Alternative Treatments for Acne

A Definition of Acne

According to the website Holistic Online, acne is the scientific term for what we usually refer to as zits, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and other nasty irritants that camp out on our skin. Acne can afflict any part of the skin but is usually concentrated on the face, neck, shoulders, arms, and back.

Many people still believe that certain foods or bad hygiene causes acne, but there is no solid proof of this in the least, and all signs point to genetics and an over production of oils in the skin.

The Usual Treatments

If you suffer from acne, the first things that you will be told are to wash your face regularly, shampoo your hair and keep it out of your face, and not to pick, scratch, or pop your current blemishes.

While this advice is all well and good, for a lot of people it just does not work. There are plenty of people who are religious in these practices, and still suffer from moderate to severe acne. Acne does not discriminate. It affects all races, both genders, and can crop up during adolescence and well into adulthood. Because of its diversity, it is so necessary for us as a society to find a solution for those who are dealing with this embarrassing skin disorder. And as time passes, holistic medicine and naturalists are continuing to research different treatments and happily advertise the effective ones.

Popular Alternative Treatments For Acne

With these alternative treatments for acne coming out of seemingly nowhere, it is important to identify the ones that have shown results thus far.

Herbal Medicine

Some herbal ingredients such as black currant seed oil and primrose oil have been show to work within three months of the beginning intake. You can obtain these essential oils in 500 milligram capsule form, and they are recommended by many Herbalists. They may also suggest to you Echinacea (also great at clearing up the common cold), and that you should drink cups of tea regularly to relieve your stress level and sooth your body into relaxation.

Chinese herbs such as the honeysuckle flower are also extremely popular with Chinese herbalists and others who are interested in herbal therapy. If you do not want to see a regular dermatologist for whatever reason, then these herbalists may be a great resource for you.

Vitamin Therapy

A nutritionist will commonly tell you that around 50 milligrams of Zinc daily can help to reduce redness in the skin and heal the current blemishes more quickly.

Vitamin A is known to reduce sebum production (the chemical in the skin that is believed to cause blemishes.) Be warned however that Vitamin A is serious stuff and should not be taken in large doses.

Other vitamins such as B-6 and E can also be helpful in the treatment of acne. A nutritionist or sometimes a regular medical doctor can guide you in making the right choices when it comes to alternative treatments for acne in the form of oral medication.

An Alternative Medicine Grab Bag

Other new age and innovative ideas in the alternative treatments of acne include aromatherapy, acupressure, reflexology, and even yoga. People have tried anything and everything, however these are the ones that have seemed to work the best so far.

Always consult a regular doctor first and foremost if you are suffering from acne severe enough that it is affecting your quality of life. A lot of people experience low self-esteem and extreme social anxiety due to their skin's condition. Allow yourself to be advised by everyone from medical doctors to the alternative medicinalists until you find what works for you!