I may receive a commission if you purchase through links in this post. I am not a doctor; please consult your practitioner before changing your supplement or healthcare regimen. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
In this post about Deep Pimples and How to Get Rid of Them, we’ll learn the best diet and supplements to see results fast.
Most of you will be surprised to learn that deep pimples, and acne in general, are not caused by clogged pores, but relate more to one’s diet and liver health.
The typical (false) theory on deep pimples, actually called cystic acne is this: Cystic acne occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog pores, providing an environment for bacteria to proliferate. Inflammation and swelling develop as the body’s immune system fights the infection, causing deep, painful bumps.
Of course, this theory doesn’t even begin to tackle why this happens to some people and not to others.
Diet and supplements for getting rid of deep pimples / cystic acne
It happens to some people and not to others because of inherited or acquired toxicity.
Want an action plan?
Let’s jump right in, to learn how to cleanse the body of this toxicity.
I’m going to keep this short and sweet!:
- Reduce or eliminate foods linked to acne, including foods high in copper and vitamin A. Both increase liver toxicity and increase acne:
- Foods that are known to cause acne include: tomatoes, chocolate, all dairy, fast food, processed foods, processed carbs (like white rice, cake and white bread), sugar (including sodas), alcohol, soy, protein powder and caffeine.
- Additional foods to eliminate or reduce that exacerbate liver detox and are linked to acne are: cinnamon and coffee.
- Avoid iodized salt, which is linked to severe acne, and reconsider medications containing iodides and bromides.
- Add gentle forms of fiber to your diet: Apples on an empty stomach, or if they agree with you better, later in the day, work well. If beans agree with you, add in cooked beans (such as garbanzo beans, pinto beans, black beans or any of the white beans) in small amounts daily. You can also try oatmeal (rolled oats), and see how your body likes it (don’t add a lot of sugar). Fiber helps the body to “take out the trash” by clinging on to toxins and helping them to exit the body.
- Consider taking activated charcoal daily (this one; it needs to be hardwood sourced). Take it with or before breakfast, or at night before bed. If you have digestion problems, consider taking it in the morning with some apple cider vinegar, like this.
- Make sure you’re pooping well daily. Learn the best way to detox AND poop well daily here.
- MOST POWERFUL: Consider taking Flush Niacin (also called nicotinic acid, or Vitamin B3). Consider starting with the lowest dose of just 25mg (this brand is the best for purity, gentleness and quality). This dose is less likely to cause a flush (I share more about what flushing is below), but remember that flushing is good and considered harmless. If it worries you, skip this idea, or learn more about it before taking it. If you take no-flush niacin, it will not have the same benefit (learn why not here). (Articles on using the non-flush form of niacin abound, but if you are serious about using niacin to overcome deep pimples or any acne issues, digest the contents of the linked-to article, and be wise, instead of following the masses/loudest voices, who are usually wrong.)
- What is flushing: Niacin flush refers to a short-lived reaction marked by redness, warmth, itching, tingling or a burning feeling, mainly on the face, neck and upper chest. This occurs when small blood vessels (capillaries) near the skin dilate, increasing blood flow to the area. The reaction generally begins 15 to 30 minutes after taking niacin and usually fades within one to two hours, or less.
- Understand from medical sources that flushing is harmless. (Some suggest using aspirin to reduce the flush, but this may also reduce the benefits. Don’t take flush niacin unless you’re up for the flush.)
- Tips for taking flush niacin:
- Always eat a complete meal of protein and good carbs before taking it (like meat and brown rice, or a meat sandwich on whole grain oat bread). Avoid sugary meals and the foods listed above in #1.
- Expect the flush, and don’t be surprised if it happens, even at the lower dose. You might feel hot, burning, tingling skin and itchy. The sensation may move to different places of your body. I like to embrace this experience, knowing my body is detoxing through the skin.
- If and when you’d like to increase your dose, work up incrementally to 100mg. This is the best product for 100mg doses. Some people never flush at either of these lower doses. Everyone’s different. But either way, even without a flush, Vitamin B3 is beneficial for the skin and detoxing. (I personally take 100mg after breakfast and a second 100mg dose after dinner.)
- You may wish to take an even higher dose. If so, learn more first, or consult your doctor.
- Tips for taking flush niacin:
- Consider zinc supplementation. Zinc helps to detox copper and balance it in the body. Taking zinc often has a positive effect on acne, and most people are deficient.
- This is a great brand and good lower dose to start. Many people tolerate 30mg daily, if you want to try doubling the dose after trying the initial lower dose.
- Humanely raised, grass-finished beef is also an excellent source of zinc. Increasing muscle meat in one’s diet is a great way to cut out lesser quality foods.
- A lesser known mineral, molybdenum (this one) supports the liver and helps to detox excess copper. I learned about molybdenum from my doctor, who I recommend if you want great guidance and insights on deeper healing and wellness.
- Increase lymphatic flow and drain waste from the body by doing “The BIG 6” daily.
- If you’re currently taking fish oil or any multivitamins or minerals that contain vitamin A or copper, consider stopping them. This article explains why.
Skin care routine
If you’re wondering about skin care, the good news is, keeping it simple is best:
- Use a wash cloth with just warm water to clean your face.
- Choose a combination of clean oils to moisturize. I like to use half castor oil (this one) + half clear jojoba oil (this one), morning and night. (I also use castor oil to take off any make-up.)
- For a topical salve that works well on acne, choose the same effective supplements that work internally: Zinc + Niacin Salve.
- Avoid all retinoic acid and yellow-colored products.
Laura H says
Lymph exercises have been the game changer for me with my acne and rosacea as well as fascia release on my neck, shoulders and face! But that’s a year after I had been doing all of the things you recommended. They all make a difference! But it is a very individualized approach. I encourage people to read her resources and re-educate yourselves on what is truly healthy and what/how to truly detox. Spoiler alert…it takes longer than a month! But your health and life is worth it!
Megan says
Good points, Laura, thanks for your insights, and great to hear about your success!