Whether caused by infection, stress, hormonal changes or environmental elements, acne can be severe and long-lasting and can result in permanent scarring. No matter what age you are when you experience an acne breakout, it can be damaging to your self-confidence and your self-esteem. Some of the over-the-counter medications you find at drugstores do work; however their harsh ingredients can be very irritating to skin. Herbal supplements are another way to treat acne in a safer and gentler manner.
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) is an omega-3 fatty acid found in plants. It has a wide range of uses, but its effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory is what makes it a helpful supplement for those suffering from acne. Foods that are high in ALA include flaxseeds, soybeans and pumpkin seeds.
Arnica
Arnica is mainly used in topical form as a salve to reduce inflammation and encourage healing of wounds. It comes from a flowering plant that grows in the mountains of Europe and Siberia, and it can be very helpful to acne sufferers to reduce redness and help breakouts heal more quickly. It can be purchased in cream form at many health foods stores and should be applied according to package directions.
Burdock
Burdock comes from a root and is commonly internally used as a blood purifier and a diuretic, and is also very effective as a topical treatment for skin problems like psoriasis and acne. Burdock root is available fresh and dried in powders, tinctures and fluid extracts. It can be boiled fresh and cooled and then applied to a cloth and placed on the affected area, or tinctures can be applied to a cloth and wrapped around the affected area.
Selenium
Selenium is an essential mineral found in small amounts in the human body, which works as an antioxidant to destroy free radicals in the body. It can be effective to prevent skin infections, including acne. Supplementation with selenium can be achieved by consuming foods high in the mineral, including brewer's yeast and wheat germ, liver, butter, fish (mackerel, tuna, halibut, flounder, herring, smelts), garlic, whole grains, sunflower seeds, and Brazil nuts, however it should be noted that the levels of selenium in foods depends on the soil in which the foods are grown and selenium levels can me minimal in processed foods. Selenium can also be taken as a vitamin supplement.
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