Acne Vulgaris, the somewhat fitting scientific name for the dreaded skin condition that can affect anyone at any time. Although teenagers are more susceptible, adult acne is also quite common.

Acne is a rash that generally shows itself in the most conspicuous place – your face! It may also affect other areas including the upper back, middle of the chest, shoulders and neck. Acne Vulgaris is triggered by changes in hormones such as testosterone and other androgens associated with puberty (the period when teenagers are already self conscious about their appearance), stress and genetic factors.

Adult acne may be bought on by predisposing factors including and not limited too…

Exposure to certain cooking oils
Certain drugs such as corticosteroids
Excess toxins in the body
Food sensitivity
Irritated areas in muscles (trigger points)

How does it occur?

Acne Vulgaris is caused by the over production of an oily substance called sebum, which is secreted by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Excess sebum will then block hair follicles (the usual escape route) and hardens into tiny plugs. These blocked follicles release fatty acids from the sebum, inflaming the surrounding tissue and creating a breeding ground for bacteria.

There may not be a single acne cure, but there are a number of methods you can apply to help reduce the appearance, inflammation and cause of acne. Your first attempt of acne treatment should include…

Washing the affected area twice a day with warm water and a mild cleanser. Look for medicated products containing the active ingredient benzoyl peroxide. Avoid scrubbing the area vigorously.
Do not pick or squeeze your spots and pimples as this can make your acne worse and even result in scarring.

If your acne is severe and causing physiological problems, always consult your doctor who may prescribe one of the following…
Topical Keratolytics. A mild acne treatment that works by breaking down the oily plugs in the hair follicle allowing sebum to flow more freely.
Topical Antibiotics & Retinoids. These work by reducing sebum production and is used for mild to moderate acne.
Oral Antibiotics & Retinoids. Used to treat severe acne and with a pleasing success rate of 90%.
Combined oral contraceptive pills have been shown to reduce the severity of acne in some women by reducing male hormone levels.

It is important to remember there is also a range of natural remedies, including nutritional therapy and herbs.

Nutritional Therapy

Incorporate whole foods in your diet. There is some evidence to suggest the prevalence of acne is related to an over indulgence in refined sugars, starches and processed carbohydrates. Take all measures to reduce consumption of (if not completely eliminate) these foods.
Eat fruit and vegetables rich in antioxidants which help to fight free radicals; a major contributor to inflammatory conditions just like acne.
Fish oil supplements to increase you levels of Omega 3’s (which act as an anti inflammatory). Acne has been linked to a lack of Omega 3’s and excessive amounts of Omega 6’s (found in some vegetable oils).
Vitamin B6 can help women with premenstrual acne.
Zinc is also an effective treatment. Natural sources of zinc are found in cooked oysters, beef, lamb, eggs, whole grains, nuts and yoghurt.

Herbal Medicine

Chasteberry, sage, motherwort and red clover can help by controlling hormone levels that increase the size of sebaceous glands and the production of sebum.
Drink plenty of green tea which helps adjust the production of male and other hormones.
Rhubarb root (temporary treatment only as it is a natural laxative), oregon grape root and artichoke leaf can all help by stimulating the liver and flushing the body of excess toxins.
Try facial washes containing tea tree to help unblock sebaceous glands and kill bacteria.
Wash your face with astringent herbs such as rose, witch hazel, burnet root and elderflower to help clear excess sebum.

CAUTION – IF YOU ARE TAKING PRESCRIBED MEDICATION, TALK TO A HERBALIST BEFORE TAKING ANY HERBAL REMEDIES.