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| Photo: Martin Gommel |
Acne affects about 17 million people in the United States. This four-part series on one of the most common skin disorders will examine treatment options for mild to severe acne.
Most people have had at least a few pimples in their teenage
years. But some have to deal with major outbreaks into adulthood, causing
long-term emotional and physical scarring. Fortunately, the range of treatments
available today means that mild acne can be eliminated and even severe facial
scars can be remarkably reduced.
Everyone knows the face must be well and gently cleansed,
but there are some strange home remedies (like applying toothpaste to spots)
which should probably not be used, mainly because although it’s true that
toothpaste can dry out spots, it can also irritate your skin even more. So,
using a very gentle cleanser, drinking plenty of water, eating fresh fruits and
vegetables, and getting enough exercise to keep stress under control should be
the first, fundamental steps to clearing up your skin. Have you reviewed your
diet lately? Why not keep a log of everything you eat for the next two weeks?
Most people are surprised when they do this.
Next, many recommend topical antibiotic or retinoid ointments.
On the naturopathic side of the spectrum of treatments, there are those who
recommend “call salts” or “tissue salts”. Advocates of cell salt therapy state
that acne can be caused by a deficiency of calcium sulfate. Like homeopathic
medicine, cell salts can be obtained in most health food stores quite
inexpensively. Nothing is a substitute for proper professional advice, however,
and we always recommend that you see a licensed practitioner—after all, it’s
your face.
Over 2,000 studies have been done on Aloe Vera, indicating
that it has important healing properties for the skin, and is clinically shown
to speed healing time of cuts, burns, acne, and other skin problems. Some
people with Asian or delicate skin types have reported that Aloe Vera applied
while the acne is healing can help to prevent scarring and discoloration. Note
that it is important to use Aloe Vera during the healing process, because after
pigmentation has altered, Aloe Vera will not reverse the process.
The important thing is, you don’t have to live with acne and
acne scarring—whether you choose laser treatment or benzoyl peroxide lotion or
more exercise and fresh foods, there are now treatment choices to suit each
individual case.
