Acne & Blemishes: Holistic Alternatives to Pharmaceutical Drugs
The number one reason people choose holistic dermatology is that it works!
Healing from within is the best way to completely eradicate acne.
The second reason is that acne medications have side effects: some minor and some quite serious.
For severe cases of acne, you can see a holistic doctor and they will most likely prescribe internal herbal remedies together with botanical topical products.
For acne that's mild to moderate, simple botanical ingredients can create a successful protocol to completely clear the skin.
Holistic Alternatives to Pharmaceutical Drugs for Acne:
Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay provides a great medium as a detoxification treatment, because it is safe and highly effective.
Clay has an alkaline pH and high negative ionic charge that act as powerful antioxidants.
These attributes allow bentonite clay to help alkalize the body and pull toxic pathogens and environmental toxins out of the body cleanly.
The clay's strong drawing powers help pull toxic debris out through the pores of the skin.
Through a pulsing action, clay will pull out infectious organisms, heavy metals and other major toxins.
Tea Tree
Antibiotics used to treat acne can cause upset stomach, dizziness and discoloration of the skin.
And, of course, overuse of antibiotics ultimately leads to antibiotic resistance, which has now become a global health issue.
The topical use of tea tree reduces redness and has strong antibacterial properties.
It's been shown to be effective against P. acnes and Staph aureus, the two strains of bacteria associated with acne.
Green Tea
Topical use of green tea reduces sebum production and protects against acne-causing bacteria.
Its high antioxidant concentration eliminates the free radicals that lead to inflammation.
Rose Hips
Rose Hips has the ability to help regenerate new skin cells. This can be used to treat scars, acne and burns.
While it is an astringent, it does not dry out the skin; actually it helps to rehydrate it, keeping the moisture in.
Drinking rose hip tea daily will also benefit your skin. Rose hips have a high vitamin A content.
Vitamin A is commonly referred to as the "skin vitamin". It helps to regenerate skin cells, healing wounds and scars.
It also helps to keep the skin elastic and nourished.
This will not only prevent wrinkles, but can actually help to minimize any that have already appeared.
Avoid Dairy and Sugar
Chinese medicine teaches that cysts and nodules associated with acne come from a buildup of "phlegm" and "dampness."
Ice cream, cheese and milk are a direct cause of phlegm production. Sugar creates "dampness," which lays the foundation for cystic acne to develop.
The underlying root of acne comes from within the body.
The best way to make internal changes is through diet. For inflammatory acne, avoid hot and spicy foods.
For oily, greasy skin, avoid fried and fatty foods. Use common sense when it comes to selecting foods that work for you.
Aim for variety, with plentiful vegetables, some fruit and lean sources of protein.
Products recommended for Acne & Blemishes:
