A walk down the skin care aisle at most drug stores provides a plethora of treatments for common acne, from benzoyl peroxide to salicylic acid products. Visiting your doctor offers a number of prescription options as well. What most people don't think about is whether a trip to the herbal supplement shelves might reveal other natural options. Not only are there effective treatments among the herbs, but there are probably more than you might expect.
What Causes Acne?
Common acne, whether it presents as whiteheads, blackheads or red, irritated pimples, is caused by an excess production of a particular protein in pores and hair follicles that creates the ideal environment for the growth of a bacteria known as P. acnes, from which the syndrome takes its name. The germs produce fatty acids that our bodies isolate in cysts that we know as pimples. The pimples then erupt from the skin as our bodies excrete those acids.
Treating Acne
The most effective preventative treatment for acne is keeping your skin as clean as possible, removing dirt and oils that combine with the keratin to block the pores. The Merck Manual, a major medical reference, reports that cool water and a soap that does not overly dry the skin is the best way to wash. "Antibacterial soaps are of no benefit, and abrasive soaps will make it impossible to use... benzoyl peroxide," the Manual states. Antibacterial soaps are ineffective because they do not reach germs below the surface of the skin. After maintaining clean skin, topical antiseptics and anti-inflammatory agents address existing acne, while antibiotics or keratolytics (which inhibit keratin production) can act as preventative measures.
Herbal Treatments
If you prefer an herbal method to address acne, nature has provided many herbs that have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as herbs that safely and effectively inhibit hormones linked with keratin production. These herbs can be taken orally or applied topically.
Common Herbs
Lavender oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and when applied to blemishes (as well as burns or other irritated skin) with a cotton swab it has proven effective against P. acnes, report Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster in "The Herbal Drug Store." Tea made from dandelion root promotes liver function that helps purge your body of the germ and addresses the production of certain hormones. The leaves of dandelion are "chock-full of vitamins and minerals, many of which help maintain healthy skin," they write. Both lavender oil and dried dandelion root are available in most herbal areas of drug stores and supermarkets.
Less Common Herbs
Oregon graperoot and goldenseal mixed with water make an excellent facial wash, while a paste made from dried graperoot or goldenseal root, lavender oil and a bit of water forms a paste that can be applied to the acne, allowed to dry and then rinsed off. Graperoot and goldenseal promote liver function and have antiseptic properties.
Precautions
Essential oils are distilled from the herbs and can be extremely potent. In most cases these oils should not be taken internally. It is important to follow the instructions accompanying any herb to prevent overdose or other complications.
References
- "The Merck Manual," 14th ed.; Robert Berkow, MD, Editor; 1982
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, MD and Steven Foster; 1998
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