Originally published January 6 2012
Alternate treatment for chronic acne sufferers
by Fleur Hupston
(NaturalNews) Certain pharmaceutical medications prescribed for acne sufferers come with serious side effects. Many sufferers, desperate to be rid of their embarrassing acne, have found out too late that their treatment choice can cause severe, life-threatening diseases. Using a more natural skin care protocol, orally and/or topically, comes without harmful side effects and is often less expensive.
Severe acne can cause permanent scarring and, in many cases, severe psychological damage. Not surprisingly, many chronic sufferers are prepared to try products with seemingly impressive results, but which come with damaging side effects.
A certain brand name medication, which was discontinued two years ago, is still sold as a generic in many parts of the world. These generic products have been linked to a myriad of adverse reactions, including disruption to the development of a foetus, birth defects, clinical depression and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is the name for a group of serious digestive tract disorders that include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Lesser side effects include eye irritation, nose bleeds, raised blood sugar levels and decreased libido.
Chronic acne sufferers, who are prepared to try harmful and often dangerous acne products, should be fully aware of the facts before doing so, and may want to try an alternate protocol, which will not damage their health permanently.
Oral skin care for acne
An oral skin protocol for acne may include:
Vitamin A has been proven to maintain healthy eyes and skin. A healthcare professional should be consulted before self-administering, as excess doses of Vitamin A are toxic.
Guggulipid (Commiphora mukul) is an herb used in Indian medicine to improve blood lipid profiles. It is closely related to the herb myrrh. Guggulipid is said to reduce acne lesions.
Niacin, zinc, and a good probiotic formula taken on a daily basis may help in treating acne or rosacea.
Topical acne skin care
Creams containing the following ingredients may be recommended in the treatment of acne:
Alpha lipoic acid, collagen and vitamins A, C and E may contribute to skin healing.
Chamomile, cat's claw and geranium extract help with inflammation and redness.
Echinacea, tea tree and white willow bark have antibacterial/anti-fungal properties - they have shown to be a useful remedy for acne and boils.
Witch hazel, citrus extracts and calendula are powerful astringents, which makes them useful in fighting acne.
Facial masks made from seaweed extract and bentonite clay are said to calm the skin and aid healing for acne sufferers.
Sources for this article include:
Health Intelligence article "High cost of being acne-free" by Gill Hyslop, pages 124 - 126, 12/2011
http://www.nutralegacy.com/blog/general-healthcare/antibacterial-properties-of-echinacea-purpurea-herb/
http://www.vitaminexpress.com/encyclopedia.php/topic/Guggulipid.php
About the author:
Fleur Hupston is a professional freelance writer. She is passionate about living as natural a life as possible and reducing damage to the environment wherever possible. She spends a lot of time researching and writing about alternate medicines and healthy, green living, and manages to find the time to home-school her two daughters.
Fleur Hupston is a professional freelance writer. She is passionate about living as natural a life as possible and reducing damage to the environment wherever possible. She spends a lot of time researching and writing about alternate medicines and healthy, green living, and manages to find the time to home-school her two daughters.
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