Treating Acne Naturally

From the Inside

Given that some of the most drastic medical treatments for acne involve powerful forms of vitamin A, it makes sense to include a good dose in your daily supplement program. Moderation, however, is key as too much vitamin A (like most substances, even ones that are 'good for you') can be toxic. An ideal level is 25,000 IU daily, which you could get from your multivitamin formula.

Healthy skin also requires a good supply of zinc. It is no coincidence that most acne sufferers are teenagers who are most likely to be deficient, as most of their zinc resources are going into their growth spurts. Zinc is also linked to' vitamin A, helping to control inflammation and skin repair. Low zinc levels are associated with increased conversion of testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone). An ideal intake is around 45mg a day. Deficiencies in essential fats have also been linked to acne. These fats are crucial to the health of the skin, its cell membranes, hormonal balance and much more. Taking 1O00mg of linseed oil three times a day and/or a source of GLA, such as evening primrose or borage oil, should help. And you should make sure that your diet includes fish and seeds. Vitamin B6 deficiency is particularly associated with acne that is linked to a woman's menstrual cycle. So, in such cases, taking 25mg of B6 three times daily can help.

From the Outside

As well as looking after your internal state of health, what you do to the outside of your face matters a great deal too. Because the blocking of pores is a major factor in acne, it is important to keep your face well cleansed and free from dogging oils. Many people make the mistake of over-cleansing their skin, stripping off its natural protective layer of oils. This makes things worse by encouraging the body to produce even more oil and leaving the skin without its natural protection from pollutants and bacteria. Many 'spot creams' contain benzoyl peroxide - an antiseptic which effectively helps control the growth of bacteria but can also make the skin very dry and sore, so it is important 'only to use it directly on the spot. 'Less is more' with benzoyl peroxide - just dab a bit on the spot, no more than twice a day, and stop as soon as the spot starts to heal.

Another important factor in the cream - which should contain no more than 5 per cent benzoyl peroxide - is its other base ingredients. Steer clear of substances such as lanolin, D and C dyes (coal tar) or isopropyl myristate, which clog the pores. The prescription cream Tretinoin (Retin-A) , the acid form of vitamin A, is effective for many people. But it too is pretty harsh as it actually works by peeling away the skin, in effect leaving it about one-third of its usual thickness. As a very last resort, a dermatologist may prescribe Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) which again, can be remarkably effective in calming severe acne, but can also have some serious side-effects such as scaling and thinning of the skin, visual disturbances, nausea, headaches, mood changes, menstrual irregularity and drowsiness.

Tea tree oil - an extract from the Australian plant Melaleuca alternifolia - is an effective antibacterial substance and has been shown to be a valid alternative to benzoyl peroxide in treating acne, with fewer of the side-effects such as dryness, scaling and itching. However, very concentrated tea tree oil can itself cause reactions and should not be applied 'neat' to the skin; though it is available in many skin washes and antiseptic creams. Wash your face with a pH-balanced cleanser, i.e. one that has a similar pH level to the skin (between 4.5 and 5.5). This means avoiding medicated soaps and alcohol toners which make the skin feel very dry, and ultimately stimulate it to produce more oil. Triclosan is a good antibacterial ingredient to look for. It's used in toothpaste, which is where the old wives' tale that toothpaste can help spots may come from.

Whatever you do, don't trick yourself into believing that you do not need a moisturizer - you need a good barrier to keep the skin well hydrated (as opposed to 'oiled') and protected from pollution and the elements. But do make sure it does not contain the clogging substances mentioned above. Some contain 'microsponges' which help absorb excess oil. Picking or squeezing spots is not a good idea, as this often introduces infection and can leave a scar. A natural acne treatment product may provide the required results, if used regularly.

Treating Acne



Home Acne Skin Care Clinic Online Knowledge Center What is Acne What causes Acne Treating Acne Acne Vulgaris Acne Rosacea Psoriasis Cystic Acne Perricone Acne More Acne Articles Contact Us Other Acne Sites Subscribe here to receive our monthly newsletter: Name Email	Treating Acne Naturally Acne Cure Home >> Treating Acne From the Inside Given that some of the most drastic medical treatments for acne involve powerful forms of vitamin A, it makes sense to include a good dose in your daily supplement program. Moderation, however, is key as too much vitamin A (like most substances, even ones that are 'good for you') can be toxic. An ideal level is 25,000 IU daily, which you could get from your multivitamin formula. Healthy skin also requires a good supply of zinc. It is no coincidence that most acne sufferers are teenagers who are most likely to be deficient, as most of their zinc resources are going into their growth spurts. Zinc is also linked to' vitamin A, helping to control inflammation and skin repair. Low zinc levels are associated with increased conversion of testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone). An ideal intake is around 45mg a day. Deficiencies in essential fats have also been linked to acne. These fats are crucial to the health of the skin, its cell membranes, hormonal balance and much more. Taking 1O00mg of linseed oil three times a day and/or a source of GLA, such as evening primrose or borage oil, should help. And you should make sure that your diet includes fish and seeds. Vitamin B6 deficiency is particularly associated with acne that is linked to a woman's menstrual cycle. So, in such cases, taking 25mg of B6 three times daily can help. From the Outside As well as looking after your internal state of health, what you do to the outside of your face matters a great deal too. Because the blocking of pores is a major factor in acne, it is important to keep your face well cleansed and free from dogging oils. Many people make the mistake of over-cleansing their skin, stripping off its natural protective layer of oils. This makes things worse by encouraging the body to produce even more oil and leaving the skin without its natural protection from pollutants and bacteria. Many 'spot creams' contain benzoyl peroxide - an antiseptic which effectively helps control the growth of bacteria but can also make the skin very dry and sore, so it is important 'only to use it directly on the spot. 'Less is more' with benzoyl peroxide - just dab a bit on the spot, no more than twice a day, and stop as soon as the spot starts to heal. Another important factor in the cream - which should contain no more than 5 per cent benzoyl peroxide - is its other base ingredients. Steer clear of substances such as lanolin, D and C dyes (coal tar) or isopropyl myristate, which clog the pores. The prescription cream Tretinoin (Retin-A) , the acid form of vitamin A, is effective for many people. But it too is pretty harsh as it actually works by peeling away the skin, in effect leaving it about one-third of its usual thickness. As a very last resort, a dermatologist may prescribe Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) which again, can be remarkably effective in calming severe acne, but can also have some serious side-effects such as scaling and thinning of the skin, visual disturbances, nausea, headaches, mood changes, menstrual irregularity and drowsiness. Tea tree oil - an extract from the Australian plant Melaleuca alternifolia - is an effective antibacterial substance and has been shown to be a valid alternative to benzoyl peroxide in treating acne, with fewer of the side-effects such as dryness, scaling and itching. However, very concentrated tea tree oil can itself cause reactions and should not be applied 'neat' to the skin; though it is available in many skin washes and antiseptic creams. Wash your face with a pH-balanced cleanser, i.e. one that has a similar pH level to the skin (between 4.5 and 5.5). This means avoiding medicated soaps and alcohol toners which make the skin feel very dry, and ultimately stimulate it to produce more oil. Triclosan is a good antibacterial ingredient to look for. It's used in toothpaste, which is where the old wives' tale that toothpaste can help spots may come from. Whatever you do, don't trick yourself into believing that you do not need a moisturizer - you need a good barrier to keep the skin well hydrated (as opposed to 'oiled') and protected from pollution and the elements. But do make sure it does not contain the clogging substances mentioned above. Some contain 'microsponges' which help absorb excess oil. Picking or squeezing spots is not a good idea, as this often introduces infection and can leave a scar. A natural acne treatment product may provide the required results, if used regularly.
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