Acne Treatment: Body

In a study by Magin, Adams, Heading, Pond, and Smith (2006), 26 subjects were interviewed on their CAM usage for acne. The majority of those interviewed used CAM therapies such as witch hazel, tea tree oil, citrus washes, aloe vera, zinc tablets, “tissue salt” tablets, and evening primrose oil. The researches found that the CAM therapies were considered “to be more efficacious than ‘mainstream’ topical therapies, although less efficacious than oral isoretinoin and, perhaps, less efficacious than oral antibiotics.” The subjects felt the CAM therapies gave them more self-efficacy and control over their acne (p. 452-3).

Other hygiene suggestions are to cleanse the skin daily with a gentle non-medicated soap. You may want to apply 5-50% tea tree oil diluted in jojoba oil once or twice a day after skin cleaning. Use natural skin moisturizers as needed. Continue using exfoliants such as salicylic acid and cell renewal creams like topical retinoids.

Physical Activity is important. Exercise has the potential to help acne by reducing stress, reducing the “flight or fight” response, and increasing circulation. Any exercise is good: walking, running, hiking, biking, strength training, tennis, swimming, etc. for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.

• Acne and Acupuncture
• Acne and Yoga

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine viewpoint, acne results from an abundance of heat in the body. It is associated with dysfunction in the Lung, Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, and Heart channels...

Read more about Acne and Acupuncture.

As noted, physical activity is important for the treatment of all health conditions, including acne. On a purely physical level, exercise can increase circulation and help the body rid itself of the...

Read more about Acne and Yoga.

Magin, P.J., Adams, J., Heading, G.S., Pond, D.C., & Smith, W. (2006). Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapies in Acne, Psoriasis, and Atopic Eczema: Results of a Qualitative Study of Patients’ Experiences and Perceptions. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 12(5), 451-7.