Natural Treatments for Acne
The general consensus in the medical community on the cause of acne is simply that it is caused by clogged pores. There are as many different cleansers, toners, lotions and potions for acne as there are individuals suffering from the condition. Unfortunately no amount of cleaning, toning or smearing on acne preparations seems to help those who suffer with acne.
To provide a complete picture of acne I will include the explanation of what causes acne from the American Academy of Dermatology:
Sometimes bacteria that live on our skin, p. acnes, also get inside the clogged pore. Inside the pore, the bacteria have a perfect environment for multiplying very quickly. With loads of bacteria inside, the pore becomes inflamed (red and swollen). If the inflammation goes deep into the skin, an acne cyst or nodule appears."
In this simplistic explanation we do not gain an understanding of why one individual has beautifully clear skin, while another suffers with terrible cystic acne and scarring. There is obviously more to the development of acne than merely, clogged pores. Every teenager has an increase in the production of sebum and we all have dead skin cells that slough off.....so this explanation falls seriously short in helping anyone suffering from acne.
From a Holistic Perspective
The medical model tends to look at isolated organs or systems of the body rather than look at the individual as a whole. There is no such thing as a disease, illness or condition that appears in isolation apart from the health of the rest of the body. In the case of acne, we do have a genetic component where some individuals are more prone to skin conditions and others are not.
Some teens can eat cheetos and soda every meal and they will never struggle with acne a day in their lives. Many use these examples to say that acne has nothing to do with diet or any controllable factors. They forget that each of us has a unique genetic make-up and while this cheeto guzzling teen may not have acne he or she may very well suffer from a host of other health issues.
Aside from the genetic component we must focus on aspects that we can control. In our society most children are raised on processed foods, fast food and junk. Even in the rare situation where mother does make home cooked meals, she often is unaware of some foods generally considered healthy that contribute to the development of acne. What does this have to do with acne?
Acne is merely an expression of something much deeper going on in the body. We must identify your unique situation and then approach the condition with your unique expression of it in mind in order to help you overcome the condition.
Hormonal Issues
When acne begins to rear its ugly head around the time of puberty we can rightly assume that excess oily skin as well as hormonal imbalance are the key issues underlying the 'clogged pore' idea. Research has actually shown clearly that there is a direct link between dietary habits and an increased risk of developing acne vulgaris.
For women, if you find that you experience an increase in acne around your period this is a sign that you have an imbalanced shift in hormones at this time. Avoidance of dairy products is important in this situation. You may also need to take some herbs to help balance your hormones:
Red raspberry leaf, Black cohosh, cramp bark, Dong quai among others
**Please consult a Master Herbalist or other practitioner familiar with herbs to assist you in selecting the right combination for your situation.
Dairy Products
A study published in Dermatology online Journal evaluated over 6,000 girls between the ages of 9 & 15. Researchers found that girls consuming two or more glasses of milk daily had a 20-30% increase in acne, compared to the girls who consumed less than one glass. Interestingly, the researchers implicated low fat milk, when the fat is removed from the milk there is an equal increase in milk proteins and the powerful growth promoting hormone IGF-1 which is naturally contained in all mammals milk and assists with normal growth. Researchers found that this growth hormone promotes acne as well as caused an increase in male hormones, androgens, which increase with the consumption of dairy products, including cheese. 1, 2
Dietary Factors Related to Incidence of Acne Vulgaris
Research in the Archives of Dermatology looked at the incidence of acne in Westernized countries in comparison to non-westernized societies, namely the Kitavan Islanders of New Guinea. The results of their observations were astounding: 3
1200 Kitavan subjects examined: NO CASES of acne found!
In Westernized Countries: 79-95% of the teen population is affected by acne!
This is not merely a situation of 'clogged pores!' There is a lot more to this story. I can guarantee you that those teens residing in non-westernized countries were not slathering their faces with Retin-A, acne creams and lotions, alpha-hydroxy, or any other expensive prescription acne medications and yet, they did NOT have acne.
The Secret of Healthy Skin among Non-Westernized Teens
Diet:
Researchers noted that the diets in Okinawa, Japan, South Africa, Southern China prior to WWII including the diet of the Kitava in this study consists of:
- Tubers or root vegetables
- Fruit
- Coconut
- Fish
Another Key in this article is that these people DID NOT consume:
- Oils of any kind
- Cereal
- Coffee
- Alcohol
- Sugar
- Dairy products
- Salt was negligible
Dietary Recommendations of The Integrative Healing Clinic
- Whole Grains including root vegetables - potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Legumes
- Nuts & Seeds in limited amounts depending on weight and activity levels
- Avoid oils as seen in study above
Clients are often surprised at the marked improvement in their skin with simple dietary changes. Consuming a very simple diet goes a long way in improving the condition. However, there are some individuals who will still have some struggles with acne even after implementing dietary changes.
The Integrative Healing Clinic's own Acne mask
1-2 Tb. Raw Honey
2Tb. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. comfery leaf powder
1/2 tsp. black walnut hull powder
2 tsp. white oak bark powder
2 Tb. fresh aloe juice
few drops peppermint essential oil
Mix ingredients in a bowl and spread on face like a mask, let sit for 15 minutes and then wash.
Cleansers, toners and acne products
Most acne products on the market contain toxic chemicals that will only contribute to the inflammation and irritation of acne prone skin. It is very important to avoid all commercially sold products that contain chemicals of any kind.
I highly Recommend the Acnetix face wash, my clients have had great success with it. It does not contain any harsh chemicals that may aggravate the condition.
You can also go to your local health food store and purchase the natural acne products sold there if you need something to wash and moisturize your skin.
Use plain witch hazel that can be purchased at any pharmacy as an astringent on your skin. If you find that it is too drying you can use blended strawberries as a toning mask or fresh lemon juice.
Cleansing Teas or Juices
These are excellent for assisting with proper hydration in the whole body as well as gently promoting cleansing and detoxification which will absolutely help clear up your skin.
Burdock root tea - Excellent blood cleanser
Calendula tea - Excellent anti-bacterial, astringent and anti-inflammatory. Can be taken internally or applied externally as a fomentation by soaking a cotton rag in the hot tea and applying to skin. **Make sure it isn't so hot that it burns the skin.
Dr. Christophers Blood Cleansing Formula
Carrot, spinach, Apple, and Celery juices
References:
2. Melnik BC, Schmitz G. Role of insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1, hyperglycaemic food and milk consumption in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. Exp Dermatol. 2009 Oct;18(10):833-41.
3. http://archderm.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=479093
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