ACNE
Description
Body System
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[45] Kim S, Park TH, Kim WI, Park S, Kim JH, Cho MK. The effects of green tea on acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Phytother Res. 2021;35(1):374-383.
[46] Bassett IB, Pannowitz DL, Barnetson RS. A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne. Med J Aust. 1990;153(8):455-458.
[47] Pazyar N, Yaghoobi R, Bagherani N, Kazerouni A. A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology. Int J Dermatol. 2013;52(7):784-790.
[48] Enshaieh, S., Jooya, A., Siadat, A.H. and Iraji, F., 2007. The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Indian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprology, 73, p.22.
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[50] Bungau AF, Radu AF, Bungau SG, et al. Emerging Insights into the Applicability of Essential Oils in the Management of Acne Vulgaris. Molecules. 2023;28(17):6395. Published 2023 Sep 1.
[51] Piazza S, Martinelli G, Vrhovsek U, et al. Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Acne Effects of Hamamelis virginiana Bark in Human Keratinocytes. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022;11(6):1119. Published 2022 Jun 5.
[52] Dodov, M.G. and Kulevanova, S., 2009. A review of phytotherapy of Acne vulgaris. Macedonian pharmaceutical bulletin, 55(1), p.2.
[53] Im Na, J. and Suh, D.H., 2007. Red light phototherapy alone is effective for acne vulgaris: randomized, single-blinded clinical trial. Dermatologic Surgery, 33(10), pp.1228-1233.
[54] Lee SY, You CE, Park MY. Blue and red light combination LED phototherapy for acne vulgaris in patients with skin phototype IV. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine: The Official Journal of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. 2007 Feb;39(2):180-8.
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[56] Tabatabaei F, Pasalar M, Tajadini H, Kamali M, Rampp T. Effectiveness of Wet Cupping on Patients with Facial Acne Vulgaris: A 12-Week, Randomized, Single-Blind, Intervention-Sham-Controlled Trial. Wirksamkeit des blutigen Schröpfens bei Patienten mit Akne vulgaris im Gesicht: Eine 12-wöchige, randomisierte, einfach blinde, Sham-kontrollierte Interventionsstudie. Complement Med Res. 2021;28(6):508-515.
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1. Omega 3: Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA from fish oil, reduce inflammation, a key factor in acne development, potentially decreasing the severity of breakouts.
2. Borage Oil: Borage oil, rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), reduces inflammation by increasing levels of dihomogamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), contributing to improved skin health and reducing acne severity.
3. Evening Primrose Oil: Evening primrose oil increases gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) levels, which helps reduce inflammation and manage acne symptoms by regulating skin health.
4. Vitamin A: Vitamin A promotes healthy skin cell turnover and protects against bacterial infections, helping prevent acne breakouts by keeping pores clear.
5. Zinc: Zinc reduces inflammation, redness, and swelling in acne-prone skin while also inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
6. Vitamin E: Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, reduces inflammation and redness in acne-prone skin while protecting skin cells from oxidative damage.
7. Vitamin C: Vitamin C boosts collagen production, aiding skin repair and reducing acne scarring. It also helps fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, improving overall skin tone.
8. Probiotics: Probiotics support a balanced gut microbiome, improving the gut-skin axis by reducing systemic inflammation, which can positively impact acne.
9. Vitamin B3 [Niacin]: Vitamin B3 (Niacin) reduces acne vulgaris by decreasing inflammation, controlling sebum production, and enhancing skin barrier function.
10. Vitamin B5 [Pantothenic Acid]: Vitamin B5 reduces acne by regulating sebum production, decreasing inflammation, and supporting skin healing and hydration.
11. Vitamin D: Vitamin D improves acne vulgaris by reducing inflammation, modulating the immune system, and helping regulate sebum production. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to an increased risk of acne.
12. Chromium: Chromium helps regulate blood sugar levels, reducing insulin spikes that can lead to increased sebum production and hormonal acne breakouts.
1. Green Tea Extract: Green tea, rich in polyphenols like EGCG, reduces inflammation and may lower sebum production, helping reduce acne lesions.
2. Tea Tree Essential Oil: Tea tree oil, when diluted and applied topically, reduces acne lesions and inflammation due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, promoting clearer skin.
3. Lavender Essential Oil: Lavender essential oil, when diluted and applied topically, soothes irritated skin and promotes acne healing with its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
4. Witch Hazel: Witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent properties help soothe inflamed acne lesions, tighten pores, and balance skin moisture.
5. Diindolylmethane [DIM]: DIM improves acne by balancing hormones, promoting healthy estrogen metabolism, and reducing androgen levels. It also acts as a biofilm disruptor, enhancing acne treatments by reducing bacterial persistence.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar, when applied topically, is believed to help reduce pores, fight bacteria, and maintain the skin’s natural pH balance, according to anecdotal evidence.
2. Honey: Honey’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce acne by targeting acne-causing bacteria and soothing inflammation. It also promotes healing and hydration without clogging pores, making it ideal for acne-prone skin.
1. Red Light Therapy: Red light therapy targets the inflammatory response in acne, helping reduce breakouts, diminish acne scars, and promote skin rejuvenation.
2. Blue Light Therapy: Blue light therapy effectively targets inflammatory acne lesions, such as papules and pustules, offering relief for mild-to-moderate acne.
3. Cupping Therapy: Cupping therapy’s detoxifying and anti-inflammatory effects improve acne lesions over time by enhancing blood circulation and aiding toxin elimination, contributing to clearer skin.
4. Ayurveda: Ayurveda uses herbal remedies with anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties to reduce acne and support lesion healing. Adopting Ayurvedic dietary guidelines enhances the effectiveness of these treatments.
5. Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy, including facial steam and balneotherapy, helps open pores and detoxify the skin, aiding in the management of acne.
Supplements
Plant Extracts
Natural Compounds
Alternative Treatments
Symptoms & Signs
Causes
Hormonal Imbalances, Diet, Toxin Buildup, Fungal Infections, Bacterial Infections, Inflammation, Oral Contraceptives, Genes, Stress
Books That You May Want To Read
How Nutrients Function
Fatty Acids: Fatty acids serve as energy sources, structural components of cell membranes, and precursors to signaling molecules. Essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, play critical roles in brain function, cardiovascular health, and inflammation regulation.
Herbal Extracts: Herbal extracts contain bioactive compounds with various medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. They have been used traditionally to support digestion, immunity, and overall health.
Minerals: Minerals are essential for various physiological functions, including bone health, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity. They support overall health by ensuring proper cellular function and metabolic processes.
Other Nutrients: Other nutrients encompass a wide array of essential compounds crucial for various physiological functions. This category includes neurotransmitters and their precursors, which facilitate nerve signaling and are vital for central nervous system function. Additionally, naturally occurring structural components and biological detergents, such as phospholipids and bile salts, play critical roles in tissue repair, fat digestion, and overall bodily function. Phospholipids contribute to cell membrane integrity and fat emulsification, while bile salts are key to digesting and absorbing dietary fats. Hormones and their precursors regulate numerous physiological processes, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Furthermore, naturally occurring chemicals and metals play pivotal roles in enzymatic reactions, immune function, and overall health maintenance.
Probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed. They support gut health, immune function, and oral hygiene by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the growth of harmful pathogens.
Vitamins: Vitamins are essential micronutrients that play diverse roles in supporting cellular processes, immune function, and overall health. They must be obtained through diet or supplementation to ensure proper bodily function.
Nutrients Explained In Nutritional Guide
Podcast Episodes To Listen To
Educational Videos To Learn From
Functional Lab Tests That You Might Consider
References
Things To Do
Helping your body heal from acne is a process that necessitates a strong focus on a healthy diet. Providing your body with the necessary micronutrients, keeping it hydrated, and allowing the natural detoxification pathways to function all contribute to faster results.
Change your eating habits and opt for a whole-foods-based diet. Incorporate a lot of raw foods, especially ones that are rich in oxalic acid: nuts [almonds, cashews], beets, and Swiss chard.
Additionally, enrich your diet with foods that are high in zinc, such as shellfish, sunflower seeds, and whole grains.
Include antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and nuts to combat oxidative stress, which can exacerbate acne.
Eat plenty of fiber [from fresh vegetables and fruit] and drink a sufficient amount of water to secure proper bowel movements and help your body eliminate waste and toxins.
Make sure to feed your body probiotic-rich foods such as sourkraut, kefir, kimchi, and unsweetened pickled vegetables.
There are also other methods that can help achieve long-term results:
If you are of age, try intermittent fasting, which will help your body detoxify, reduce inflammation, and heal.
Adults can try cleansing enemas to aid in toxin elimination.
For women, use oil-free makeup products. Also, the more natural the look, the less makeup you need to apply. Wash your makeup brushes regularly.
Opt for natural, water-based skin care products.
Wash your face with sulfur soap. While washing, be gentle; don't rub the skin.
Get out in the sun if you are not taking any acne medications.
Get enough sleep and exercise.
Shave acne-affected skin with an electric razor or a single-edge razor. Shave in the direction that your hair grows.
Things To Avoid
There are a lot of elements and products in our diet that aggravate acne and contribute to frequent breakouts. Being mindful of what we put into our bodies can help reduce the severity of this condition. If you suffer from acne, you should:
Eliminate processed foods, which are rich in trans-fatty acids and cause inflammation.
Avoid fried foods [especially those fried in vegetable and seed oils], which are rich in oxidized fatty acids and cause inflammation.
Do not eat dairy products if they cause allergic reactions. Milk and its derivatives contain hormones and stimulate sebum production.
Avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates. They have a high glycemic load, which, through various pathways, increases sebum production and impairs immune function.
Watch out for added salt in products. Most salt is iodized, and iodine sensitivity can also aggravate acne.
Excessive consumption [mainly through supplementation] of vitamins B6 and B12 is associated with acne flare-ups, as high pyridoxine and cobalamin levels in the blood can trigger skin breakouts.
Avoid alcohol, sweetened beverages, cocoa, chocolate, spicy foods, margarine, and poultry.
In skin care, avoid:
Oil-based products and products that contain such chemicals as lanolins, SLS [sodium lauryl sulfate], laureth-4, and C and D red dyes.
Makeup. It can block the pores and dysregulate the microbiome.
Shaving and excessive touching of your skin.
Squeezing the blemishes.
Overwashing your skin and rubbing.
Other:
Recuce stress.
If you are on the pill, check with your doctor to see if it isn't causing your acne flare-ups.
Avoid steroids.