What alternative medicine is there for acne?

A.

There are a number of things that alternative medicine has to offer for acne. First, it is important to start with your diet. A basic healthy diet should consist of plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and fish, dairy products and plenty of water. Acne is often aggravated by sugar and hydrogenated fats, so you'll want to avoid those. They are both in many processed food products, so you'll need to read labels carefully and try to stay with fresh, whole foods. Some people also get acne flare ups from iodine and bromine- avoid iodized salt, concentrated fruit juices (contain brominated oils to preserve color) and skin care products that contain either of these. If you have any food allergies or sensitivities, you should eliminate those foods as well.

Vitamin and mineral supplements are important to help support your immune system to fight bacteria and provide the nutrients necessary for your liver to process hormones and toxins and your skin to make healthy new cells. Especially important are vitamins A, C, E, B6 and pantothenic acid and the minerals zinc, selenium and chromium. Do not exceed 5000 IU per day of vitamin A unless you are using reliable birth control as higher doses can cause birth defects when used during pregnancy.

Cosmetics and skin and hair care products can aggravate acne, especially if they contain irritating chemicals. Look for products that contain natural ingredients and don't plug your skin pores. Regular cleansing of the skin and hair will help to decrease the bacteria that are causing the acne. Try a calendula based soap or cleanser.

A number of herbs can be helpful for acne. Oregon grape, burdock, dandelion, echinacea, red clover and yellow dock can be used internally and work by fighting bacteria and improving liver function. Externally, tea tree oil has been shown to be as effective as benzoyl peroxide for treating acne without causing skin irritation. Choose a product with 5-15% tea tree oil.

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* The information presented in this web site is intended to inform and educate. It is not intended replace a qualified medical practitioner to diagnose or treat medical conditions.