A Natural Treatment Approach for Acne

Acne, an inflammatory skin condition, occurs when the pores become clogged with sebum, oil secreted by the sebaceous glands. Blackheads, external plugs comprised of sebum and dead cells, may be invaded by bacteria, which cause pimples, pusfilled inflammations. Adolescents are most prone to acne due to the increased production of androgens, causing increased activity in the sebaceous gland. There are conventional medical treatments (i.e., benzyl peroxide, retinoic acid, antibiotics), but alternative or complementary nutritional support can also play a role.

Research on vitamin A has demonstrated this nutrient and some of its derivatives are able to suppress androgen activity on the sebaceous gland,^1,2 which has revolutionized dermatological therapy, particularly the management of acne.³ Vitamin A also exerts antiinflammatory effects.⁴ However, achieving anti-acne effects takes very high doses of vitamin A, up to 300,000 IU/d. Although some research has indicated the safety of such high doses when used for this purpose,⁵ other research has warned against vitamin A’s potential toxicity.⁶ Consequently, consumers should only use these amounts in working with a health care professional; otherwise, daily doses should be limited to less than 25,000 IU/d.

Minerals also support skin health. Zinc works with vitamin A, helping convert it into the active form of retinal in the body, and is necessary for wound healing.⁷ It has displayed anti-androgen activity, as well as the ability to inhibit the activity of bacteria found in the sebaceous glands.⁸ Research has also demonstrated oral zinc therapy is capable of achieving significant improvement in acne sufferers.^9,10,11

Glutathione peroxidase (GP) is an antioxidant enzyme which includes selenium as a primary part of its makeup. Research has shown blood levels of GP levels were lower in patients with various skin disorders, but supplementation with 200 mcg/d of selenium for six to eight weeks showed encouraging clinical results.¹² In another study, GP levels were found to be significantly lower in male, but not female, acne patients; those patients who received 200 mcg/d of selenium had positive responses.¹³

Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is a natural omega-6 essential fatty acid (EFA) is found in supplemental form in borage oil and evening primrose oil (EPA). GLA has been used successfully in a number of dermatological conditions including various types of dermatitis.^14,15,16 Of special interest to acne sufferers, GLA is also able to suppress androgen activity.¹⁷

Botanical Benefits

Since the skin is an excretory organ, bacteria may be excreted through the skin and contribute to the formation of, or exacerbate, existing acne. Various herbs have been used in acne to promote skin detoxification. One such herb with historical use as a detoxifier for skin disorders is burdock.^18,19 It has both antimicrobial and diuretic actions.²⁰

Due to its role as a liver and gallbladder detoxifier, as well as a diuretic,^21,22dandelion root is also recommended for skin disorders.²³ Dandelion root increases the secretion of bile and promotes cleansing of the liver, improves appetite, digestion, and elimination of wastes.²⁴ Herbalist Michael Tierra refers to this herb as, “one of the most wonderful liver tonics of all.”²⁵

Licorice root, an herb with broad applications, is used for skin disorders, probably because of its antimicrobial activity.²⁶ It also has mild anti-inflammatory activity, which may be helpful in inflammatory skin conditions like acne.²⁷

Since some of these herbs are potentially toxic with long-term use, they should only be used on a temporary basis to help promote detoxification at the beginning of an acne program and for no more than four to six weeks.

Finally, regarding topical treatment for acne, tea tree oil may be helpful. A large study compared the topical use of 5-percent tea tree oil to 5-percent benzyl peroxide for common acne.²⁸ Although the tea tree oil was slower and less potent in its action, it had far fewer side effects and was considered more effective overall. For topical treatment of acne, use tea tree oil at a dilution of 5 percent to 15 percent.

Gene Bruno is the Dean of Academics and is on the faculty of Huntington College of Health Sciences (HCHS), an accredited distance learning institutions offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in nutrition, as well as diploma programs in nutrition and dietary supplement science. HCHS.edu, (800) 290-4226.

Editor's Note: Article originally appeared in the April 2008 issue of Natural Products Marketplace.

References

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