Acne vulgaris is a common skin affliction impacting the lives of millions and driving a multi-billion dollar industry. Cosmetics, skin cleaning products, and pharmaceuticals are marketed to desperate teens as viable options of escape from conditions ranging from unsightly blemishes to disfiguring inflammation. Though researchers have explored the process of acne formation, a level of confusion and misinformation still exists regarding cause and effective treatment.
Conventional Acne Treatments Include:
- Improving hygiene
- Switching to water-based cosmetics
- Pore-unclogging astringents like tretinoin (Retin-A) and azelaic acid.
- Topical or internal antibiotics like clindamycin, doxycyclene, and benzoyl peroxide.
- Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) if associated with menstrual cycle.
- Accutane (isotretinoin) a derivative of vitamin A used for severe scarring forms.
Alternative Therapies
Alternative therapies incorporate herbs, nutrition, homeopathy, and emotional counseling in the treatment of acne. This approach explores the predisposing underlying conditions while addressing the acute skin condition.
Alternative Strategies Generally Involve:
- Detoxification and liver support using herbs like dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis), and burdock root (Arctium lappa)
- Encouraging elimination of digestive waste
- Increasing essential omega-3 fatty acids
- Stress reduction
- Diet modification to reduce iodine, refined carbohydrates, and hydrogenated oils.
- Vitamins like Pantothenic Acid
Since the liver is involved in the neutralization of potent hormones like androgens, many strategies involve its support for optimal function. Other therapies may improve the elimination of environmental and metabolic toxins so they don't accumulate in the skin. Still more therapies shift the body's immune system away from inflammatory responses using materials like essential fatty acids.
Herbs and Materials Indicated in the Direct Treatment of Acne:
- Guggul (Commiphora mukul): An Indian herb taken internally,with substantiated activity equal to conventional antibiotics.
- Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia): Applied topically for its astringent and antibacterial properties.
- Zinc: Increased levels of zinc appear to reduce incidence of acne but take about a month.
- Chromium: Studies suggest chromium enhances the effects of insulin, reducing blood sugar levels and subsequent acne.
- Saw palmetto berry (Serenoa repens): Balances and reduces the effects of androgenic hormones.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Shift the body's immune system to less inflammatory states.
A Balanced Approach to Therapy
Acne is a common affliction but the components influencing it are many and complex. A key element appears to be an excess of androgens like testosterone in the tissues. While conventional strategies fixate on hygiene and antibiotics, the naturopathic approach addresses the issue on several levels with many effective tools.
References
- The Merck Manual of Medical Information: 2nd Home Edition. Beers MH. 2nd ed. Pocket; 2004
- Drugs.com: Accutane
- The Textbook of Natural Medicine, Michael Murray, ND and Joseph Pizzorno, ND. Churchill Livingstone, 1999
- Thappa, D. M. and J. Dogra (1994). "Nodulocystic acne: oral gugulipid versus tetracycline." J Dermatol 21(10): 729-31.
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