Treatment for acne

Treatment for acne depends on the severity of acne as well as its cause. Treatments for acne vary and there are different treatment options available from over the counter drugs to natural remedies. Listed below are the most popular and effective treatments for acne.

Acne treatment is always a popular subject in medical journals and women’s magazines. Acne is a broad term for different skin rashes like pimples and deeper pustules, which are clogging pores. In some instances, when the process goes too deep into the skin, acne leaves permanent scars.

Over the Counter Medications

Once you have discovered the cause of your acne, you can have the option of using over the counter medications such as creams, ointments, lotions, and other anti-bactericidal products that contain benzoyl peroxide.

Other Treatments for Acne

Prescription medications are also available if you want a sure way to treat your acne problems. It is also best when you combine oral medications with antibiotics.

However, natural remedies for acne are the best way to treat acne without leaving scars on your skin. Also, if scars already developed, natural remedies for acne are the best treatment for acne scars.

What is acne?

Acne is a common predominant skin disorder that affects all nations, races, and genders regardless of their ethnic background’s geographical location, or environmental conditions. The resulting impact is even more troublesome.

According to a recent survey done in the US, about 25% of adults and 31% of teens surveyed said that acne sometimes keeps them from participating in social activities. Today, dermatologists have a consensus that only a few people survive their teen years without suffering at least an occasional acne break-out. For many, acne continues into their adult years, causing embarrassment and prompting the sufferer to search the cosmetic counters for means to cover the spots.

Acne is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that causes spots and pimples, especially on the face, shoulders, back, neck, chest, and upper arms. Whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, cysts, and nodules are all types of acne.

Acne is an inflammation of the sebaceous glands as well as hair follicles. This skin disorder usually affects young people during puberty (it is usually between the ages of 10-11 and 24-25 years). While in puberty the human body produces an uncommonly high level of sex hormones. This upsurge of hormones subsequently happens in both girls’ and boys’ organisms and results in the creation of enormous amounts of sebum (an oily product of the sebaceous glands). This oily component irritates and clogs the pores resulting in blemishes that get infected and convert into boils. Usually, after puberty, the level of hormones diminishes however in a woman’s body the upsurges of progesterone may happen on a monthly basis after ovulation and as a result, this hormonal “spike” initiates flair up of premenstrual acne. 

Acne is a skin ailment that impacts oil glands and hair follicles.

The particular reason for acne is unidentified; however, there are several associated processes that may cause the development of acne.

Physiological cycles that normally change hormonal production (menstrual cycles, puberty, etc.) hypothetically are accountable;

An increase in the level of male sex hormone androgens stimulates the production of the sebum by the enlarged sebaceous glands;

The Same upsurge of progesterone during pregnancy can stimulate acne development;

Inheritance or genetics is another factor that causes acne. Scientists accept as true that the predisposition for acne may be genetic and may come from either parents or even previous generations;

The buildup of dead epidermal cells may clog pores and stimulate acne;

The body becomes allergic to microorganisms that develop colonies in the skin pores;

Skin injuries, scratches, or irritations may activate the inflammation of hair follicles;

Taking birth control pills changes the hormonal balance;

Some pharmaceutical drugs;

Some kind of cosmetics and makeup.

Acne is a comprehensive term that includes different forms of skin rashes. The list of skin disorders that fall under the term Acne includes:

Acne vulgaris: usually initiated prior to or during puberty, most common localization – face, shoulders, chest;

Acne rosacea: A red skin elements mainly on the skin of the face;

Acne keloidal is nuchae: Acne as a result of shaving with blades;

Acne conglobate Chronic carbuncles initiated in sweat glands; most common localization - underarms, buttocks, and groin;

Acne fulminant: The most aggressive form of acne conglobate;

Acne cosmetic: Skin rash as a result of the use of some type of cosmetics;

Acne medicamentosa: Acne appears at the beginning or the ending of taking some pharmaceutical drugs.

Homeopathic medicine approaches acne treatment using a “like cures like” philosophy. It heals the individual as a whole system rather than particular skin elements and rashes. The homeopathic acne treatment process centers on the individual as a person that has its individual physical and emotional properties as well as on the patient’s pathological state. That’s why homeopathic remedies are carefully chosen as a result of complete medical and psychological assessment along with case analysis. The assessment always takes account of medical history, somatic,  psychological, and constitutional signs, the miasmatic tendency (predisposition/susceptibility), etc.

Signs and symptoms of acne

Acne is a huge term and the signs and symptoms of acne usually come in four forms

Pustules

Blackheads

Whiteheads

Pustules being the inflammatory form, while blackheads and whiteheads are the non-inflammatory forms. Pustules, also commonly known as pimples or zits, are red, inflamed, and tiny swells that occur due to the walls of hair follicles that rupture for some reason.

Blackheads are formed when the skin pores are clogged. This form of acne does not usually cause inflammation, hence, they do not develop into pimples. Being close to the skin surface, the melanin (the pigment in our skin that provides its color) on the clogged pores is oxidized resulting in the black coloration. Thus, it cannot be washed away by water and soap and it is not true that these are caused by dirt and poor skin hygiene.

On the other hand, whiteheads are more likely to be inflamed and develop into pimples. Unlike the blackheads, these are formed when the skin pores are clogged in the deeper part of the skin, and the lack of an exit point will lead to whiteheads formation

Another signs and symptoms of acne are cysts, these are larger than pimples but also red and inflamed. These symptoms signify a more serious type of skin condition.

Those signs and symptoms illustrated above are caused by excessive oil production by our sebaceous glands and skin pores that are clogged by dead skin cells. And the skin that undergoes this condition is typically oily and has large skin pores. Teenagers are more affected by this because, during the puberty period, the glands that secrete the sebum are overactive due to hormonal changes in the body.

Causes of acne

Although the causes of acne are unidentified, doctors recognize that there are factors linked to its causes. Causes of acne on the chin are the same as acne at any other part of your body. Inflammations of the skin on the chin are generally the result of hormone instabilities that can occur during puberty or the menstrual cycle. However, chin pimples can affect anyone of any age.

Listed below are the most common causes of acne

Hormones

Androgens or male hormones that surge during puberty are said to have a major effect on acne breakouts. In women, the hormonal changes involved in menstruation and pregnancy may also flare up acne. Hormonal birth control pills are also one of the Causes of acne on the chin. The reason behind this is that hormonal contraceptives may alter the regular hormonal cycle of women which may contribute to having acne. The solution for this is to change from hormonal to non-hormonal contraceptives. Stopping a hormonal treatment (such as testosterone) may also contribute to hormonal imbalance, and in turn, be a reason for what are the Causes of acne on chin.

Genes

Indeed, studies have shown that school-aged children who have acne have family members who have had or are still having zits.

Environment

The environment contributes largely to acne breakouts. Those who are residing in tropical and humid countries may experience breakouts, as opposed to those living in cold countries.

Other Factors

Stress is one of the factors that contribute largely to having acne. Another factor that causes acne is skin irritants. These include oil-based cosmetics, as well as harsh handling of the skin.

Natural treatment for acne

Natural treatments for acne aim to both reduce the pimples and blemishes that characterize acne, as well as treating the scars that are left behind on the skin by acne. Listed below are the most popular options for a natural treatment for acne.

Home remedies for acne - most popular natural treatment for acne

Home remedies for acne are natural treatments for acne that help improve a person’s acne pimples and sores. Home remedies for acne include gentle herbal creams and gels, essential oils, natural supplements, and some simple lifestyle changes.

Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil is a home remedy for acne that is extracted from the seeds of the jojoba shrub. The waxy substances in jojoba oil may help to repair damaged skin, which means it may also help speed up wound healing, including acne lesions. Jojoba oil is one of the best treatments for acne scars.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory home remedy for acne that can help reduce the appearance of acne and prevent acne breakouts.

Honey

Honey has been used to treat skin conditions, such as acne, for thousands of years. It contains many antioxidants that can help to clear waste and debris from clogged pores. Honey is also one of the best treatments for acne scars

Diet for acne - an essential part of any natural treatment for acne

Diet for acne is a natural acne treatment that has been proven to be effective. Diets for acne help to cleanse the body and detoxify the major organs, which will allow your skin to function naturally. The best diet for acne is to eat non-inflammatory foods that will keep your skin from looking red and blotchy.

The majority of acne diets out there perform one basic function, which is to reduce inflammation. Non-inflammatory diets are important because they allow your body and digestive system a healthy balance, as well as time to digest the nutrients that are in the food that you eat.

Listed below are rules of diet for hormonal acne

Leafy greens.

Leafy vegetables are a great diet for hormonal acne because it contains vitamins A, E, and K, and are perfect for treating hormonal acne. They are also packed with antioxidants and polyphenols, which will help your body get rid of acne-causing toxins by itself. Some examples include spinach, kale, broccoli, and romaine lettuce.

Bright colored fruits.

Bright colored fruits like bananas, oranges, and lemons are also ideal for a hormonal acne diet because they contain vitamins C and D, and are perfect to round out your daily nutritional intake. Like leafy greens, they are also packed with antioxidants and are good both for curing acne and giving you a little energy boost throughout your day.

Fish.

The best hormonal acne diet is fish because they are a good source of protein, and can be a replacement if you find that chicken or red meat is making you break out. Fatty fish like salmon and Chilean sea bass are also a good source of omega 3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce sebum production of the skin and fight acne.

Chinese herbs for acne - effective and popular natural treatment for acne

Chinese herbs for acne are one of the Natural acne treatment that has been proven to be effective in the treatment of acne. Chinese herbs for acne are generally considered safe, with little to no side effects, as long as you take them as directed by a professional.

Listed below are Chinese herbs for acne

Manjistha

Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) is a Chinese herb for acne that is critical to healthy skin. Research shows that Manjistha has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiandrogenic abilities that may help prevent and treat acne.

Neem

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is another popular Chinese herb for acne. Neem is effective to treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. According to a 2001 study, Neem has antibacterial activity against several micro-organisms. This includes Staphylococcus, a bacterium that’s linked to acne.

Remedies for cystic acne - home-based natural treatment for acne

Cystic acne typically develops due to oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells getting trapped in a hair follicle or pore. The cysts usually appear on the face, neck, back, shoulders, and arms. They resemble boils and are painful to the touch.

Listed below are remedies for cystic acne

Ice

Ice is one of the remedies for cystic acne that is effective in decreasing swelling, itchiness, pain, and redness, some natural healers suggest rubbing an ice cube on the cystic acne spot until the cold becomes uncomfortable. Some recommend doing this three times daily.

Turmeric mask

Mixing small amounts of water with turmeric powder to create a thick paste is one of the remedies for cystic acne. The home remedy recommendation is to apply this paste directly to the cystic acne and leave it in place for about 45 minutes, before rinsing it off with water.

Acupuncture for acne - traditional Chinese natural treatment for acne

Acupuncture for acne is a natural remedy for acne that aims to take a look at what's going on underneath your skin. Acupuncture for acne works by treating these underlying issues, such as weak digestion or hormonal imbalance, which means treating the root cause for what is going on with your skin.

Homeopathic acne treatment - #1 natural treatment for acne

The remedies for acne treatment listed below point to the therapeutic similarity; however, it is not a comprehensive and certain instruction for homeopathic acne healing.

Moreover, the symptoms shown for each remedy not necessarily unswervingly linked to acne since in homeopathic medicine both wide-ranging symptoms and constitutional signs are taken into consideration for picking the right medicine.

Sulphur

It is probably the medicine that most commonly designated for acne treatment and other skin problems, especially in chronic form. In order to prescribe Sulphur, a homeopath should find skin bumpy and firm.  This acne patient will complain about constipation. Patients who benefit from Sulphur feel aggravation from water and that’s why they prefer to avoid washing their face and taking a shower.

Other indications for Sulfur are pale face with cloying color, hot, dotted irritation, and wide-open black pores. The Itching in Sulphur patients usually intensifies in the late afternoon hours. It’s also become worse from warmth. The Acne punctata is the form of this skin disorder that most closely links to Sulphur.

Sanguinaria

It is one more beneficial homeopathic medicine for acne treatment, mainly in females with light and short menstruation and unbalanced blood circulation, with areas of stagnation. Other homeopathic medicines for acne that develop as a result of a woman’s sexual hormonal misbalance are Calcarea carbonica and Aurum Muriaticum.

Kali Bromatum

Acne that would yield to this remedy located on the face, front and sides of the neck, and upper shoulders.

We often see acne in patients who have been treated with high doses of bromides due to epilepsy. Kali Bromatum is most similar to Acne simplex and Acne indurata, and mainly in hyper-aesthetic females. Other symptoms that link Kali Bromatum to acne patient are:

The face is reddened;

Pustules Acne on a face;

Intellectual deficiency – significant memory loss, melancholia;

Numbness of the mucous and skin;

Suicidal desires, tremulousness;

Skin rash main localization: face, upper shoulders, and chest.

As per Dr. J.H. Clarke, “In instances of a vulgar form of acne Kali Bromatum 30C is the most useful and efficient.”

Antimonium crudum

This remedy requires very specific symptoms and generalities:

The Antimonium crudum acnes are always in a form of small pustules

Acne in patients with alcohol addiction and stomach disorders,

The patient is dehydrated with a white-coated tongue.

Face with depressed appearance, agitated, annoyed, and grumpy;

Antimonium crudum patient cries when looks, washes, or touches acne.

These patients are also euphoric, pensive, and emotional.

Antimonium Tartaricum.

Stubborn medical cases of acne, with a predisposition to pustulation, are curable with Antimonium Tartaricum.

Natrum Muriaticum

This famous homeopathic remedy pinpoints its power mainly to sebaceous glands and is a very beneficial medicine in an acne treatment clinic.

To select Natrum Muriaticum homeopathic physician must focus particularly on the individual’s constitutional signs. Personality, temper, propensities, and other common signs are much more significant than the simple topical symptoms.

Belladonna

This remedy is best suited for Acne Rosacea. Rawness and whiteness of the skin replace each other. In Belladonna patients, the skin is dehydrated, hot, inflated, and puffy. Pustules mainly localized the skin of a face. A face suddenly turns red and then suddenly pale. Belladonna patients are usually overweight, with blond hair, blue eyes. Their intellectual level is above average. Hahnemann in his Materia Medica mentioned that Belladonna doesn’t work on patients with low IQ. Also, all symptoms in Belladonna patients are acute and they happen unexpectedly

There are many more homeopathic remedies that are effective for different forms of acne if used based on “like cures like” principles.

Routine hygienic procedures - a vital component of any type of natural treatment for acne

Along with the use of homeopathic remedies, personal hygiene is very important for fast and effective acne treatment. I recommend to my patients the following hygienic procedures:

Gently rinse the skin of the face using most mild cleansing products at least twice a day and after any activities that may cause It is essential to wash hair on a regular basis. If the hair is oily, wash them more often. Rinse your face with plain water 5-6 times a day.

Do not scrub and touch skin lacerations. Scrubbing and touching increase blood circulation and gives a vehicle for bacteria to travel around your body.

Any actions on blemishes (squeezing, picking, punching), especially without the use of sterile materials, may result in advance of infection and further progress of scars or dark marks.

Careful shaving is very important. Both blades and electric shaver may cause symptoms of deterioration.

Be careful when selecting the right cosmetics products. Read reviews about each product you are planning to use. Avoid cosmetic products that contain any scrubbing ingredients

If common hygienic procedures and over-the-counter creams have not accomplished good results after a few months and skin elements still present or became even worse, contact your family doctor, dermatologist, or homeopath.

Acne treatment at Philadelphia Homeopathic Clinic

Here at Philadelphia Homeopathic Clinic, Doctor Tsan and associates have academic and clinical experience in acne treatment. For many acne patients homeopathic medicine becomes the last resort and believe it or not, but at the same time – the best one. It’s a well-known fact that homeopathic medicine does not heal, it cures if structural changes in the body parts and internal organs are recoverable. The early homeopathic acne treatment starts, the better is the prognosis for complete recovery without residual scars and blemishes.

If you suffer from acne and need help contact our clinic (267) 403-3085 or click here to schedule an appointment for the initial Free consultation.