of Acne
 |
print the page |  |
email the page |  |
|
- What is acne?
- Symptoms of acne
- Causes of acne
- Prevention of acne
- Risk factors for acne
- Complications of acne
- When to see a doctor about acne
- Diagnosis of acne
- Conventional treatment of acne
- Alternative/complementary treatment of acne
- Living with acne
- Caring for someone with acne
Alternative/complementary treatment of acne
Nutritional support is a vital aspect of skin health and appearance, and optimising detoxification of the body assists with alleviating skin conditions such as acne.
People taking medication for acne must discuss any alternative treatments prior to taking them, as they could cause adverse reactions (vitamin A or betacarotene supplements must not be taken with the medication Roaccutane due to the adverse effects of excessive vitamin A intake may cause).
Herbs
There are a number of excellent herbs which may help to provide relief for symptoms:
- Calendula - the herb calendula is generally used as a topical cream to help reduce inflammation and possible scarring with acne
- Dandelion - the root of dandelion is used to help the liver detoxify any toxins (including any excess hormones) which may help reduce the severity of symptoms
Vitamins
There are a number of vitamins which may help to provide relief for symptoms:
- Folic acid - the B vitamin folic acid helps all types of acne to clear up, but it is especially useful for premenstrual acne
- Vitamin A - the potent antioxidant vitamin A is vital for healthy skin, as it helps to form healthy skin membranes (all the skin layers). Some studies have shown that people who have acne, may be deficient in vitamin A so supplementation may help
- Vitamin B2 - this vitamin is vital for maintaining healthy mucous membranes in all parts of the body. This means that vitamin B2 is useful for ensuring the various layers of skin are healthy
- Vitamin B5 - this B vitamin decreases the sebum production so that it can return to a more normal level. Studies have found that a deficiency of vitamin B5 may cause abnormal fatty acid metabolism, which can create a build-up of fat in the sebaceous glands and exacerbate (or even cause) acne
- Vitamin B6 - is beneficial in assisting in the metabolism of hormones, which helps to balance them. If a deficiency of vitamin B6 exists, it can cause a further imbalance of the male hormones (especially testosterone), so supplementation is advised. Vitamin B6 is especially useful in treating premenstrual acne
- Vitamin C - is an excellent antioxidant, which helps the immune system more effectively deal with the acne. In addition to this, vitamin C is also necessary to help build collagen which is vital for healthy skin, so it helps to heal the skin
- Vitamin E - is an excellent antioxidant, which helps the immune system more effectively deal with the acne. In addition to this, vitamin E promotes more effective and quicker healing of the skin by protecting against oxidation of the skins oil (sebaceous) glands and healing any potential scarring that may occur as a result of the acne
Minerals
There are a number of minerals which may help to provide relief for symptoms:
- Chromium - this mineral helps to improve the way insulin converts linoleic acid into prostaglandins, the anti-inflammatory hormone-like substances that help to ensure better skin condition
- Magnesium - the mineral magnesium is a muscle relaxant, so it helps relax the skin that is inflamed when acne is present
- Zinc - the mineral zinc is required to metabolise many hormones properly, so that they are balanced and at healthy levels. This means zinc reduces acne production in the first place, but because of its antioxidant properties, it also helps the skin heal more quickly and in a healthy way that prevents scarring, allowing the skin to heal naturally. Some studies show that zinc supplementation may work as effectively as tetracycline antibiotics, one of the conventional treatments of acne
Advertisement
Other nutrients
There are a number of other nutrients which may help to provide relief for symptoms:
- Evening primrose oil - the supplemental form of evening primrose oil is extremely important for the skin as it reduces the inflammation in the skin, regulates the hormones associated with creating the acne in the first place and it also helps to keep the skin supple and healthy
- Lipoic acid - the antioxidant nutrient lipoic acid helps the skin to heal more quickly from any scarring that results from acne
- Omega 3 EFA - the DHA and EPA present in omega 3 essential fatty acids are very beneficial for reducing the inflammation present in acne, plus they provide a good source of linoleic acid, which also provides a potent anti-inflammatory source
Dietary modifications
There are a number of dietary modification strategies which may help to provide relief for symptoms and help to normal skin condition:
- Eat more fresh vegetables - eating fresh vegetables gives the whole body more nutrients and helps to support the skin's normal functioning by higher intake of all the vitamins and minerals required for better skin
- Eat more fresh fruits - eating fresh fruit gives the whole body more nutrients and helps to support the skins normal functioning
- Eat garlic - the herb garlic is extremely useful for its anti-bacterial properties, which can help reduce any infection in the skin and reduce acne symptoms
- Eat organic - try to buy organic for milk/diary, meat, chicken/poultry and eggs especially. Non-organics foods tend to have not just chemicals, but also hormones and other growth stimulants added, which can play havoc acne, causing further hormone imbalances in a person with existing imbalance
- Limit iodine intake - iodine can exacerbate acne, so foods rich in iodine (kelp, iodised salt) should be limited in the diet while acne is present
- Limit processed foods - try to avoid all processed foods, which are high in fat, sugar, calories and artificial additives, which can all cause an exacerbation of acne symptoms
- Limit saturated fat intake - try to avoid all forms of saturated fats (especially fried foods) as these can exacerbate acne symptoms
- Limit sugar intake - try to avoid all foods high in refined sugar, as they may cause acne symptoms to worsen
Lifestyle modifications
There are a number of lifestyle modifications which may help to provide relief for symptoms:
- Avoid alcohol - moderate to excessive intake of alcohol should be avoided because it can trigger worsening of symptoms (clogging of sebaceous glands, worsening of pus and other acne symptoms) because the liver may not be functioning as well as it should be to remove toxins, because it is being over-burdened by the alcohol
- Exercise regularly - regular physical activity can help to ensure proper circulation in the body, which can greatly assist with removing toxins out of the body (especially excessive amounts of circulating hormones which are known to trigger acne)
- Some sunshine - moderate levels of sunshine can help reduce risk of worsening of symptoms. Only about 10-20 minutes of sun on the skin are required on a daily basis, in the hours when the sun is at the weakest (before 10am or earlier or after 5pm, and later, depending on how hot the day will be)
- Stop smoking - studies show that smoking cigarettes can exacerbate or even trigger symptoms and should be stopped. People who do not smoke should also avoid second hand smoke from people smoking around them
Alternative treatments
There are no other alternative treatments to help with acne symptoms that are advised.
Always ensure that you notify your medical practitioner of any supplements that you want to take - it may interfere with other medication or conditions you have. Confirm with your doctor it is safe to take BEFORE you try it.
Advertisement
Sections: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
< 9: conventional treatment 11: living with acne > Last reviewed: 15 August 2008 || Last updated: 26 February 2009
Related Articles
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
