Treatments for Managing Acne Naturally
Acne is a multi-faceted condition affecting all aspects of our being. It is also one which affects each sufferer differently. In order to manage and treat the problem effectively for long term benefit, it is important to consider an integrated approach which investigates and treats the problem on multiple fronts, including the physical, mental and emotional, in a way which is customised to suit each individual situation.
The practice of natural medicine is based upon a profound belief in the ability of the body to heal itself, given the proper opportunity. Naturopathic medicine is the key to this realisation, providing the most appropriate and least invasive intervention to bring about the desired therapeutic effect, aimed not only at treating acne, but also promoting general skin health and overall well being. It is an approach which bypasses the "quick fix" and focuses upon prevention and treatment of the causes of the condition, together with symptomatic treatment.
WHAT IS ACNE?
Acne is a skin disorder that develops in the sebaceous follicles. These are present in large quantities on the face, neck, upper back and shoulders and as a result these are the areas in which acne is most prominent. These units consist of a sebaceuous gland (which produces the oily substance known as sebum) and small hair follicles. Acne generally occurs when the follicle is blocked by dead skin cells and possibly dried sebum, preventing the release of excess oil. Subsequently, bacteria multiply within the blocked pore, resulting in inflammatory reactions around the sebaceous gland, which leads to the formation of a pimple.
Acne exists in varying levels of severity, ranging from the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads, to pustules (pus-filled pimples), to the development of severe deeper boil like lesions, known as nodules and cysts. Whilst acne generally appears at the onset of puberty, it can occur in anyone at any age.
WHAT CAUSES ACNE?
Acne is an extremely complex condition, usually caused by a combination of factors.
- Genetic predisposition. Unfortunately we are unable to change this, but if identified early, the adverse effects of severe acne can be reduced, and even alleviated.
- Hormonal activity and imbalance. Androgen hormones stimulate immature sebaceous glands to become fully functional at puberty, often leading to excess androgens stimulating the overproduction of sebum. Prolonged emotional stress and fatigue, closely interlinked with the adrenal glands and their hormonal functions may worsen acne. Conversely, having acne may cause stress therefore exacerbating the lesions.
- Excessive sebum production. The use of certain cosmetics only aggravates acne by clogging pores and encouraging blackhead formation. Excessive humidity and working in an environment of oils and greases also generates excessive sebum production.
- Bacterial activity. If the bacteria Propionobacterium acnes is in excess, an inflammatory process will occur, causing pustules. Increased exposure to free radicals (molecules adversely affecting the skin's health derived from pollution, chemical substances and other external irritants) will decrease the skin's immunocological capabilities.
TREATMENT OF ACNE USING A NATURAL, INTEGRATED APPROACH
- Avoid vigorous and excessive skin cleansing which can result in further irritation. Instead, use Botani Purify Facial Cleanser to gently clean the skin twice daily. The cleanser should be applied with a gentle circular motion. Botani Purify Facial Cleanser also available in Botani's Skin Rescue Kit that is a specifically designed 3 Step Program for rescuing your skin from acne.
- Avoid squeezing pimples at all times - to stop the spread of bacteria and infection and perhaps avert potential scarring.
- Do eat a nutritionally balanced diet (3 meals per day) and chew all food properly (be relaxed) for proper digestion. Try to minimise foods high in saturated fats (eg cream, margarine, red meat) and refined carbohydrates (eg pastries, sweet biscuits, fried foods).
- Do learn to manage stress through a number of techniques such as yoga, walking, deep breathing and meditation.
- Do incorporate exercise as part of your life. It will assist in combating stress and help to improve circulation, which in turn will assist the skin to function properly.
- Do drink plenty of water - an adequate daily intake of approximately 1-1.5 litres helps the body to hydrate.