Acne

Whilst this is not in any way a serious illness, the effects on the person suffering can be devastating.  It is our face that we show to the world and when it is mutilated by an horrendous outbreak of spots, often at a time when we have just developed an interest in the opposite sex, it can seriously affect confidence and self esteem.

Conventional acne remedies, using drugs.

According to the Bioglan literature available at the doctor’s surgery, the recommended treatment for severe acne is the drug isotretinoin.  It unfortunately has a very bad press.   The web site http://isotretinoinsideeffects.com/ highlights some of the concerns.  Much has been written about the suicides associated with the drug. Clinicians argue that people suffering with acne might already have suicidal tendencies, and further testing would be needed to find out the full facts of the case.

7 natural acne remedies you could try

1. Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B 5

The popularity of this treatment for acne has come about as a result of postings on the Internet.  The web surfers proclaim a daily dose of between 5g-10g per day of Pantothenic Acid will lead to having spot free skin. The medical establishment have shown concern at the high dosage, 4-mg – 7-mg daily they say should be the upper limit.

A study of 100 patients in Hong Kong in 1995 in Hong Kong showed a decrease in the sebum secretion on the face soon after the initial therapy.  [reported in the Medical Hypotheses, the author Dr. Lit-Hung Leung of the Department of General Surgery,]

It was reported that moderate cases cleared up in eight weeks, with more serious conditions taking up to 6 months. Dr Leung argued that people with acne may be deficient in Vitamin B 5 which is a component of coenzyme A, a chemical involved in fatty acid metabolism It is possible that during puberty, hormonal development could take priority, and therefore a lack of coenzyme A for the fats.   While the medical establishment consider the pros and cons of this radical treatment, the Internet is full of sites promoting and selling Vitamin B 5.

The respected herbalist Thomas Bartram writes that B 5 produces healthy skin and hair.

2. Agnus Castus

Agnus Castus is a small Mediterranean herb, used for centuries to balance the female hormones.  It can also be used to treat adolescent acne, for both boys and girls.   Whilst there is no hard evidence, it is thought that it works at a hormonal level to improve the function of the sebaceous glands, and that is at the root cause of the spots.

Agnus Caste can be taken as a tincture.

3. Diet

Q “Does eating greasy food or chocolate make acne worse?”
A “No.   Although acne is linked with too much grease production by the sebaceous glands in the skin, this is not affected by your diet, so don’t let anyone blame your  acne on eating too many chips or too much chocolate.”

That is the medical take on the problem as found in the leaflet in the doctor’s waiting room. It is not a view shared by alternative therapists, nor the celebrities who grace the glossy magazines.

When we consume  food and drink, it travels though our system delivering the nutrients before the waste exits through  the colon and bladder. When the system has had an overload of junk food that it cannot get rid of, then the toxins need to find another route, the skin.  The skin is the largest organ in the body.

The ‘bad foods’ are ones containing saturated fat in animal products, and hydrogenated fat in processed food.  What is required is a change in eating habits, lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, and lots of water to drink.

4. Nettle Tea

In the days before supermarkets, and indeed grocery shops, the folks of the land would welcome the first green plant after the winter, the nettle.   It was a source of food, but also recognised as a ‘blood purifier’.  After a long winter of cereals and salted meats the human body needed tis change.  Until recently older people in the country would still recommend the drinking of nettle tea to cleanse the blood, to rid the body of toxins, and thus clears the skin.

Other plants that provide the same service are the leaves of the blackberry, strawberry or raspberry, or the flower of the coltsfoot.  To each add boiling water, infuse, strain an drink.  Honey can be added to make it more palatable.

Please see our previous post on how to make nettle tea.

5. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy can work in different ways to help in the treatment of acne.  Following the previous topic, it is necessary to get rid of the toxins in the system.  An aromatherapist can use oils and massage to increase the circulation, and improve the lymphatic system. A body performing well will help make a start on the underlying problem.

Certain oils can be used to treat the face, for example, Tea Tree in dilution will help with skin hygiene.

With a problem like acne when the skin is distressed, it would be better to take professional aromatherapist advice to find the oils suitable to the individual.  The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) can help you find a qualified aromatherapist.

6. Facial Steam Treatments

Having a weekly at home facial steam treatment using the herb Yarrow can help. Add 1 teaspoon of yarrow to a basin of steaming water, cover the head with a towel, and allow the steam to open and drain the pores. Be sensible about the distance to the steam, do not get so close that it will cause the face to burn.

7. Cleanliness

Great care must be taken with hygiene.  The face should be kept clean, but without rubbing and scrubbing.  Gentle patting with fresh cotton wool can work.  Never share a face cloth with others.  Take care and use discretion with soaps and specialized products for acne.

Keep the hands and nails scrupulously clean, because there is an unconscious tendency to touch the face, we don’t realize just how often we do it.

8. Flower Remedies

The prevalent emotions presented with by acne sufferers are different forms of depression.  The following Bach Flower Remedies may also alleviate the following feelings

feelings of hopelessness and despair      Gorse
anguish                                                          Sweet Chestnut
descending gloom                                       Mustard
low self esteem                                            Crab Apple

The remedies are relatively inexpensive, there are thirty eight different emotions catered for, and one can self diagnose, leaflets are available in heal food stores.

Conclusion

Whilst it is true that the vast majority of acne cases are experienced in adolescents, one person in 20 will continue to have acne to some extent, often women in the days before menstruation.  It seems no coincidence that the  high instance of acne occurs around puberty when the hormones are in turmoil.   So in some measure if the hormones can be controlled or balanced, this will go some way to alleviating the problem. Therefore Agnus Castus could be a good herb to take.

In spite of the handout in the doctor’s surgery that diet is not a factor, it has been noted that  in the Eskimo society, acne was unknown until a Western diet was adopted. Another study found the teenagers in New Guinea and Paraguay did not suffer from acne, again Western food not part of the diet.   Scientists caution that more studies into the findings need to be made before conclusions can be reached.

The underlying causes are dietary and hormonal.   Acne may be aggravated if the diet contains too many carbohydrates or fats.   The body may not have the metabolism to deal with the problem.   Therefore cutting down on fatty foods and sweets should be encouraged.  More fruit and vegetables should be included into the diet.

Last thought.   Louis L. Hay who writes on the mental causes of health problems states that acne is   ‘Not accepting the self. Dislike of the self”  She suggests the affirmation
“I am a Divine expression of life, I love an accept myself where I am right now” You can make of that what you will – it doesn’t cost anything to do., so maybe give it a go?

Good luck