Are There Effective Natural Cures For Acne?
Are There Effective Natural Cures For Acne?
By Guest Writer: Dr. Lisa Barger
It’s the most common skin disease in the United States, affecting nearly 50 million of us within any given year. Your doctor will call it acne vulgaris, but you’ll probably just call it acne.
Usually accompanied by redness, pimples and perhaps even cysts buried deep under the skin, acne is an inflammatory condition affecting the subaceous glands of the skin. While it’s more common in teenagers, acne can affect anyone at any stage of life.
If you struggle with this embarrassing and sometimes painful skin condition, here are a few natural and herbal acne remedies to discuss with your healthcare professional.
NATURAL ACNE TREATMENTS SUPPORTED BY SCIENCE
A number of scientific studies have linked zinc deficiencies to acne. While not all studies have been as encouraging, one found zinc supplements as effective as the standard oral antibiotic treatment. Acne sufferers wishing to try zinc should ask their physicians if 30 to 90 mg of zinc per day is appropriate for them.
Niacinamide, which is a form of vitamin B3, has also help some acne sufferers. Applied topically (and usually in cream form) this vitamin has produced very positive results in double-blind studies. Unfortunately, oral supplements of vitamin B3 don’t perform as well as the topically-applied versions.
Tea tree essential oil is a botanical product that is quickly emerging as one of the best topical herbal acne remedies today. In one study, researchers compared a 5% solution of tea tree oil to a 5% benzoyl peroxide product and found that the tea tree performed just as well overall as the over-the-counter medication. Tea tree oil took longer to work but had fewer side effects.
ACNE REMEDIES LACKING SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT
The Chinese herb guggul, which herbalists know as Commiphora mukul, may be helpful to some acne patients. In one study this herb actually performed as well as the prescription medication tetracycline. Unfortunately, like all herbs, guggul can interact with a number of commonly prescribed medications and even other herbs. Additionally, people at risk for certain types of hormone-related cancers should avoid taking guggul for acne or any other health condition.
Burdock, which is also known as Arctium minus, is another herbal remedy with a long history of use for acne. While it’s use as a natural acne treatment hasn’t been supported by science, burdock is believed by herbalists to have a cleansing effect on tissues and is often used in pre-packaged herbal acne remedies.
And for acne associated with changes in a woman’s menstrual cycle, vitex is a traditional favorite. Also known as chasteberry or monk’s pepper, vitex hasn’t been exhaustively studied in the U.S. but is a popular herbal remedy in Germany.
CAUTIONS ABOUT NATURAL & HERBAL ACNE REMEDIES
Remember, any herb, no matter how “natural” it is, can have side effects and many herbs are known to interact with the medications you may already be taking. Only your doctor can tell you if one of these natural or herbal remedies for acne is appropriate for you.
References:
Shality, A., et al. Topical nicotinamide compared with clindamycin gel in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris. Internat J Dermatol 1995;34:434–7.
Michaelsson, G., et al. A double blind study of the effect of zinc and oxytetracycline in acne vulgaris. Br J Dermatol 1977;97:561–6.
Basset, I., et al. A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne. Med J Austral 1990;53:455–8.
Thappa, D., et al. Nodulocystic acne: oral gugulipid versus tetracycline. J Dermatol 1994;21:729–31.
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Thank you Dr. Barger for that in depth look at acne and the natural way to treat and cure it.
Dr. Lisa Barger is a traditional naturopath specializing in natural health education. Dr. Barger holds certification in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Herbology, Native American Herbalism, Iridology, Homeopathy and Naturopathy. Dr. Barger resides in Little Rock, AR.
For those who would like to read more of what Dr. Lisa Barger has to say, you can find her at LisaBarger.com and her informative articles are all over the Internet.
~The Baby Boomer Queen~
Here is another natural acne treatment, Acnezine Solution. The Acnezine Solution is not just another topical acne treatment product. It is an entire skin care management system, that works form the inside~out.
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