Acne Treatments - There Are Alternatives

Because so many people are looking for natural alternatives to western medicine, it is no surprise that many people who have acne seek alternative, natural treatment as well. Here are some of the more common alternative treatments for acne.

Vitamins: It is believed that certain vitamins help to combat acne, and reduce breakouts. The most important vitamins that help to control acne are Vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. These vitamins should be ingested, as opposed to rubbing them on the skin, because acne really is healed from the inside out. Zinc, chromium, and vitamin B6 are also recommended.

Herbal Remedies: Herbs such as black currant seed oil, evening primrose oil, echniacea, calendula, tea tree oil, goldenseal, nettles, cleavers, lavender, chamomile, cnidium seed, and honeysuckle all reportedly help with acne. All of these herbs are not used at once, and specific herbs are used according to the cause of the acne.

Good Habits: Good habits include washing your face with a gentle cleanser, in a gentle fashion (hard scrubbing only spreads acne, it doesn't help), keeping the hair completely off of the face, keeping the hair oil free, and keeping the hands off of the face.

Certain Foods: Although science has proven that food plays no role in acne, it is still suggested that you eat foods that are high in beta carotene. This would include orange fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, pumpkin, and cantaloupe.

Homeopathy: Homeopathic remedies include the use of kali bromatum, sulfur, and antimonium tartaricum. You should not use these ingredients without the supervision of a homeopathic physician.

Ayurvedic Treatments: This type of treatment includes eating bland foods, such as oatmeal and apple sauce, cutting out all fried foods, and drinking teas made of coriander, fennel, and cumin.

There are numerous other alternative treatments for acne, including special homemade natural face washes and pastes, aromatherapy, acupressure, reflexology, and even yoga.