blood condition and acne/skin rashes

I have been on a macro diet for almost 4 years now to treat a blood condition called Polycythemia vera (too many platelets and red blood cells). I also have problem skin, which the diet has helped but not eliminated. Today, I
purchased a product from a television commercial called Proactiv and used it
for the first time tonight. While I am willing to try anything at this point to help speed up this process, these products are far from natural - colors and a terrible sweet fragrance and I already don't like using them! Can anyone offer any advice? I'm sure time will eventually take care of my skin, but I'd love to know any thoughts. Thanks -

Hey Carrie,

I am by no means a doctor or physician. i have been interested in food as medicine for 9 years and macrobiotics for 3 of those 9.
Ayurveda might be another piece to your puzzle and may be worth checking out. They break people into groups based on conditions of skin and breathing, etc. From the groups they advise certain ways of eating. For me, I tend to have oily skin and gready hair. I can get zits and black heads easily. From this system, I have learned ,that for myself to control it more, I keep some foods as a minimum (like once or twice a week). Beans and bean products, nuts and their butters, and oils (especially cooked oils) are problems for me. I have found that having umeboshi vinegar or ume tea is helpful. And any foods that are astringent as well: little bits of lemon juice, garlic, oatmeal.
There are external applications for food as well. Pressed garlic, although stinky, can clear some zits by letting it dry on your skin. Oatmeal mask will help rid skin of oils. Also, lemon juice and a cottonball swabbed over the skin can help, but may be too strong to repeat daily. The best for keeping skin from building up oils is to take a spray bottle that mists and fill it with filtered, warm water and some sea salt. Make the water slightly salty to taste( like sea water), and mist your face with this. Use a fresh cloth to pat your face dry. I repeat this and do a couple of times a day if I feel greasier than normal. I usually rinse my face with cool water after this process and after washing my hands. I try to avoid touch my face as well, unless I have washed my hands. Try to use a clean towel every time. I change my pillow cases twice a week, and sheets once a week.
These are things I do to keep it under control. I don't know if they will apply to you, but maybe it will be a step in the right direction. Besides ayurveda, check out information on bloodtypes and recommended foods for blood type. i think this is all one giant puzzle and we each need to decipher what pieces fit.

Love and Light,
puzzled