How To Get Rid of Acne

Acne is the most common skin disease in the world, affecting between 80 to 90 percent of all people at some stage in their lives. Despite its high prevalence, acne remains a difficult condition to get rid of, and in order to recover, patients have to often research and experiment with different types of treatments. Be patient when beginning this journey — the path is not the same for everyone, and may take months, if not years, to find the answer that works for you.

Get Rid of Acne Tip #1: Learn Your Products

Getting rid of acne means you have to become fluent with the vast range of skin products and acne-specific products available on the market. Acne products are a multi-million dollar industry and offer everything from lotions, creams, cleansers, to chemical peels. Some are not going to be suitable for your skin type, while others may cause undesirable or distressing side effects. Test over-the-counter products on a small area of skin before purchasing, and favor products that have been formulated by actual dermatologists such as Exposed Skin Care. Avoid heavy or oily skin products that might cause further clogging of your pores — instead choose light creams, lotions, soaps and gels that are absorbed quickly and leave little residue. Use make-up very rarely, if at all. If your skin is very sensitive, try plant-based products and organic make-ups that cause less irritation and dryness.

Get Rid of Acne Tip #2: Cleanse Your Body

Detoxifying regularly is a health-promoting activity that helps to get rid of acne symptoms and promote tissue recovery. Many cases of acne are exacerbated, if not directly caused, by toxins and allergens. When the liver and kidneys cannot detoxify everything in your system, some toxins are pushed out through the skin, making sweat acidic and irritating. Food sensitivities and digestive problems can produce even more toxic by-products inside your body, leading to skin diseases and acne flare-ups. Drink plenty of clean water throughout the day and avoid chemicals and additives in your meals by eating fresh, organic foods. Smoothies and vegetable juices support liver and kidney detoxification processes, and some alternative medicines such as milk thistle and dandelion root stimulate liver detoxification. If you are concerned about food allergies or sensitivities, consult with a clinical nutritionist or doctor about having an allergy test or going on a supervised elimination diet.

Get Rid of Acne Tip #3: Step Up With Nutrition

Vitamins and minerals are crucial for healthy skin and tissue healing. Studies show that oral zinc supplements improve acne symptoms, such as inflammation, significantly. In addition, vitamin A, C and B-complex work together to improve systemic immunity against acne-causing bacteria, maintain normal tissue growth, and protect against free radical damage. If acne is related to heightened stress levels, magnesium and vitamin B6 may help support the nervous system and regulate sleep cycles. Eating a natural and balanced diet with whole grains, seeds, nuts, vegetables and fruits is the best way to ensure you are receiving adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals. You can also purchase vitamin and mineral supplements in pharmacies and health food stores — some formulations are for the general populace, while others are balanced for skin health. Get a good brand recommendation from a naturopathic doctor, clinical nutritionist or pharmacist.

Get Rid of Acne Tip #4: Explore Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine has been used around the globe to get rid of acne for centuries, and is a useful complementary therapy in people who are sensitive to pharmaceutical products. Topical treatments such as Echinacea root and Aloe Vera are active against several strains of acne-causing bacteria. Aloe Vera, Comfrey leaf, Calendula and Chamomile have all shown to have wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties in clinical, in vitro and animal studies. According to one clinical study, the traditional Ayurvedic remedy known as Sunder Vati significantly improved acne symptoms and was well-tolerated in patients. Many herbal medicines are contraindicated with prescription and over-the-counter medications, so check with your doctor and a registered medical herbalist before purchasing any herbal products to get rid of acne.

Get Rid of Acne Tip #5: Check With Specialists

In severe cases of acne you may have to talk with doctors and dermatologists about stronger prescription medications. Over-the-counter acne products and natural remedies are more popular than prescription, as they are often cheaper and result in fewer side effects. However, a great number of patients must still turn to prescribed acne treatments if nothing else works. Most doctors will prescribe an oral antibiotic as the primary treatment for getting rid of acne — a treatment that can take many months to notice good results in some cases, and can result in digestive and immune problems in some people. Other stronger medications include Isotretinoin, a powerful drug which balances sebum oil production in the skin, and oral contraceptives to regulate hormones, such as progesterone, which are attributed to acne.

Sources

• “Prescriptions for Natural Cures”; Mark Stengler, N.D., James Balch, M.D.; 2004
• “Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs”; Kerry Bones; 2003