More and more, we are becoming aware about the insidious effects of the food we eat and the products we use on our bodies and the environment. The years of scientific research have reached mainstream consciousness and are changing public values.
In the interest of health, wellness, and sustainability, there has been a renewed interest in nature-derived treatments and products for acne. The mass gravitation towards labels like “organic”, “all-natural”, “eco-friendly” have spurred brands to develop or market their products accordingly.
But just how effective are these treatments at smoothing out our skin and evening out our complexion?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)
All products and treatments that are not conventionally prescribed by licensed medical professionals fall under this category. When used in combination with standard drugs and treatments, it is called complementary medicine. When used instead of standard drugs and treatments, it is called alternative medicine.
In dermatology, the usual prescriptions for acne include topical or oral retinoids, antibiotic therapy, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and hormone controlling drugs. While conventional treatments have a wealth of scientific evidence backing up their claims, but without proper medical advice, use can lead to poor results, remission, or even adverse side effects.
Studies show that the people who use non-traditional medicine for acne usually fall into two categories. There are those who
In contrast, we have popular treatments used as either complementary or alternative therapy for acne:
Tea tree oil
Many a beauty guru has raved about the effects of tea tree oil as a spot treatment. And no wonder! Studies have shown that the extract from this native Australian plant can damage the cell membrane of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties.
Studies have shown that tea tree oil gel can lessen the number of pimples in those experiencing mild-to-moderate acne and decrease redness in erythematous post-acne scars. However, many people experience allergic reactions and some adverse side effects when using high concentrations of pure extract. Although tea tree oil has had the most research among CAM treatment modalities, the evidence is still not sufficient to cement its place in the fight against acne.
Herbal extracts
Plant-based medicine has seen a resurgence in recent years. From onions to cannabis, echinacea flowers to rosemary leaves, eucalyptus to aloe vera, researchers have found potential recruits in the fight against acne. Many of these work because of potent antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes and anti-inflammatory effects to lessen redness and swelling. Extracts taken from chaste berries, lentils, green chiretta, cotton trees help curb the production of androgen hormones that are associated with high sebum production.
Ayurvedic medicine has long recognized acne as a health condition. It is called mukhadushika and is traditionally treated with polyherbal mixes such as sadyovirechana and Arjunatwak lepa.
Plant extracts may be used as pure essential oils or as ingredients in skincare products. Some formulations of prescription anti-acne topical drugs also include low percentages of herbal extracts to counteract the adverse side effects of the strong chemicals. Some herbal extracts are taken orally, as in the case of barberries.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a popular treatment for a wide variety of diseases. Originating from China, this therapy is based on stimulating pressure points to correct any imbalances or blockages of qi or life energy. Acne is thought to be caused by an accumulation of dampness and heat--which in Western parlance would refer to hormonal imbalances and stress.
Acupuncture can help alleviate inflammation and relax the mind and body, which may account for the blemish controlling effects seen in a few case reports and small-scale studies.
Homeopathy
Though not as popular as other CAM treatments, homeopathy has a steady following. This is a highly individualized therapy, requiring an in-depth history of the patient that must be interpreted by a homeopathic practitioner. Based on this, a dilution of a certain chemical substance matching the personality of the patient will be given.
Some case reports and small-scale studies indicate positive results in acne-prone people. However, homeopathy may use small, diluted amounts of substances known to cause toxic side effects.
Conclusion
It is understandable to keep looking for that Holy Grail product that will give you lasting results, particularly when you feel like you’ve tried conventional treatments with poor improvement. Dermatologists and researchers are likewise on the constant lookout for new ingredients that are just as effective as prescription acne drugs but with less side effects. Unfortunately, the search continues.
The research on complementary and alternative acne therapy has still not reached critical mass. With more methodological large-scale studies are needed to truly determine if these products and treatments are efficacious and safe.
If you are thinking about integrating non-conventional medicine and procedures into your prescription acne routine, it’s best to consult your dermatologist beforehand. Armed with knowledge about drug interactions, testing for potential allergies, and overall safety, a medical professional is in the best position to help you get the best of both worlds.
This content is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
Resources:
Cao, H., Yang, G., Wang, Y., Liu, J. P., Smith, C. A., Luo, H., & Liu, Y. (2015). Complementary therapies for acne vulgaris. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 1, CD009436. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009436.pub2
de Groot, A. C., & Schmidt, E. (2016). Tea tree oil: contact allergy and chemical composition. Contact dermatitis, 75(3), 129–143. https://doi.org/10.1111/cod.12591
Hammer K. A. (2015). Treatment of acne with tea tree oil (melaleuca) products: a review of efficacy, tolerability and potential modes of action. International journal of antimicrobial agents, 45(2), 106–110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2014.10.011
Mansu, S., Liang, H., Parker, S., Coyle, M. E., Wang, K., Zhang, A. L., Guo, X., Lu, C., & Xue, C. (2018). Acupuncture for Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2018, 4806734. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/4806734
Mazzarello, V., Donadu, M. G., Ferrari, M., Piga, G., Usai, D., Zanetti, S., & Sotgiu, M. A. (2018). Treatment of acne with a combination of propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera compared to erythromycin cream: two double-blind investigations. Clinical pharmacology : advances and applications, 10, 175–181. https://doi.org/10.2147/CPAA.S180474
Nasri, H., Bahmani, M., Shahinfard, N., Moradi Nafchi, A., Saberianpour, S., & Rafieian Kopaei, M. (2015). Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Review of Recent Evidences. Jundishapur journal of microbiology, 8(11), e25580. https://doi.org/10.5812/jjm.25580
Sharma, *Monika, Sharma, A., & Sani, R. (2016). A CONCEPTUAL STUDY OF AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF MUKHADUSHIKA W.S.R TO ACNE VULGARIS: A REVIEW. International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research, 4(9). Retrieved from https://ijapr.in/index.php/ijapr/article/view/426
CAM is good for attenuation of psychological co-morbidities
People use CAM without consulting their dermatologists
The longer you have acne, the more you tend to use CAM
Negative experience with prescribed medicine is associated with CAM use
Low level of education → CAM use (usually, pero some studies have found otherwise)
Younger users → CAM use (usually, pero some studies have found otherwise)
Studies about CAM acne modalities is poor. Maybe with more research that includes rates of remission, before-and-after number of skin lesions, small sample size, poor methodology
Some report higher QoL using CAM
Parker J. Magin, Jon Adams, Gaynor S. Heading, Dimity C. Pond, and Wayne Smith.The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.Jun 2006.451-457.http://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2006.12.451
eg Complementary/alternative therapies
Herbal and alternative therapies have been reported to have value in treating acne:
Tea tree oil
Topical and oral ayurvedic compounds
t
Gluconolactone solution
Although most of these products appear to be well tolerated, very limited data exist regarding the safety and efficacy of these agents to recommend their use in acne.
