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Acne Vulgaris and Acne Rosacea - natural help to repair skin damage.

Updated on November 3, 2016


Acne (Acne Vulgaris) is a condition that occurs in adolescents through to twenties when overactive sebaceous glands becomes bacterially infected. The excess sebum creates breeding grounds for bacteria, pores become blocked and form blackheads and spots. Liquid seeps from these and infects the surrounding tissue.


Essential oils are used to treat the skin, tackle the infection and reduce the amount of sebum produced.


Different essential oils should be tried until the most effective are found. The most helpful are Tea-tree and Lavender which are both bactericidal and Lavender promotes the growth of healthy new skin. Bergamot can be added but restrict its use to winter only as it is a photosensitiser. Geranium can also be added as it will balance the production of sebum. These oils should be mixed with carrier oils Hazelnut or Jojoba or Rosehip oils and massaged into the face.


As the condition improves another massage oil can be produced consisting of Rosemary and Geranium (to clear the toxins) and lavender and Neroli (to reduce the scarring – Rosehip carrier oil helps in this respect also)


Treatment may need to be continued for many weeks or even months and initially it may seem to get worse as the oils take effect. However it is necessary not to become discouraged as essential oil treatment has a very good track record of success.


Moving on from essential oils there are other remedies that should be considered.


Diet – acne has nothing to do with poor hygiene or eating greasy foods but everything to do with hormonal imbalance and bacterial infection. Burgers and pizzas will not help as they only stress the digestive system but the only food directly linked to acne is salt. (Incidentally never take kelp (iodine rich seaweed) supplements as they only cause further problems.)


Sufferers from acne have been found to have low levels of zinc and gut flora. To help ensure that you take a zinc supplement and a probiotic.


With regard to hormonal problems it has been suggested that you should take an anti-androgen product Saw Palmetto. It is widely used in the treatment of prostate problems and converts testosterone into DHT. DO NOT TAKE THIS – as it is known to figure in acne flare-ups.


Azelaic cream: see Acne Rosacea below.


Many sufferers use Retinol cream but it has been linked to skin irritation and dryness but more importantly to mood swings and depression. There is a product used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine which works much better than conventional antibiotics (Tetracycline). Look out for Guggul (Indian Bdellium Tree), it is closely related to Myrrh and is used for chronic skin problems.


Acne Rosacea – Just a few words on this condition. It is not the same as Acne Vulgaris and consequently will not respond to the same treatment. It is more common in middle aged women and is characterised by facial flushing (caused by the small capillary blood vessels). Invariably this is caused by spicy foods, alcohol and hot temperatures.


Current medication is Metrogel antibiotic cream but clinical trials have found that a cream prepared from Azelaic Acid was “significantly more effective”


This cream is manufactured and sold under the brand name of Finacea Gel (azelaic acid 15%)


Clinical trials have not been carried out yet but observations of a form of Vitamin C called Ester C in combination with Grapeseed Extract has suggested excellent anti-inflammatory properties and will strengthen the blood vessels and decrease swelling. Dosage depends on body weight but start at 750mg of Ester C and 200mg Grapeseed Extract (based on body weight of 150lb (70kg)) three times each day. Be careful as high doses of Ester C can cause upset stomach and bear in mind trials have not been finalised yet.

Finally acne rosacea may result in a condition known as Madarosis where you can lose all or some of your eyelashes. When the problem is under control these may grow back.


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© 2012 Peter Geekie

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