Alternative Cures For Acne

Acne is a skin condition in which skin pores become blocked with natural oils that would normally drain freely through healthy skin. When these blockages occur, they eventually appear on the surface of the skin as blackheads; whiteheads; or inflamed, often painful pustules and cysts. Dermatologists often prescribe medicine to treat acne, but a variety of alternative treatments may also be effective.

Vitamin Regimen

There are several vitamins and minerals that have powerful effects on overall skin health, and acne sufferers may be able to find relief by ingesting these substances in capsule form or by eating the right vitamin-rich foods. According to the Mayo Clinic, zinc promotes dermal healing and fights inflammation, which can help in preventing acne, accelerating the healing process and minimizing acne scars. Zinc-rich foods include beef, pork, peanuts and other high-protein foods. You can also take zinc supplements, but it is best to take them with food to minimize common side effects like nausea and a metallic taste in your mouth. Vitamin A supplements may also help ease acne, since they are similar to retinoid medicines that dermatologists sometimes prescribe as treatments. You should consult a physician about the proper vitamin A regimen for you, however, because excess vitamin A can be toxic. Foods that are rich in vitamin A include liver, carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach.

Tea Tree Oil

The Mayo Clinic also recognizes a range of medical studies that suggest a 5 percent tea tree oil gel can be as effective as harsher chemical treatments. Side effects like itching and dryness, which are common with benzoyl peroxide treatments, may be less severe when using the tea tree oil alternative. Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial solution, and 5 percent gel solutions are widely available without a prescription. Acne rosacea, a specific form of acne, may actually get worse as a result of tea tree oil treatments, and other side effects may include dermatitis and breast development in young boys.

Stress Management

According to dermatologist and clinical psychologist Richard G. Fried, M.D., high stress levels can make acne cases more severe, putting you at higher risk for recurring breakouts and scarring. In addition to triggering acne irritation from the inside-out, stress may cause you to neglect your skin care regimen, engage in nervous scratching and contribute to other behaviors that can cause further skin damage. By consciously lowering stress levels, you may be able to reduce the severity of your acne to the point where it can be effectively treated with other gentle, alternative treatments like those described above. Keep stress low by exercising regularly; performing relaxing yoga stretches; meditating; and getting full, uninterrupted nights of sleep. If you are regularly placed in high-stress situations for hours at a time, perhaps at work or school, try to find short periods throughout the day for brisk walks, deep breathing exercises or even a cup of hot chamomile tea to ease the nerves.