Natural Acne Treatments
Herbs
One of the most popular natural remedies for acne is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is an essential oil obtained from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia. It has anti-microbial properties, so it is often applied topically to acne lesions to kill acne-causing bacteria.
According to the recent high quality study, topical 5% tea tree oil is an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
In a study comparing tea tree oil gel to benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil had fewer side effects than the benzoyl peroxide, which was associated with itching, burning, stinging, and dryness.
Scientific evidence of Tea Tree Oil effectiveness
- 1. Enshaieh S, Jooya A, Siadat AH, Iraji F. The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2007 Jan-Feb;73(1):22-5. PubMed
- 2. Bassett IB, Pannowitz DL, Barnetson RS. A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne. Med J Aust. 1990 Oct 15;153(8):455-8. PubMed
Lavender oil has well known antibacterial and soothing properties. Like tea tree oil, lavender oil is considered a natural astringent, which means it is an antimicrobial agent that kills acne-causing bacteria. It is excellent as a preventative acne treatment that effectively stops future breakouts while clearing the redness often associated with acne prone skin.
Scientific evidence of Lavender Oil effectiveness
- No clinical studies on humans have been conducted to prove or disprove Lavender Oil effectiveness for acne.
Aloe vera has very soothing anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It helps in eliminating acne to some extent. Aloe vera can also be taken internally and it helps clean up and detox the digestive tract. This in turn can help clear up the skin.
Scientific evidence of Aloe Vera effectiveness
- No clinical studies on humans have been conducted to prove or disprove Aloe Vera effectiveness for acne.
Calendula may be used as a herbal treatment for acne. Calendula is an orange flowering plant whose flowers can be boiled in water for 10 minutes to make tea. Washing the skin with the warm tea alleviates oily build-ups.
Scientific evidence of Calendula effectiveness
- No clinical studies on humans have been conducted to prove or disprove Calendula effectiveness for acne.
Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements
Certain vitamins and minerals are proven to have anti-acne properties.
Supplementation with vitamin A has been found to be beneficial in a number of inflammatory conditions, including skin disorders such as acne vulgaris. Vitamin A strengthens the protective tissue of the skin and prevents acne. It helps reduce sebum production and inflamation. This vitamin is essential for the maintenance and repair of the tissue which the skin and mucous membranes are made of.
Scientific evidence of Vitamin A effectiveness
- 1. Numerous studies have proved the effectiveness of Retinoids, a synthetic vitamin A derivatives.
The B vitamins help to maintain healthy skin tone. They are also helpful in relieving anxiety and stress. Stress can trigger acne outbreaks. Each vitamin in the B complex has a specific role in promoting healthy skin, as well as overall health.
Thiamine (Vitamin B1) acts as an antioxidant ridding your body of toxins. It enhances circulation and assists in proper digestion.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) works together with Vitamin A to maintain and improve the mucous membranes in the digestive tract. It is also essential for healthy skin, hair and nails.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is vital for healthy skin by improving circulation and helping your body with the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Nicotinamide has a potent anti-inflammatory activity and 4% nicotinamide gel has demonstrated comparable efficacy to 1% clindamycin gel in the treatment of acne.
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) is popular for reducing stress. It is needed for the proper function of the adrenal glands.
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) is important in the functioning of your immune system and your antibody production.
Scientific evidence of Vitamin B Complex effectiveness
- 1.Shalita AR, Smith JG, Parish LC, Sofman MS, Chalker DK. Topical nicotinamide compared with clindamycin gel in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris. Int J Dermatol. 1995 Jun;34(6):434-7. PubMed
- 2. Leung LH. Pantothenic acid deficiency as the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. Med Hypotheses. 1995 Jun;44(6):490-2. PubMed
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is required for at least 300 metabolic functions in the body, including tissue growth and repair. Vitamin C enhances immunity and has an antibacterial effect.
Scientific evidence of Vitamin C effectiveness
- 1. No clinical studies on humans have been conducted to prove or disprove Vitamin C effectiveness for acne.
For acne, Chromium aids in reducing infections of the skin. To get the adequate amount of chromium in your diet, it should be taken in supplemental form called chromium picolinate or chromium polynicotinate. Chances are you are chromium deficient because the form of chromium in foods is not easily absorbed and is lost during processing; and high quantities of sugar in the diet cause a loss of chromium from the body. Recommended dosage to fight acne: 150 mcg per day.
Scientific evidence of Chromium effectiveness
- 1. McCarty M. High-chromium yeast for acne? Med Hypotheses. 1984 Jul;14(3):307-10. PubMed
Zinc is another proven effective home remedy for acne. Zinc aids in healing of the tissues and helps prevent scarring. It helps prevent acne by regulating the activity of the oil glands. Zinc promotes a healthy immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is also an antioxidant which helps to fight and prevent the formation of free radicals.
A couple of research studies have demonstrated zinc efficacy in inflammatory acne treatment as well as its bacteriostatic activity against Propionibacterium acnes.
Side effects of zinc include digestive upset and a metallic taste in the mouth. At high doses, zinc may lead to copper deficiency, weakened immune function, anemia, and heart problems.
Scientific evidence of Zinc effectiveness
- 1. Fivenson DP. The mechanisms of action of nicotinamide and zinc in inflammatory skin disease. Cutis. 2006 Jan;77(1 Suppl):5-10. PubMed
- 2. Dreno B, Foulc P, Reynaud A, Moyse D, Habert H, Richet H. Effect of zinc gluconate on propionibacterium acnes resistance to erythromycin in patients with inflammatory acne: in vitro and in vivo study. Eur J Dermatol. 2005 May-Jun;15(3):152-5. PubMed
- 3.Dreno B, Moyse D, Alirezai M, Amblard P, Auffret N, Beylot C, Bodokh I, Chivot M, Daniel F, Humbert P, Meynadier J, Poli F; Acne Research and Study Group. Multicenter randomized comparative double-blind controlled clinical trial of the safety and efficacy of zinc gluconate versus minocycline hydrochloride in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris. Dermatology. 2001;203(2):135-40.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that enhances healing and tissue repair. It prevents cell damage by inhibiting the oxidation of lipids (fats) and the formation of free radicals.
Scientific evidence of Vitamin E effectiveness
- 1. El-Akawi Z, Abdel-Latif N, Abdul-Razzak K. Does the plasma level of vitamins A and E affect acne condition? Clin Exp Dermatol. 2006 May;31(3):430-4. PubMed
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