Natural remedies for acne
Q I’ve suffered from acne for nearly three decades. It’s not severe but gets me down nonetheless, and it tends to worsen before my period. I’ve tried all sorts of prescription creams and gels over the years but would like to find a natural solution. Can you help?
S.S., via email
A Adult acne is increasingly common, especially among women. Research suggests that the skin condition affects up to half of women between the ages of 20 and 29, over a third of women aged 30 to 39 and around a quarter of women aged 40 to 49. Even The usual treatments—the many gels, lotions and creams available over the counter or on prescription—can be harsh on the skin, and when it’s already irritated and inflamed, that’s the last thing you need. Benzoyl peroxide and topical retinoids and antibiotics, for example, are known to cause skin redness, peeling and burning, which can end up looking worse than the acne itself. With oral medication, used for more severe cases, there are far more serious side-effects to worry about, like muscle pain, stomach problems, depression and birth defects. The best way to tackle acne is with a holistic approach, so ideally work with an experienced naturopath who can offer an individualized natural treatment plan. But here are some science-backed options with good evidence of success.
