Holistic treatments for acne are gentle and effective.
Holistic acne treatments address not only the symptoms of acne but also the core causes by assessing the individual's health as a whole. It emphasizes the roles of nutrition, lifestyle and stress-handling techniques to treat the patient while avoiding chemical and invasive treatments. Conventional treatment of acne and clogged pores commonly includes antibiotics, harsh lotions and drugs with dangerous side effects; these treatments often work well initially but lose effectiveness over time.
Diet and Nutrition
A well-balanced diet with plenty of water, leafy green vegetables, fresh fruits, and protein and low in fat, salt and spices will keep the body in balance and less prone to breakouts. Vitamin B2 helps to normalize sebum production. Foods such as wheat germ and organ meats contain high amounts of vitamin B2. Drinking a juice mixture of one part beet juice, three parts carrot juice and two parts water provides beta carotene while also flushing out toxins.
Herbal Medicine
Herbs are often recommended for treating acne. Aloe vera may be applied directly to blemishes to speed healing and soothe irritation. Lavender mixed with water is often used daily as an astringent. A mixture of lemongrass, licorice root and rosebuds can be added to boiling water to create an at-home sauna that will cleanse and purify the skin.
Vitamin Therapy
Zinc is known for healing skin and reducing inflammation; take 30 to 50 mg per day to fight acne. Chromium picolinate supplements may help acne by reducing skin infection; take 150 mcg per day to fight acne. Vitamin A works as an antioxidant and promotes skin repair and reduces sebum production; take up to 10,000 IU daily to fight acne. If you are pregnant, do not take more than 5,000 IU. Overdoses of Vitamin A can cause side effects such as headaches and joint pain. Talk with your doctor before taking any of these supplements.
Ayurvedic Medicine
According to the Hindu art of Ayurveda, problems of the skin indicate problems in the body. Proponents of Ayurvedic medicine believe that the Pitta body type is prone to acne due to its propensity for liver problems. Treatment includes avoiding spicy foods and eating plenty of bland foods such as oatmeal, rice and applesauce. Drinking tea containing ½ teaspoon of cumin, coriander and fennel provides relaxation and aids digestion.
Other Treatments
Yoga is often used to increase blood flow to the face, flush out toxins and promote nutrient flow to the face. Poses such as the cobra and seated sun are particularly helpful. Acupressure performed on the stomach meridian is thought to help improve the appearance of skin. Reflexology performed on the liver and kidney pressure points of the hands or feet is thought to clear acne.
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