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Alternative medicine
By Mayo Clinic staffResearch suggests that over-the-counter (OTC) gels containing 5 percent tea tree oil may be an effective treatment option for mild to moderate acne. Tea tree oil may take longer to work than do OTC products with benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredient, and may cause mild skin irritation in some people.
Other studies suggest that taking the following supplements may help treat acne:
- Zinc
- Guggul
- Brewer's yeast
More research is needed to understand the potential role of these and other dietary supplements in the treatment of acne.
Always talk with your doctor before trying a natural remedy. Dietary supplements can cause side effects and may alter the safety and effectiveness of certain medications.
- Questions and answers about acne. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Acne/default.asp. Accessed Aug. 18, 2009.
- Acne, rosacea, and related disorders. In: Habif TP. Habif: Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/154949720-8/876573412/1195/43.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-01319-8..50009-1--cesec93_660. Accessed Aug. 18, 2009.
- Thiboutot D, et al. New insights into the management of acne: An update from the Global Alliance to Improve Outcomes in Acne Group. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2009;60:S1.
- Ofori AO. Treatment of acne vulgaris. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 18, 2009.
- Ofori AO. Pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of acne vulgaris. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 18, 2009.
- Acne scarring. American Academy of Dermatology's AcneNet. http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/scarring.html. Accessed Aug. 18, 2009.
- Ofori AO. Oral isotretinoin therapy for acne vulgaris. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 18, 2009.
- Ofori AO. Light-based, adjunctive, and other therapies for acne vulgaris. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 18, 2009.
- Hull SK. Acne vulgaris and acne rosacea. In: Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd. ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/154949720-5/876573048/1494/120.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2954-0..50077-6_3793. Accessed Aug. 18, 2009.
- Bowe WP, et al. Effective over-the-counter acne treatments. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. 2008;27:170.
