Acne is a common skin condition that presents with pimples when the hair follicles (pores) become blogged with natural skin oil, dust and dead skin cells. It is more correctly known by the medical term ‘acne vulgaris’. Pimples are the more common skin lesion that may occur but a person with acne may also develop comedones (blackheads/whiteheads), pustules (pus-filled pimples), cysts and even abscesses (boils). Acne is more frequently seen in teens but can start in adulthood as well. The face, back, upper chest and shoulders are the more commonly affected areas.
Diet and Lifestyle
- Chocolates and junk foods do not play a role in acne but should be avoided for general health reasons.
- Refined sugar and other refined carbohydrates (like wheat) may play a role but this is not as yet conclusively proven.
- Keep long hair away from the face.
- Do not touch the face or pinch/squeeze pimples.
- Avoid wearing makeup.
- Wash the face thoroughly at least twice a day with antibacterial soap/facewash and drying agents.
Nutritional Supplements
- Brewer’s yeast
- Selenium
- Vitamin C (for general skin health)
- Zinc has been shown to help reduce the severity of acne if taken daily for at least 6 weeks. (1)
Herbal Remedies
- Aloe vera (topical application – applied on the skin)
- Burdock (Arctium lappa)
- Calendula officinalis (topical application – applied on the skin)
- Neem (Azadirachta indica)
- Tea tree oil (topical application – applied on the skin)
Homeopathic Remedies
- Antimonium crudum
- Asteria rubens
- Calcarea carbonica
- Hepar sulphuris calcareum
- Kali bromatum
- Pulsatilla
- Silica (tissue salts)
- Sulphur
References:
- Zinc supplement. NYU