Herbal Acne
Treatments:
Melaleuca
alternifolia (tea tree oil) and
Ocimum gratissiumum (basil
species) are two herbal
supplements that have been
affective in the topical treatment
of acne.
1. Tea
tree oil -
The oil is harvested from the
leaves of a native tree species
in Australia. The oil has certain
antiseptic properties and is
effective in combating a wide
range of organisms, including most
of the natural skin bacterium that
contribute to severe acne. Tea
tree oil also exhibits antifungal
properties and is used as an
astringent. A 5% tea tree oil
concentration is best effective
against superficial forms of acne,
and concentrations of 15% may be
used for deep acne. [8]
Studies have shown that tea tree
oil solution is effective at the
concentration of 5%.
Research indicated that it may
even be as effective as 5% benzoyl
peroxide; though the study found
that the tea tree oil was slower
than benzoyl peroxide in showing
positive results. However, the study group
did report a lower frequency of
skin discomfort with the tea tree
oil in comparison to the benzoyl
peroxide preparation. [9] In another study, tea tree oil was
shown to be equally effective at
reducing inflammation caused by
histamine release in the skin.[10]
This study indicates that tea tree
oil could be useful for
reducing the redness caused from
extraction of the comedones or
nodules.
2.
Oil of Basil -
Another topical herbal
preparation that is useful for the
treatment of acne, oil of
basil has
similar properties to preparations containing tea tree
oils. Interestingly, it is
often effective in a lesser
percentage solution - 2% and 5%
concentrations. In
one particular study, oil of basil
was shown to be significantly more
effective than 5% benzoyl
peroxide. However, the 5% solution
of ocimum (basil) was too
irritating to use regularly on the
skin. [11]
Supplements for
Acne Treatment:
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is
essential for the treatment of
acne. Retinol, a
bioactive component of Vitamin A,
reduces sebum and keratin
production from the sweat glands.
In clinical
application, this water-soluble
vitamin has proved effective in
treating acne at an oral dose of
150,000-400,000 IU per day.
However, it is important to note that
doses ingested in this elevated
range are considered toxic and
should only be taken under a
physician's care. When females
supplement with Vitamin A, it is
important to avoid higher dosages
if there is possibility of pregnancy. Vitamin A is harmful
to the unborn fetus.
Vitamin A is also a
very potent anti-oxidant and
possesses anti-inflammatory
properties. One aspect of the
inflammatory process of acne is
the presence of reactive oxygen
species (ROS) on the surface of
the skin.
The high amount of
daily sunlight exposure to the
face may cause high levels of ROS, leading to lipid peroxidation of the sebum and
other natural oils found in the skin. Via antioxidant activity,
Vitamin A decreases the levels of ROS on the surface of the skin,
thereby supporting a decrease in inflammation. [13]
Azelaic acid
Azelaic acid is a
naturally occurring antibiotic. It
is primarily dispensed in a 20%
cream. It has been found to be as
effective as benzoyl peroxide,
erythromycin, tetracycline, and
tretinoin. The only conventional
treatment proven to be more effective
is oral isotretinoin, though
azelaic acid has fewer
side effects and produces little
or no irritation and toxicity to
the body. [14,
15] It
is most effective when applied to
the affected area for one week.
This initial dosing phase is then
increased to twice daily for 2-3
months. Azelaic acid
treatments may be used for up to one year.
Vitamin B3
(niacin, nicotinamide, niacinamide,
NADH)
Vitamin B3 has been
shown to be a legitimate
treatment for acne. As an
effective antioxidant, it is
protective to the cell membrane
and prevents cellular breakdown by
free radicals and lipid peroxidation. In one study, the B
vitamin coenzyme NADH was used in
a 1% concentration added to
Vaseline. [16] Other studies, highlighting
different
B-complex vitamins, have
researched their effectiveness at
treating inflammatory acne as
well. When
applied to the affected area twice
daily in a 4% cream, niacinamide
was shown to be as effective as
topical clindamycin for treating
various forms of acne. [17]
Vitamin B6
(pyridoxine)
Vitamin B6 is
involved in hormone metabolism in
the body. A deficiency of Vitamin
B6 can lead to an increase in
uptake of androgens, as well as
increased skin sensitivity. Vitamin B6
is effective at improving the
metabolism and excretion of
androgens and other steroid
hormones from the body. [18] Several studies
on women who suffer from
premenstrual 'flare-ups' of acne
have shown that Vitamin B6 can
effectively reduce the occurrence
and severity of the flare-up. The
dosage employed in study was 50 - 200 mg/day,
this is the recommended dosage and
can be taken over the duration of the
cycle. [19]
Zinc
Zinc is an
important mineral and aids in
retinol metabolism in the body. It
also supports
tissue regeneration and wound
healing. Zinc is an important
co-factor for many biochemical
processes in the body; existing as
an integral component of immune
system function. It is
equally essential
for healthy skin. [20]
One study showed
that 30mg of elemental zinc, given
1-2 times daily for 3 months, had a
31.2% cure rate when compared with
the wide spectrum antibiotic monocycline; which had a 63.4%
cure rate. These results proved
significant. There was a 2/3
reduction in lesions and fewer
side effects reported within the zinc group
than the group taking monocyline. [21] After the initial treatment and
resolution, a lower dose can be
given for maintenance.
Green Tea
Centella asiatica,
green tea, is a very potent
anti-oxidant. Particular
constituents of green tea, catechins, are well known for
there anti-oxidant capabilities. A
recent study discovered that catechins are also capable of
modulating the production and
action of androgens. [12] This aspect makes green tea an
effective treatment for acne
when the cause is hormonal
imbalance.
