Proper Acne Medication

Proper Acne Medication

Acne typically appears in easily noticeable locations, such as the face, neck, chest, and back. Several factors contribute to the development of acne, including contact with oily substances, certain medications, steroids, and hormone secretion. Over 90% of acne patients respond well to treatment; however, treatments may continue for several months or years. Below are various natural remedies and methods to deal with acne.

Causes of Acne

Various factors cause acne – among the most common are contact with oily substances like mineral oil, vegetable oil, and petroleum, as well as medications such as steroids and contraceptives. The most frequent cause of acne is the secretion of androgens, sex hormones initially secreted at puberty. Androgens stimulate the skin's oil glands to produce excess oil. Overactive glands with blocked exits accumulate oil, causing swelling and resultant acne. The bacterium Propionibacterium acnes typically colonizes these swollen glands, leading to inflammation and pus. In particularly severe cases, these glands may burst, creating cysts. Some health practitioners associate acne with facial fungus and clogged colons.

Natural Remedies for Acne Treatment

Home Remedies:

• A non-oily face wash containing tea tree oil or echinacea may help reduce acne breakouts. Wash your face twice daily—morning and evening—and rinse with warm purified water.
• Avoid cosmetics or facial products containing socetyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, sodium chloride, and parabens, as these ingredients can contribute to acne.
• Pay extra attention to dry skin: wash and rinse your face thoroughly using specialized products for dry skin.
• Natural astringent cleansers can remove oil buildup in the skin's glands. These products may cause dryness, itching, and redness, so apply only to problem areas.

Herbal Remedies:

Herbs like chamomile, lavender, juniper, bergamot, dandelion root, and burdock root can help reduce toxicity and improve overall skin condition. Echinacea and poke root are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, while red clover may offer estrogenic benefits. Witch hazel is an excellent astringent that can effectively treat acne.

Natural Herbal Recipes for Acne Treatment:

• Combine ground ginger with milk and apply it to affected areas.
• Make a paste of honey and cinnamon and apply it to affected areas at night. Wash with warm water in the morning and continue this for 1-2 weeks.
• Mix lemon juice with cinnamon and apply it to acne.
• Create a paste from ground orange peel and water, apply to affected spots, and wash off with warm water after 20-30 minutes.
• Rub fresh garlic on acne at frequent intervals.
• Apply raw papaya juice to swollen acne.
• Make a paste of salt and vinegar, then wash off after 20-30 minutes.
• Rub fresh mint juice on acne.
• Create a paste of turmeric and vinegar, apply it to acne, and rinse with lukewarm water after 20-30 minutes.
• Drink wheatgrass juice to prevent and cure acne.
• Apply a poultice of ground sesame seeds and water to acne to reduce inflammation.

Complementary Treatments:

• Acupuncture: Stagnation of Chi in facial channels is believed to cause acne. Acupuncture on these facial points may help alleviate acne.
• Homeopathy: Kali brom may help patients with pustules and blind boils on the face, neck, and back. Selenium is often used for acne sufferers with oily skin, blackheads, and pustules.

Conventional Treatments (not recommended):

• Medication: Conventional acne medications can be topical – applied directly to the skin – or systemic – taken internally. They include benzoyl peroxide, retinoic acid, steroids, antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and isotretinoin (Accutane).
• Therapeutic Injections: In severe cases of acne with cysts and scars, some doctors have found success in injecting steroids directly into the cyst to resolve the cyst and reduce scarring.
• Surgery: In moderate to severe cases of acne, doctors may perform surgery on blemishes to remove blackheads and whiteheads, resulting in more immediate effects compared to medication treatments.