Characterized by overly-productive oil glands, acne is an inflammatory condition of the skin. Acne may not be considered a serious health issue, at least for most people, but that doesn’t mean you can’t address it with the best that herbal medicine has to offer.
Does What You Eat Affect Acne?
Currently, there is little scientific evidence that any food or food group affects acne either positively or negatively. This directly contradicts the experiences of millions of acne sufferers who believe that foods like milk, fat and chocolate directly contribute to breakouts. The reason for the discrepancy isn’t fully understood but some researchers have suggested that undiagnosed food allergies may be at least partly to blame.
Another interesting theory linking food and acne involves a medical condition known as inflammation. First popularized by Dr. Nicholas Perricone, the inflammation theory of acne states that foods with a high glycemic load–foods that cause rapid, dramatic increases in blood sugar–may also play a role in breakouts.
If you find that your acne is tied to your diet, talk to your doctor. He or she may recommend that you avoid certain foods or refer you to a registered dietician who can help you design a dietary plan that is appropriate for you.
Are Herbal Remedies for Acne Effective?
Though no herbal remedy seems particularly effective against severe acne, people suffering from mild to moderate acne may respond well to topical applications of tea tree or evening primrose oils and the oral use of the Ayurevedic product guggul.
Tea Tree Oil Gel
A 2007 Iranian study found that 5% tea tree oil, applied as a gel, was more than 5 times more effective than the study’s placebo. Side effects were comparable to placebo and well tolerated. This study looked at only mild to moderate acne but led to researchers pronouncing tea tree oil, “an effective treatment” for acne.
Aloe vera gel has long been a favorite ingredient in skin care products, mainly because of its reputation as an anti-inflammatory. Unfortunately, a 2003 study of aloe vera gel completely ineffective against inflammation caused by the germ Propionibacterium acnes, one of the main microbes implicated in acne breakouts.
Guggul
Most herbal treatments for acne are centered around topical use but one, Commiphora mukul, or guggul, is showing tremendous promise as an oral supplement. A small 1994 Indian study actually found guggul more effective than the prescription medication tetracycline, especially among patients with very oily skin.
Evening Primrose Oil
As exciting as many herbal acne remedies are, none rival evening primrose oil. While the research on evening primrose oil for acne is in its infancy, what we do know is encouraging. Evening primrose oil is one of the richest natural sources of gamma-linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid undeniably tied to skin health.
Evening primrose oil, which can also be applied topically, is usually packed in capsule form with each capsule containing 500 to 1000 milligrams each.
Getting The Best Results from Natural Acne Remedies
Only a licensed medical professional is qualified to give you advice about your acne so before you embark on an herbal approach to yours, talk to your doctor or dermatologist. Herbal remedies are often unproven and all herbs have the potential to cause side effects. Additionally, many herbs can interfere with the prescription acne medications you may already be taking.
REFERENCES:
Smith, R., Mann, N., Braue, A., Makelainen, H., Varigos, G. (2007). The effect of a high-protein, low glycemic-load diet versus a conventional, high glycemic-load diet on biochemical parameters associated with acne vulgaris: A randomized, investigator-masked, controlled trial.
Jain, A., Basal, E. (2003). Inhibition of Propionibacterium acnes-induced mediators of inflammation by Indian herbs.
Thappa, D., Dogra, J. (1994). Nodulocystic acne: oral gugulipid versus tetracycline.
Berbis, Pl, Hesse, S., Privat, Y. (1990). Essential fatty acids and the skin.
