Acne Treatment

Diet Supplements

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements

Can food have anything to do with acne? Some people with acne report that certain drinks and foods (particularly nuts) worsen their symptoms. Studies have yet to confirm a scientific link between diet and acne, but people with this skin condition should avoid substances that appear to aggravate their symptoms. If you think it bothers your skin, maybe you shouldn't eat it.

Studies surrounding Zinc indicate that the mineral zinc may be an effective treatment for inflammatory acne. In two studies of about 60 people with inflammatory acne, those who took zinc gluconate daily for roughly two months had a significant reduction in the number and severity of inflammatory lesions compared to those who took placebo for the same period of time. Despite these promising findings, differences in the type of zinc preparations as well as variations in the amount and duration of treatment, make it difficult to draw definitive conclusions from these two studies. In addition, certain topical medications such as erythromycin ointment may contain zinc oxide. It is possible, but not entirely clear, that the zinc contained in the ointment may contribute to the effectiveness of the product.

Herbal Acne Remedies

• Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
• German chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
• Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
• Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
• Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum)
• Tea Tree Oil

Some plants contain antimicrobial substances that may help eliminate Propionibacterium acnes (the bacterial strain associated with acne), thereby potentially reducing inflammation associated with the skin condition. Preliminary evidence suggests that tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternafolia) may have antimicrobial effects.

One study compared the effectiveness of tea tree oil gel with benzoyl peroxide lotion in 119 people with mild to moderate acne. Individuals in both treatment groups showed a significant reduction in the number of inflamed and noninflamed lesions over a 3-month period. Seventy-nine percent of the benzoyl peroxide group compared to 44% of the tea tree oil group reported side effects included stinging, itching, burning, and dryness. A laboratory study also found that tea tree oil as well as certain active components of tea tree oil effectively slows the growth of acne.

What about Acupuncture?

While there have been no well-designed studies evaluating the use of acupuncture for acne, there have been several reports in the medical literature that auricular (acupuncture applied to the ear) and electroacupuncture therapies may reduce the symptoms of acne.

GREAT ACNE MEDICINE