Acne: Causes & Treatment
Index of Diseases / Health Conditions ... Medicinal Foods, Herbs, Spices & Household Items
The below provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. Any treatment protocol should be discussed with a qualified healthcare practitioner ... Please refer to: Medical & Legal Disclaimer.
Acne Medication - Do Acne Skin Care Products Work?"
Hormones May Cause Acne
Acne is often associated with hormones, such as the hormonal changes of adolescence. Everyone sheds cells -- constantly and invisibly -- from the hair follicles located all over the body (except palms and soles). Small sebaceous glands located beneath the surface of the skin secrete an oily fluid called sebum. The sebaceous glands are sensitive to testosterone and its metabolites -- in acne-prone individuals, testosterone may over-stimulate those glands, causing changes in sebum production that may lead to clogged pores.
Is Saw Palmetto the Solution?
In both men and women, testosterone converts to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is thought to be related to many different conditions, including male pattern baldness, enlarged prostate and, yes, acne. Saw palmetto has been shown in some studies to inhibit conversion of testosterone to DHT and therefore is thought to be helpful in addressing these problems.
According to Dr. Fried, some unlucky people are unusually susceptible to the effects of testosterone. "Their follicles serve as a petri dish for bacteria -- and the immune system's attack against that bacteria leads to inflammation... which is how a pimple erupts into a nasty, red, pustule." He agreed that down-regulating the conversion of testosterone to DHT could stem the over-production of sebum that clogs pores and creates pimples -- and in this way might theoretically be helpful to adults with problem skin. "I think it has the potential to improve acne," he said. Dr. Rubman concurs, noting that the accumulation of DHT can be associated with inflammation that impairs normal function -- and resolving that problem could help clear up problem skin. However, he added that effectiveness varies according to individual physiology -- saw palmetto can be exactly the right solution for one person and make no difference whatsoever for another. Furthermore, there are a range of saw palmetto products on the market with varying strengths and composition.
Dr. Jacques was more enthusiastic. "I began using saw palmetto with patients a dozen years ago, and I find it amazing for hormone-driven acne," she told me. "When the acne is associated with problems related to changes in testosterone levels or issues related to its metabolism -- often the case for both teenage boys and menopausal women -- saw palmetto can really be a boon."
Holistic Treatment:
- Use either coconut butter or grape seed oil, add a couple of drops of lavender, or patchouli oil (organic essential oils). These items can be purchased at your better local health food store or online.
- Jojoba: Mimics the skin's own oils and can even remove excess sebum.
- St. John's Wort Oil: Usually mixed with olive oil. Calms the skin.
- Grapeseed oil: An astringent. I use it for my face as I have combination skin that breaks out easily. It's lighter than the coconut oil that I am using for the rest of my body (mixed with other oils).
- Black Cumin Seed Oil & Cranberry Seed Oil: Are especially great for acne because they are both powerfully anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Even though they can be directly applied to the body or face, they are usually blended with a carrier oil.
Bergamot: Its aroma is uplifting, spicy, sweet; like orange and lemons with floral overtones - .citrus spice with a high floral note. Inhaled, it relaxes the nervous system and acts as a digestive. Also used as an expectorant, gargle for a sore throat, inhaled for anxiety and depression, used for a variety of skin problems. It may be used as an inhalation for respiratory tract infections such as tonsilitis and bronchitis. It is a valuable antiseptic for the urinary tract and infections and inflammation such as cystitis. Combined with tea tree* it is used as a treatment for cold sores, chicken pox and shingles. Used in douches and sitz baths, bergamot oil has proved successful in gonococcal infections, leucorrhoea, vaginal prurities and urinary infections; add no more than 2-3 drops to some warm water. *Please note that tea tree oil is toxic to all pets (birds, cats, dogs, etc.)
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Helichrysum Italicum: Among its properties are anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitussive, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, fungicidal and cicatrisant. The French used this oil primarily as an anti-inflammatory to regulate cholesterol, stimulate the cells of the liver, and as an antispasmodic. It's used in lymphatic drainage massages, acts as a stimulant for the liver, gall bladder, kidneys and spleen - the organs responsible for detoxifying the body. It is a rejuvenating oil which promotes cell growth, helping to rebuild tissues. Clears the body of candida apparently, which often thrives when vitality is low. Blend with rosehip seed oil for scar formula or with lemon and geranium for kick-smoking blend.
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Lavender: A must-have essential oil. It's known to be analgesic, antidepressant, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, bactericide, cicatrizant, decongestant, deodorant, diuretic, fungicide, sedative. Soothes the spirit, relieves anger, valuable in manic-depressive cases. Has a sedative action on the heart, assists in bringing down high blood pressure, relieves insomnia, relieves muscular spasms and rheumatic pains. The first essential oil one should reach for in the case of minor burns and sunburn. Useful with menstrual problems, bronchitis and headaches, helps lower blood pressure. Useful in a diffuser in the delivery room. May be useful in nausea, vomiting and colic. Keeps insects at bay. Purifies the air. |
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Patchouli: It is antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, deodorant, fungicide and insecticide. May cause loss of appetite. Its odor may be little too persistent for some people. Although I personally love the smell and use it both in aroma therapy (as it helps with appetite control) and add it to my skin care oil (coconut oil). Due to its strong astringent and cicatrisant properties, may be helpful for loose skin, especially after dieting, used in many anti-wrinkle products. Its diuretic properties are useful in cases of fluid retention and cellulite. Well known to increase libido, considered an aphrodisiac. Relieves effects from insect bites, protects clothes from moths. It is known as a tissue regenerator which helps stimulate regrowth of skin cells and the forming of scar tissue. Heals rough, cracked skin.
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Vetivert: It is considered antiseptic, aphrodisiac, sedative, nervine. It is a calming oil, excellent for stress and tension. Settles the nerves. May be useful in helping people ease off tranquilizers. This oil is considered a classic for physical, mental and emotional burnout which may result in total exhaustion. On an emotional level, vetiver helps to soothe states of irritability, anger and hysteria. Vetivert is recommended for dry, dehydrated skin. |
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Yarrow: Indicated for problems of prostate or menstrual problems and neuralgia. Useful for gynecological problems. May be useful for the relief of irregular menstrual cycles and painful periods. The oil may be applied in a massage, compress or foot bath. Yarrow is used for the treatment of wounds and open sores because of its astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
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