Acne vulgaris is characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, or pustules on the face and neck, as well as other areas such as the chest and back. As many as 80 percent of young people from their early teens to mid-twenties suffer from common acne. A large number of people suffer from adult acne. The treatment of acne can be a complex and difficult undertaking, rife with confusing and contradictory information. However, there are natural treatments available that can be used to fight your acne.
Tea Tree Oil
According to "Alternative Cures That Really Work", tea tree oil is effective for topically treating acne lesions. The tea tree oil too longer to work than topical benzoyl peroxide lotion, but fewer side effects were experienced by the users. Tea tree oil, which is also known as Melaleuca alternifolia, has been used by the Aboriginal tribes of Australia for centuries as an all-purpose remedy. Tea tree oil is available as ointment, cream, lotion, soap or pure oil. While there is no standard dose of tea tree oil, a five percent concentration should be used. Test the oil on a small patch of skin first because some experience mild skin irritation or rash.
Zinc
Zinc is an important mineral involved in reproduction, immune health, growth and many other important reactions in the body. Every cell in the body needs zinc in order to work optimally, and many may experience mild zinc deficiency, which has been related to skin disorders. According to "Alternative Cures That Really Work", in large doses zinc is as effective at treating acne as oxytetracycline (a standard drug treatment for acne). Results were obtained with 600 mg of oral zinc sulfate. However, this dosage should be monitored by a doctor because the upper intake limit of the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends no more than 40 mg of zinc a day for healthy adults.
Guggul
Guggul is a resin produced by the mukul mirth tree, and may be better known by its active ingredient guggelsterone. A traditional Indian remedy, guggul contains guggulipids which may lower cholesterol and promote healthy body weight. For acne treatment it seems to reduce the secretion of sebum, which can cause clogged pores and pimples. Compared to tetracyline, guggul reduced inflammatory acne lesions more, at a dosage of only 50 mg per day, according to "Alternative Cures That Really Work".
Oregano Oil
Acne can also be treated topically with oregano oil, said to have natural anti-bacterial and immune-boosting benefits. Applied directly to the skin, oregano oil causing fights acne by causing a drying effect that shrinks lesions without over-irritation. Oregano oil may cause a slight burning sensation on the skin.
Olive Leaf Extract
Research is now showing many beneficial health benefits from olive leaf extract, according to "Natural Cures That Really Work". The idea that it could be effective in treating acne comes from the fact that olive leaf extract has natural anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. More research is needed, but the many health benefits of olive leaf may be worth giving it a try. Quality products are standardized for 20 percent or higher oleuropein content.
References
- Natural Cures That Really Work; Ronald Hoffman and Barry Fox; Rodale, 2006
- Mayo Clinic Acne Guide
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