest and back are caused by chlorine which can be found primarily in tap water and swimming pools. First identify which toxins are to blame and then eliminate them from your body and your diet.

Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis Pilaris is caused by yeast overgrowth in your gut. Scrubbing your arms alone will not get rid of it. Removing the yeast build up and then preventing it's return is the best solution.

We take a holistic approach to treating acne. Because all types of acne are related to some form of toxin build up within the body it's important to treat the cause internally while relieving the symptoms.

Blackheads

The best way to get rid of blackheads is to remove the mucus lining by our 10 day cleanse and psyllium husk to clean out your intestinal tract. Make sure you drink plenty of water to help with the flushing. Take Skin Perfection twice a day and make changes to your diet eliminating  dairy and fried foods to prevent it's return. If you find your still have large open pores apply Catalyst to repair the internal structure allowing the pore to shrink back to it's normal size.

Papules

The easiest remedy for Papules and Pustules (pimples and whiteheads) is to kill the Candida strain with our 10 day cleanse and skin perfection. Add psyllium husk and plenty of water to your diet to flush out any of the toxic build up. Apply Rescue topically to help with the detox process and redness. Reduce sugar, fried foods and dairy from your diet. 

Cystic Acne

The first steps to remove Cystic Acne is to eliminate the toxins. Start with our 10 day cleanse and add psyllium husk and plenty of water to your diet to flush your gut. Take Skin Perfection daily and  Skin Defence which contains Diindolylmethane (found in vegetables such as cauliflower and broccoli) to stop your body absorbing these types of toxins. To calm the skin apply Rescue and to shrink cysts apply Clarify. Once you have cleared your skin you might want to treat the scarring by applying Catalyst. Because your liver is responsible for helping detox your body of these toxins you may want to look at Regenerate to help repair your liver.

Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis Pilaris can be removed by taking Skin Perfection to kill the yeast overgrowth and applying Rescue to the area.