Stubborn cases of hormonal acne warrant the best professional care. But even the most advanced treatments can't do the job alone. Make sure you're doing your part by soothing and healing troubled skin from the inside out. Here are some guidelines: PURSUE INNER EQUILIBRIUM1. DON'T eat foods that promote hormonal imbalances and inflammation.

• Refined sugars
• White flour
• Processed foods
• Meat and dairy products that contain growth hormones
• Trans-fats

2. DO adopt a back-to-nature diet rich in nutritious, anti-inflammatory foods, including

• Fruits (especially berries, cherries, apples)
• Vegetables (especially broccoli, spinach and other dark leafy greens, mushrooms, tomatoes, sweet potatoes)
• Cold water fish (salmon, cod, mackerel, snapper, sardines)
• Beans
• Whole grains
• Soy products
• Omega oils (olive oil, avocado oil)
• Nuts and seeds (walnuts, almonds, flaxseeds)
• Spices and herbs (tumeric, capsaicin pepper, cinnamon, garlic, rosemary, thyme)
• Tea (white, green, oolong)
• Healthy sweets (eat sparingly) – Substitute honey, maple syrup, and molasses for refined sugar; add high-fiber, nutrient-dense ingredients such as dried fruit and nuts; include anti-inflammatory dark chocolate and cocoa.

3. DO keep your weight and stress levels in check with vigorous physical activity, plenty of restful sleep, and regular interludes of relaxation. MAINTAIN BALANCED SKIN FUNCTIONING1. DON'T use harsh synthetic ingredients that clog pores, dehydrate skin, or cause inflammation

• Alcohol-based astringents
• Soap
• Petroleum-based products (petroleum jelly, baby oil, mineral oil)
• Parabens

2. DO calm, hydrate, and protect hypersensitive skin with premium organic skin care.

• Zinc oxide to help control excess oil
• Natural anti-inflammatory botanical and herbal extracts
• Plant-derived anti-microbials (rosemary, aloe vera, white tea)
• Natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) (shea butter, squalene, aloe • vera and other botanical oils and humectants)
• Natural vitamin A – Avoid overuse of topical retinoids to prevent harmful levels of inflammation.

Regardless of the acne treatments you're currently using, I'm confident you'll find that this integrated health-driven approach to restoring hormonal balance to your skin will optimize the results—and contribute to your total wellbeing.