From Natural Remedies to Medications: Effective Acne Treatments
Acne is a common skin condition. But along with having an effect on the skin, it becomes a source of frustration and embarrassment. Throughout history, people have sought out various remedies and treatments to combat those pimples. Using herbs and natural ingredients to modern technology and medicine, the quest for effective acne treatments has been an ongoing journey.
In this article, we will explore the evolution of acne treatments. We will talk about natural remedies such as honey masks and herbal concoctions along with modern remedies.
What Are the Treatments for Acne?
There are a lot of options available today to treat acne. They include natural treatments, topical and oral medications, and acne treatment therapies. We will look into each specific option with its advantages.
Natural Treatments
Honey: One of the most intriguing treatments for acne is honey. Ancient Egyptians used honey mixed with milk as a natural face wash to combat acne. Honey has antibacterial properties that help reduce inflammation and fight off acne-causing bacteria. Its sticky nature also helps remove impurities from the skin, leaving it clean and radiant.
Acupuncture: This ancient practice originated in China over 2,500 years ago and is still widely used today as an alternative treatment for various ailments, including acne. Acupuncture involves inserting hair-thin needles into specific points of the body to balance its energy flow. It promotes overall health by stimulating specific points in the body. In relation to acne, acupuncture can help balance hormones, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation, all of which contribute to clearer skin.
Aloe Vera: The healing powers of aloe vera have been recognized for centuries across many cultures. The ancient Egyptians referred to it as the plant of immortality due to its numerous benefits for the skin.
The gel extracted from aloe vera leaves can be applied directly onto pimples overnight or mixed with other ingredients like tea tree oil. When applied topically, aloe vera soothes redness and irritation caused by acne while moisturizing and promoting healing.
Onion Paste: Although not commonly known or practiced today for acne treatment. Onions contain sulfur compounds that have antimicrobial properties beneficial for treating infection-prone skin conditions like acne. Applying a paste made from finely ground onion onto affected areas can assist in reducing inflammation and killing acne-causing bacteria.
Topical Treatments (gels, creams, and lotions)
Benzoyl peroxide
This topical treatment has been a staple in the fight against acne for decades. Its strong antibacterial properties effectively reduce inflammation, kill acne-causing bacteria and prevent new breakouts. Moreover, it helps unclog pores, promote cell turnover, and even fade acne scars.
Topical retinoids
Derived from vitamin A, topical retinoids are widely regarded as one of the most effective treatments for acne. They work by unclogging pores and promoting cell turnover, leading to clearer skin over time. The use of retinoids dates back thousands of years to ancient Egypt when natural sources like liver oil were applied to treat various diseases.
Topical antibiotics
Topical antibiotics have been an integral component of acne treatment for decades. Two commonly used topical antibiotics are erythromycin and clindamycin. Erythromycin is known for its ability to inhibit protein synthesis in bacteria, thus preventing their growth and spread on the skin.
Clindamycin works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria associated with acne, such as Propionibacterium acnes. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and swelling caused by acne.
Azelaic acid
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring compound found in wheat, rye, and barley. It has gained popularity as an effective treatment for acne due to its unique properties. Research shows that this natural compound reduces inflammation and inhibits the growth of bacteria on the skin’s surface.
Oral acne medications
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are a commonly prescribed oral medication for treating acne. Tetracycline, minocycline, and doxycycline are among the most commonly used antibiotics for this purpose. They work by reducing the number of acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
- Tetracycline is an effective option for treating moderate to severe acne. It helps to reduce inflammation and control bacterial growth.
- Minocycline is another antibiotic that is often prescribed for acne treatment. It has been found to be more effective than tetracycline in certain cases. Additionally, it is also beneficial in treating inflammatory acne lesions such as cysts and nodules.
- Doxycycline is a versatile antibiotic that not only treats acne but also works well against other bacterial infections. Besides its antibacterial properties, it also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects on the skin.
Hormonal Therapies
Hormonal therapies for acne are particularly effective in managing acne that is caused or aggravated by excess androgen hormones. Androgens stimulate the production of oil in the skin, leading to clogged pores and inflammation. By suppressing the activity of androgens, oral medications such as spironolactone can effectively reduce sebum production and prevent new breakouts.
Another hormonal approach involves using birth control pills that contain a combination of estrogen and progesterone hormones. These pills help regulate hormone levels in women and are especially useful for those who experience acne flare-ups due to hormonal fluctuations during their menstrual cycle.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin therapies are commonly known as oral retinoids. They are considered the gold standard treatment for severe and resistant acne. They work by reducing the size of oil glands and decreasing oil production in the skin, ultimately reducing acne lesions.
One of the most notable benefits of isotretinoin therapy is its long-term effectiveness. Studies have shown that a significant number of patients achieve complete clearance or near-clearance of their acne after completing a course of treatment. This long-lasting effect can be attributed to isotretinoin’s ability to target the underlying causes of acne.
Wrap Up
There are a variety of effective acne treatments available. Natural remedies are a great option for those looking for more holistic approaches. But they may only work for some and could take longer to see results.
On the other hand, medications prescribed by dermatologists are highly effective in treating acne and can provide faster results. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for their specific needs.
