The majority of people will always look for an easy and natural way to eliminate acne. Unfortunately, this can become a bit of an obsession when they realize that their problem keeps repeating itself. Acne is not a problem that appears overnight, and as such will not disappear as quickly either.

Acne is generally caused by toxins within the body having built up over time. These toxins have to be removed, and the best way to do that is to define a simple daily regime that will help to cleanse your body.

You need to get a lot of rest

Probably the easiest step in creating this regime is the first step, and that is to ensure that you get a sufficient amount of rest per day. This might not be as easy as it sounds, as many people have difficulty sleeping, and others have a schedule that does not allow for a time to rest regularly.

However, if you are really determined to rid yourself of acne, then it is important that you make time to get an adequate amount of rest. The average person requires in the region of seven hours sleep each night, though this can vary slightly. You must find your optimum level of rest, or you will never be able to be totally free of acne.

Improve your diet

This step in your new regime should not only help you with your problem of acne but will improve your general health, and also reduce any weight-related issues you may have. On the face of it, this step sounds easy to do, however, a lot of people would not think so for a multitude of reasons. For some people, this could mean changing their lifestyle completely, but the effects are worthwhile, and play a large part in eliminating acne.

One of the most important steps towards a healthier diet is to stop eating fast food and consuming drinks that are full of sugar. The ideal replacement foods are vegetables and fruit. You could discover that a colorful fresh fruit, or vegetable, salad becomes more appealing when you realize what other great advantages they have, such as helping with weight-loss. You could also make smoothies, but do not add sugar, keep them pure.

Drink lots of water and keep your body hydrated

Though it might be hard to believe; one of the main causes of acne is due to a low fluid intake. Therefore, the third step of this "get rid of acne" regime is to make sure that you are consuming sufficient quantities of water each day, and cut down on fizzy drinks, including sports drinks, as these will not help you in your plan to eliminate acne.

You should see the effects of increasing your water intake, and that does not include that used in other drinks such as coffee and tea; very quickly. Your skin will have become clearer, and free of blemishes.

What does cinnamon bring to your mind? Flavorful cuisine! Well, cinnamon is a savory spice that has been extensively used in cooking. At the same time, it has curative properties, including the ability to cure acne. The onset of acne is attributed to several factors, such as hormonal fluctuations, overactive sebaceous glands, high stress levels, nutrient deficiencies and allergens, among others. Regardless of the underlying causes of acne, it is always sensible to take a natural approach for acne treatment. Let's see how cinnamon can help you!

Cinnamon is obtained from the bark of the cinnamon tree, which is native to tropical areas. Its use in food and medicine, especially Chinese medicine, dates as far back as 2000 B.C. Cinnamon can address several health issues, including diarrhea, flatulence, intestinal colic and menstrual cramps. It is also known to control blood sugar and cholesterol levels. When it comes to natural acne treatment, cinnamon's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties play an important role. Additionally, cinnamon supports skin health by promoting blood flow to the skin. In other words, it brings essential nutrients to the skin surface. Cinnamon's major constituent is cinnamaldehyde. It also contains tannins, flavonoids and other health-giving plant pigments.

How can you use cinnamon for acne cure? You can use cinnamon in the powder form or as an essential oil. As little as three drops of the essential oil added to about two tablespoons of petroleum jelly can work wonders in rejuvenating your skin. The mixture can improve the tone of your lips and skin by reducing fine lines.You can also substitute petroleum jelly with olive oil. Cinnamon powder cleanses the skin by exfoliating the dead skin cells and eliminating the excess oil. It facilitates deep cleansing of the pores, thereby decreasing inflammation and checking the growth of bacteria that worsens acne.

One of the most popular home remedies for acne constitutes cinnamon and honey. Honey has equally attractive skin-health properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and moisturizing properties and works for all skin types - dry, oily and combination types. It is capable of absorbing impurities from clogged pores and its natural hydrogen peroxide content prevents bacterial infestation. For a simple yet effective recipe, mix a tablespoon of freshly ground cinnamon powder with two teaspoons of honey. Leave the mixture for about 15 minutes to let their properties diffuse well. To use the mix as a face mask, apply it on your face, leave for about 20 minutes and rinse. To use it for spot treatment, apply it on the affected spot and leave it overnight before washing off. The treatment is effective for back acne as well.

If you have sensitive skin, make sure that you conduct a spot test on your jawline or neck. It is important to remember that accidental ingestion of cinnamon powder can burn your mouth and throat and also lead to breathing problems. Those who are prone to hay fever or have pollen allergies must be cautious of allergic reactions associated with using honey.

Systemic Enzymes

If you have scars or pockmarks that have recently occurred from acne, you may be able to clear them by using a product called Vitalzym.

You're not going to hear this from your doctor or dermatologist, but systemic enzymes, such as serapeptase, which is found in Vitalzym, can remove excess fibrin, which makes up scar tissue that forms acne pockmarks.

Systemic enzymes have a different function from digestive enzymes. Systemic enzymes work in body organs, tissue, skin, and joints to remove excess fibrin, which accumulates in these areas. Systemic enzymes,

* Bring nutrient to damaged area 
* Enhance wellness 
* Help to speed repair of damage tissue 
* Improves blood and lymphatic circulation 
* Reduce inflammation 
* Remove waste products 
* Stimulate immune system

Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes, however, are used to help you digest food that you eat. If you eat mostly processed foods, these foods don't have digestive enzymes to help digest them selves. Your body has to pull them from deep within your body to digest food in your stomach or intestines.

Over many years of eating processed food instead of live food, like raw fruits and vegetables, your digestive enzyme supply will diminish and you will not digest food as good as when you were younger.

Supplementing your diet with digestive enzymes and taking them with every meal will insure that you digest your food properly. This will reduce the amount of undigested food that gets into the colon where toxic matter is formed. Also, this will minimize your chances of becoming constipated. Good digestion and colon function is necessary for preventing, clearing, or eliminating acne.

Lecithin

Lecithin is made from soybeans and is found in health food stores in yellow granules. It is an emulsifier, which is a substance that helps fats and nonfats to mixed and stay together without separating.

In the blood, lecithin keeps fats from forming large globes, which can create problems if your arteries are narrow. Lecithin also has many other benefits such as,

* Improves digestion and absorption of essential fatty acids 
* Improves skin problems 
* Improves memory 
* Lowers cholesterol

Add 1-2 tablespoons of granules into your smoothies. Add one or two teaspoons to your soups or other liquid food. Sprinkle one teaspoon or more on your fresh salads.

Chlorophyll and lemon

Chlorophyll is one of the best ways to detoxify the colon fast. Your colon needs to be detoxified constantly to prevent toxins from getting into your blood and seeping into your facial skin where they can create acne. It also helps the skin keep healthy by acting as an

* antioxidant 
* anti-inflammatory 
* anti-microbial agent 
* absorber of heavy metals in the colon

Here are some of the benefits you will get from drinking chlorophyll,

* Heals open wounds inside your body 
* Increases re-growth of tissues 
* Helps to heal sores in your mouth 
* Acts as a antiseptic 
* Destroys bacteria 
* Brings more oxygen to your cells 
* Give protection from low levels of radiation such as TV, computers, microwaves, and hospital equipment 
* Reduces toxins in the colon and body 
* Helps to purify the liver 
* Helps sores heal faster 
* Reduces pain from inflammation

Here's how to prepare it first thing in the morning,

* Place 2-3 tablespoon of plain liquid chlorophyll in an 8 oz glass 
* Squeeze the juice of one whole lemon into the glass 
* Add distilled water to fill the 8 oz glass.

The reason I add one lemon to this drink is to give this drink some flavor. I have a hard time just drinking chlorophyll and water. It has a bland taste. You may try adding the chlorophyll to some other drink if you like.

You cannot overdose on chlorophyll liquid that is why I sometimes drink 2 ounces plus the juice of one lemon in an 8 oz glass of water.


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Fruit smoothies provide you a different way to eat fruits. Smoothies mixed with other ingredients and nutrients can serve as a way to clear your acne and provide nutrients to clear constipation. Blended nutrients are digested quicker when in a liquid slurry then when in a solid food. Smoothies can be created that help build, cleanse, and heal your body.

In cases where you are depleted of various vitamins and minerals, smoothies are a way to bring these nutrients quickly into your body.

During the period where you have acne, drink more smoothies to detoxify toxic matter in your colon and else where in your body.

The smoothies I list in other articles provide you with plenty of fiber. Fiber is one of the main foods you want to increase in your eating plan.

In her book, New Facts About Fiber, 1997, Betty Kamen, Ph. D., talks about how fiber helps skin diseases,

"Treatment of any skin condition is always more effective when the intestinal tract is free of disease-producing fungi. Vegetable fiber is recommended to reduce yeast colonies between your intestinal villi - the threadlike projections covering the surface of the mucous membranes lining your small intestine, which serve as the absorption sites of nutrients. Fiber also helps to avoid yeast cells from invading your lymph tract and circulating blood. This is effective in clearing seborrheic eczema (the kind that causes excessive discharge from the sebaceous glands, forming greasy scales and cheesy plugs) and other skin conditions."

Drink your smoothie slowly. Do not drink it like water. The best way to drink it is to move the mixture around in your mouth so saliva is mixed with the smoothie ingredients. Drinking a smoothie too fast can lead to gas (air in the smoothie) to form in the stomach and intestine, which can cause some discomfort.

Once your smoothie is made, drink it within a few minutes. The smoothie ingredients will start to decay quickly as it has air mixed in from the blending process. If you fill a thermos to the top, you can use the smoothie for later.

In her book, The Big Book of Juices and Smoothies, 2003, Natalie Savona, gives some hints on storing your smoothie.

"There really is no such thing as storing a juice or smoothie - you can't beat drinking them the moment you've made them. However, you may like to take them out to work or on a picnic. In that case, the best way to store them is to put a teaspoon of vitamin C powder or a squeeze pf lemon juice in the bottom of the jug attached to the juicer. The vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, preventing the juice from turning brown. The same goes for smoothies. Also keep the drinks covered and cool - in a sealed container in the refrigerator, or in a thermos flask"


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Green tea is the most consumed beverage in the world, second only to water. The craze for green tea exceeds taste, as this beverage--derived from the white-flowered plant, Camellia Sinensis--is continually proving its health and wellness benefits.

A native to Asia, green tea is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are known for their ability to help fight diseases and maintaining healthy cell structure. Antioxidant research has shown that antioxidants help prevent cancer, reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease, and can even lower blood cholesterol levels.

Researchers are now linking the antioxidants in green tea to acne prevention.

It has been long known that placing a warm tea bag on an acne blemish or similar growth will help to draw the toxins out of the lesion, promoting quicker heal times.

Current research has shown that green tea extracts fight bacteria, reduce redness and inflammation, and can deter hormone activity. All three of these symptoms are present in acne blemishes.

According to the findings reported to the American Academy of Dermatology by dermatologist Dr. Gan-Wong, when compounded into a cream with a content of 3% green tea extract, acne treatment results were comparable to using a topical solution containing 4% benzoyl peroxide, a common treatment for acne.

Dr. Gan-Wong's findings were based on an independent study of just over 100 acne suffers. The test subjects were randomly split into two groups, with one group receiving the green tea treatment and the other receiving a benzoyl peroxide treatment. Neither group was aware of the treatment they received, nor were the dermatologist who documented their progress.

After a twelve week period, significant improvements in the reduction of acne and redness were noted in the patients using the green tea extract. The results were comparable to the results of the benzoyl peroxide users.

Additionally, dermatologist noted improvements in skin tone on the test subjects who were using green tea extract cream, and green tea users reported fewer cases of dry skin and allergic responses.

Thus, green tea extract cream had proven to offer the same benefits in the treatment of acne as benzoyl peroxide, with fewer side effects.

Benzoyl peroxide is a crystalline powder that is used in tire and plastic production as well as cosmetics. Benzoyl peroxide can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tracts, and is on OSHA's hazardous substance list as a precaution against prolonged exposure.

What makes using green tea extract appealing as an acne treatment is that green tea is all natural.

Furthermore, it gives the holistic community a welcomed study on something that has been recommended by holistic healing practioneers for years. It is quite probable that green tea has MANY medicinal properties yet to be verified by western science. This seems very likely, considering the vast amount of anecdotal evidence regarding the healing properties of green tea.

So, on a holistic level, there is now one more scientifically backed treatment for acne available to those who want to avoid the harmful side effects of the various chemical acne treatments.

With this in mind, those who want to treat their acne, but hate the redness and irritation caused by using benzoyl peroxide and other chemicals on the skin, there is now a scientifically proven, all natural treatment. Green Tea!


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Reports show that over 90 percent of all adolescents and almost 25 percent of all adults suffer from acne at some time. Acne affects males and females worldwide, regardless of nationality. 
The most effective methods to combat acne include a combination of prevention and better skincare.

Here are some of the ways you can use to prevent and treat acne:

1. Exercise

Regular exercise can help fight acne by fighting off negative stress levels that can come from negative self-esteem and depression. But avoid wearing tight lycra and nylon exercise outfits. These synthetic fabrics that tend to trap body moisture and heat, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Stick to loose clothing made of cotton or natural blends, and keep your sports gear and equipment clean.

2. Safe Cosmetics

To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that can contribute to acne, use products labeled "noncomedogenic" or "oil-free." Opt for "hypo-allergenic" perfumes and cosmetics to avoid allergic reactions and skin irritation. Coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes can cause reactions.

Shimmering facial colors can contain a flaky mineral called mica that can cause skin irritations and clog pores. Use a lip gloss with a matte finish for less pore-clogging. The more the shine, the more then comedogenic content and the more your pores can clog.

3. Healthy Diet

Studies show that diet does not play a role in either the cause or the treatment of acne. However, what is best for your body is best for your skin. So make sure you get enough vitamins, minerals and supplements that have been known and recommended to prevent and help conquer acne breakouts. These include

• Vitamin A or Retinol (High doses are toxic)
• Vitamin B Complex
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• L-Carnitine
• Zinc

A good quality brand name multivitamin will probably have the recommended vitamins and minerals that you need to help with acne prevention. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day and making good, healthy dietary food choices.

3. Hormonal Treatment

Hormones (or a lack of them) during later years - especially for women - can play a role in acne flare-ups and prevention. One recent study showed that about 50 percent of women have acne, referred to as hormonal acne, problems during the week before their menstruation.

Treatment options include topical retinoids, oral antibiotics and Benzoyl Peroxide for teen years. For adults oral contraceptives or hormonal birth control pills and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) may be helpful for women, combined with systemic or topical treatments, prescription or over-the-counter products and medications.

4. Healthy Skin Regimen

Avoid harsh scrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skin irritation or possible over production of oil to replace what's washed off, clogging pores in the process. Use products with gentle exfoliation ingredients and skip products that contain alcohol.

5. Acne Products

Some of the more popular products on the market that can prevent acne include:

• Benzoyl Peroxide
• Proactiv® Solution
• Salicylic Acid
• Retinoids
• Antibiotics
• Oral Contraceptives
• Anti-Androgens
• Isotretinoin (Accutane)

6. Shaving

Shaving is actually an excellent way of exfoliating or removing dead skin to help with the prevention and spreading of acne instead of leaving the remains to clog pores. And for some light acne cases already in process, shaving can help rid whiteheads and blackheads from the face. Do not shave areas that are sore or infected. Use a shaving cream for sensitive skin.

Shave with a sharp blade. Use gentle swipes instead of heavy pressure and go with the flow or "grain." A single-edged blade is better than a twin-blade razor. Electric razors may not shave as close to the skin, but they help with the prevention of acne and other skin breakouts and flare-ups better.

7. Stress

Stress includes external and internal stressors. External Stressors are those that compromise your skin's ability to heal, like oily make-up and too much sun. Internal stressors like anxiety, fear, low self-esteem, depression and a variety of other internalized emotions, can trigger chemical reactions inside your body that can result in acne flare-ups and other skin irritations.

To combat internal stressors and prevent acne problems, get plenty of rest and sleep. Try to maintain regular hours. Keep a check list of "Things that Calm You" handy for stressful times, like reading a book, resting, listening to music, taking a walk, going out for an ice cream cone, etc.


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There is growing evidence that suggests that the consumption of cow's milk can actually cause acne breakouts. There are many hormones, bioactive molecules, and other substances found in milk that have a direct relationship to the development of acne in humans.

One such substance is iodine. For people who have acne-prone skin, iodine can be a problem because it can stimulate pores into producing acne-causing oil. Dermatological studies have shown that 1,000 micrograms (or 1 milligram) of iodine a day can have acne-producing effects.

11% of milk samples gathered from over 150 dairy herds in the state of Wisconsin were found to contain over 1,000 micrograms of iodine per liter of milk. Iodine enters cow's milk through milking equipment and through some medications given to milk-producing cows.

The hormone 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is one hormone that is known to be a direct cause of acne flare-ups. DHT causes stimulation of the oil-making cells of human skin, which can cause acne.

While cow's milk does not contain DHT, it contains many other hormones that are broken down into DHT. In fact, the volume of these hormones is particularly high in the milk of pregnant cows, which comprises 75% to 90% of the milk and dairy products found in supermarket coolers.

Many of the hormones found in the milk produced by pregnant cows also may break down to create androgen, a hormone that causes an increase in the production of sebum, the waxy material that is secreted by the sebaceous glands. Sebum is known to clog pores and to lead to acne breakouts.

In addition to the hormones found in cow's milk, the fat, sugar, and animal proteins found in milk may also aggravate acne.

Research has shown that many of the foods commonly thought to be associated with acne, such as greasy french fries, oily pizza, or sugary chocolate, are not actually related to acne at all. Instead, it is milk and dairy products that are more likely to cause an increase in persistent acne breakouts.

Whole milk, reduced fat milk, and skim milk, are all equal in their potential to cause acne when consumed. Those who suffer from acne should also watch out for milk-based dairy products such as cottage cheese and cream cheese. Dairy products also often contain high levels of butterfat and milk sugars, both of which should be avoided by those who suffer from frequent acne breakouts.

Many dermatologists advise their patients to omit all milk and dairy products from their diets in an effort to minimize the appearance of acne. Patients who choose to adopt this method of acne-control, however, should be conscious that their milk and dairy-free diets have appropriate amounts of calcium. These people might consider taking a daily calcium supplement, and should talk with their doctors about how else they might compensate for the omission of milk and dairy products from their diets.

A clinical dermatological study conducted over 10 years concluded that milk contributed significantly to acne problems of a large percentage of the 1,088 teenagers who took part in the study. The study also showed marked improvements in the teens' acne as they curbed their consumption of all milk and dairy products.


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More severe cases of acne tend to be characterized not just by the presence of pimples and blemishes, but also by the formation of nodules or cysts. Acne that involves the development of cysts is called cystic acne.

A cystic acne lesion is much larger than a regular pimple, sometimes 5mm or more in diameter. These lesions can be hard and painful. Cystic acne lesions are filled with pus but should not be squeezed. Squeezing a cystic lesion can lead to a worse infection and inflammation. The lesions are prone to scarring and should be taken care of by a dermatologist, who often uses procedures to reduce swelling and to lessen the likelihood of scar formation.

In severe cases of cystic acne, it may be a good idea to consult a dermatologist about treatment. But there are many holistic remedies and preventative measures one can take against cystic acne. An alternative medicine practitioner should be consulted about some of these holistic remedies, while other more common procedures can easily be performed at home with no medical supervision.

Many dermatologists and alternative medicine practitioners believe that cystic acne can be controlled to some degree through diet. Cystic acne is often the result of an unknown allergic reaction to particular foods.

The first step in controlling cystic acne through diet is to experiment with the systematic elimination of certain foods. It is also helpful to add certain foods to your diet that are known to help in the recovery of severely acne prone skin.

Sugary foods and foods that contain milk or dairy products are commonly the trigger for cystic acne. As you experiment with eliminating these food types, be sure to read package labels closely so that you are not ingesting sugar and dairy products unknowingly. Be aware that it may be several weeks before you notice a change.

Foods containing trans-fatty acids are also a common irritant to skin prone to cystic acne. Foods like margarine, shortening, fried foods, salty snacks, soda, and meat contain trans-fatty acids and should be avoided.

Many people who suffer from cystic acne find that the addition of fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin A carotene can help to ease their condition. These foods include dark leafy vegetables, and yellow-orange vegetables and fruits such as carrots, yams, and squash.

It is also helpful to drink up to four quarts of purified water a day to eliminate toxins and to help the transportation of essential nutrients to the skin.

Cystic acne can also be aggravated by stress. Alternative medicine practitioners often suggest making yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation part of your daily activities. These activities can help to reduce stress levels, thereby decreasing the skin's tendency to produce cystic acne lesions. Getting enough sleep is also essential in holistic therapy treatments.

Sufficient and appropriate cleansing is also an important part of holistically taking care of skin prone to cystic acne.

To clean your skin effectively, wash it gently twice a day using warm water. Do not scrub or use harsh cleansing agents that are abrasive or high in Ph, which can aggravate the condition. Mild soaps are more effective. To dry your skin, pat it gently with a soft towel.

If you are considering treating cystic acne holistically, these tips are a good place to start. You may wish to consult an alternative medicine practitioner about further herbal and holistic therapies.


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Many dermatologists and acne sufferers believe that excessive sugar consumption aggravates acne conditions. Many other dermatologists, however, do not believe that there is enough evidence to link sugar consumption and acne.

Many people who suffer from acne can detect a pattern having to do with their diet and their acne breakouts. These people have noticed over time that particular foods will instigate the appearance of pimples and blemishes. For many people, chocolate and other sugary snacks are obvious irritants to a pre-existing acne condition.

Other acne sufferers, however, do not detect any relationship between sugary foods and their acne condition. And of course there are all those people who seem to be able to eat all the sugar they want without having to worry about ever developing a pimple or a blemish.

The truth is that sugar reacts differently in different bodies. While the consumption of sugar has no ill effects on one person, it can cause all sorts of trouble for another person. The way sugar reacts within a person's body has to do with that person's hormonal make up.

When a person consumes sugary foods, the person's blood sugar rises sharply and rapidly. This spike in blood sugar is directly related to how much sugar is ingested. In response to this spike in the level of blood sugar, the body excretes hormones such as insulin and other hormones. The sugar is then allowed to enter the cells of the liver and the cells that comprise muscular tissue. Any sugar that is left over when this process is complete is stored as fat.

The consumption of sugar triggers a process in which hormones must surge and fat is created quickly. The body then contains an excess of androgenic hormones. It is the job of the liver to rid the body of excess hormones - but the liver's capacity to do this changes from liver to liver. Some people have very strong livers that can process and deactivate large amounts of excess hormones, while other people have livers that become easily overwhelmed. When the liver is unable to process and deactivate excess hormones, these hormones cause the sebum glands to produce too much oil in the skin. This skin oil, combined with the fat in the blood, can cause aggravation of acne.

It is difficult for some people to envision a diet that does not include sugar. But if you believe that your acne condition is worsened when you ingest large amounts of sugar, then it may be time to start taking measures to correct this problem.

If you do not believe that your acne condition is aggravated by sugar consumption, you may be right. But it may not hurt to experiment with some changes in diet to see if there might be foods that are particular irritants to your acne. If you can detect which foods make your acne worse through trial and error experimentation, then you can avoid those foods in the future.

If you choose to experiment with a diet that is low in sugar, you should avoid candy, chocolate, and any other foods that contain processed sugars. You should also avoid fruit juices except those that are low in sugar. High sugar fruits should be eaten sparingly. Natural sugars such as honey, maple syrup, and molasses, can be used in small quantities.


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In the United States alone, there are over 40 Million people who struggle with acne. Many of these people treat acne using chemicals such as antibiotics, prescription drugs, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid.

However, there is a growing number of people who choose herbal acne treatments over traditional medications. Usually, herbal medications have far fewer side effects, and are not as dangerous as some of the prescription drugs.

The problem however, is that the United States does very little to regulate the herbal supplement industry. Unlike traditional chemical medications, herbal medications are not required to be clinically proven to work, or even to be safe. An example of this lack of regulation recently came to light with ephedra related deaths, and ephedras subsequent ban.

This lack of regulation results in many different acne products on the market. All of which claim to heal, prevent, or even cure acne with few, if any, side effects.

The truth is, there are very few herbal acne treatments that are scientifically proven to work. Traditional chemical treatments are still the most effective in stopping acne.

There are only 2 herbal treatments that have been clinically proven to help stop acne, tea tree oil and green tea cream.

Tea tree oil is a natural oil, derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia, a particular type of tea tree found exclusively in Australia. While it has been used from hundreds of years by the native aboriginals as a treatment for just about anything, it has only recently been accepted by modern medicine as being a viable anti-bacterial agent.

Even though tea tree oil has been suspected as an anti-bacterial agent for some time, A groundbreakings study was conducted in 1990 by I.B. Bassett, which compared tea tree oil to benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne. It was found that tea tree oil is as effective as a 5% benzoyl peroxide solution. It takes longer (6 weeks) for the tea tree oil to be as effective, but participants in the study reported none of the side effects associated with benzoyl peroxide, such as redness, skin irritation, or dry skin.

This study has helped tea tree oil become a recognized and legitimate herbal acne treatment. However, there is no need to purchase an expensive cream that contains tea tree oil. Just applying several drops of the oil directly on the acne has shown to be the most effective way to apply tea tree oil.

This was the only herbal acne treatment that had been proven to work until recently, when Dr. Jennifer Gan-Wong conducted a study that shows green tea can also effectively fight acne.

Dr. Gan-Wong compared a green tea cream with 3% green tea, to a 4% benzoyl peroxide solution, and found that the results in treating acne where the same for both the tea and the peroxide. These results were recently presented at the 2003 annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

These findings are relatively recent, and are not yet corroborated by additional independent studies. However, this evidence does demonstrate that the natural anti-bacterial properties of green tea can be effective to treat acne.

For those of you who are confused by the plethora of herbal acne treatments available, there really are only 2 that have been proven to be effective in fighting acne. Green tea cream, and tea tree oil. While many other herbal acne treatments may be good to moisturize the skin, or reduce oils, these are the only two that should be considered truly effective acne treatments.


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