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Herbal Alternatives for Acne Treatment |
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 There really is no magic pill or instant cure for acne. For many, finding an effective treatment is a process of trial and error because everyone responds differently. Individual biochemistry will affect results so that what works for one person may have no effect or create adverse reactions for another.
Some of the available treatments are very aggressive and should be used with extreme caution; Accutane (Isotretinoin) , for example, has been linked to severe birth defects, while over-use of antibiotics can diminish their effectiveness by creating antibiotic resistance.
It makes sense, then, to first address the basic issues like drinking enough water, eating a healthy diet , exercising and thoroughly cleansing skin. Changes in these areas often create visible improvement and provide a healthy foundation to make the most of other therapies.
Herbal and “natural” remedies are an obvious choice for anyone looking for gentle, low-risk solutions. That’s not to say that all of these products are without hazards or side effects; it’s still important to research what you use and know what to expect from it.
Because skin is an organ of the body and functions to expel its toxins, it is also capable of absorbing nutrients (or toxins). For this reason, the theory that you shouldn’t apply anything to your skin that you couldn’t eat (at least theoretically) contains a certain amount of logic.
Plant-based skin treatments have been around for centuries. Ingredients such as lemon juice, cucumber, garlic, avocado, oatmeal, strawberries and bananas (to name only a few) are incorporated into masks, cleansers and lotions for their antiseptic, antibacterial, astringent or abrasive properties.
Recipes for make-at-home preparations are widely available and may be more effective than commercial formulas that do not contain enough of the active ingredients. Commercial products often contain additional ingredients that are less beneficial, if not actually counterproductive, such as parabens, sulfates, propylene glycol, petrolatum, or “-aldehyde” additives.
Other herbal preparations that can be used alone or in combination to treat acne include:
- Green tea is valuable both as a drink and applied topically for its antioxidant content.
- Astringent, antibacterial aloe vera is effective for a wide variety of skin conditions.
- Tea Tree Oil – Used as a 5% topical preparation with effects comparable to benzoyl peroxide but with fewer side effects (less itching, burning, redness).
- Echinacea, oregano and basil – taken internally as supplements or applied topically (oregano & basil used in oil form).
- Black current seed oil, evening primrose oil, flaxseed oil supplements.
- Calendula infusion as a facial wash
- Lavender compresses to reduce inflammation
- Milk thistle, dandelion as liver cleansers (the liver removes excess hormones).
- Yellow dock, sarsaparilla, cleavers and burdock for lymphatic cleansing, clearing pores.
Online herbal resources can provide good information on these and other acne-fighting treatments. A combination of ingredients may be required to obtain the best results, and a dual approach of supplements and topical preparations is usually recommended. You can also check with a doctor about using these therapies to complement prescription medications. |
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