Acne: Causes & Treatment

Index of Diseases / Health Conditions ... Medicinal Foods, Herbs, Spices & Household Items

Acne The below provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. Any treatment protocol should be discussed with a qualified healthcare practitioner ... Please refer to: Medical & Legal Disclaimer.

Acne Medication - Do Acne Skin Care Products Work?"

Hormones May Cause Acne

Acne is often associated with hormones, such as the hormonal changes of adolescence. Everyone sheds cells -- constantly and invisibly -- from the hair follicles located all over the body (except palms and soles). Small sebaceous glands located beneath the surface of the skin secrete an oily fluid called sebum. The sebaceous glands are sensitive to testosterone and its metabolites -- in acne-prone individuals, testosterone may over-stimulate those glands, causing changes in sebum production that may lead to clogged pores.

Is Saw Palmetto the Solution?

In both men and women, testosterone converts to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is thought to be related to many different conditions, including male pattern baldness, enlarged prostate, and, yes, acne. Saw palmetto has been shown in some studies to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to DHT and therefore is thought to be helpful in addressing these problems.

According to Dr. Fried, some unlucky people are unusually susceptible to the effects of testosterone. "Their follicles serve as a petri dish for bacteria -- and the immune system's attack against that bacteria leads to inflammation... which is how a pimple erupts into a nasty, red, pustule." He agreed that down-regulating the conversion of testosterone to DHT could stem the over-production of sebum that clogs pores and creates pimples -- and in this way might theoretically be helpful to adults with problem skin. "I think it has the potential to improve acne," he said. Dr. Rubman concurs, noting that the accumulation of DHT can be associated with inflammation that impairs normal function -- and resolving that problem could help clear up the problem skin. However, he added that effectiveness varies according to individual physiology -- saw palmetto can be exactly the right solution for one person and make no difference whatsoever for another. Furthermore, there is a range of saw palmetto products on the market with varying strengths and compositions.

Dr. Jacques was more enthusiastic. "I began using saw palmetto with patients a dozen years ago, and I find it amazing for hormone-driven acne," she told me. "When the acne is associated with problems related to changes in testosterone levels or issues related to its metabolism -- often the case for both teenage boys and menopausal women -- saw palmetto can really be a boon."

Holistic Treatment:

Use either coconut butter or grape seed oil, add a couple of drops of lavender, or patchouli oil (organic essential oils).

Jojoba: Mimics the skin's own oils and can even remove excess sebum.

St. John's Wort Oil: Usually mixed with olive oil. Calms the skin.

Grapeseed oil: An astringent. I use it for my face as I have combination skin that breaks out easily. It's lighter than the coconut oil that I am using for the rest of my body (mixed with other oils).

Black Cumin Seed Oil & Cranberry Seed Oil: Are especially great for acne because they are both powerfully anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Even though they can be directly applied to the body or face, they are usually blended with a carrier oil.