What is acne?
Acne is typically seen in teenagers during puberty, can be an issue at any time of our life. There are various varieties of acne. Most tend to have a hormonal base. Acne vulgaris affects the oil secreting glands as well as hair follicles and tends to be the more common superficial acne. Sebum blocks the hair follicles, leading to a formation of small bacteria-filled cysts known as comedones. Intact comedones are the closed whiteheads or the open black heads, but ruptured comedones include acnes pustules, cysts, and papules as well as general inflammation in the area. Acne conglobata is more cystic in nature, working on a deeper level and resulting in scaring. Both types tend to affect our face, neck, chest and back.
Acne can have a devastating effect on our confidence, especially during our teens when we are becoming more aware of our looks at a time when our peers can be very cruel. This can result in depression as well as low confidence.
What are symptoms of acne?
Symptoms can include any of the following:
- Open pores causing blackheads
- Blocked pores, causing whiteheads or painful lumps under the skin
- Papules and pustules.
- Cysts
- Redness and inflammation
- Scarring
- Excess sebum production
You can also have Acne Rosacea (see our Rosacea factsheet for more information), which is more common in adults, particularly those over 30 years of age. This can include red rashes, bumps and pimples around the face. This can cause swelling of the nose and growth of excess tissue (rhinophyma). It is more common in women but can be more severe when it does affect men.
What are typical treatments for acne?
Typical treatments of acne deals with the symptoms, for example, skincare regimes targeting excess sebum production by drying out the skin. This can often have the opposite effect as the skin tries to create a balance. It is common for females during puberty to be offering a contraceptive pill combined with antibiotic treatments, topical retinoids, and skin treatments such as azelaic acid or benzoyl peroxide in cases of more chronic acne, especially acne conglobate.
We typically see acne during puberty for both sexes, but it is far more common in males due to the rise in testosterone with an increase in 5a-alpha-reductase. Women who have an increase in androgen hormones, linked to polycystic ovarian syndrome, can struggle much more with acne.
What are natural treatments for acne?
A naturopathic approach for acne, first looks at the possible causes. Things to consider include:
- Hormones
- Liver health
- Gut health
- Candida
- Poor detoxification
- Diet
- Nutritional deficiencies
Candida is something to consider, especially with Acne Vulgaris, as the overgrowth of yeast can be a big acne trigger. Please refer to our factsheets on Candida as well as Leaky Gut for more help and information.
What is the right diet for acne?
There is no single correct right diet to eliminate, but adopting a diet designed to create a healthy gut, healthy immune system, and good liver health may help. If Candida is suspected, it is important this is addressed with diet as well as treatment.
There are some foods which may make acne worse. Typically, this is associated with a heavily processed diet, especially one high in junk foods. There is some evidence, showing dairy can negatively impact acne in some cases, as it can stimulate serum production due to the stimulation of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1).
Ensuring a diet of real food, low in processed foods and higher in nutrients is key. It is also important to opt for a diet high omega 3 (from oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines), good protein and healthy fats to ensure good skin repair.
Sugar can have a detrimental effect on all aspects of our health, but especially our gut by feeding unhealthy bacteria and yeast, having a direct impact on our skin health. Diets with high glycaemic loads trigger a sugar rush, which in turn stimulates the production of insulin, disrupting other hormones and increasing inflammation. This also increases the production of sebum. Sugar produces AGE’s, which stands for Advanced Glycation End products. These have been linked to a multitude of diseases, and also affects our skin. Glycated collagen is produced which ages the skin, making it less flexible and produces wrinkles. Surprisingly, you produce more glycated collagen from fructose, so avoid high fructose corn syrups, fruit concentrates and smoothies. You can also get more AGE from eating a diet rich in fried foods.
Most processed foods are high in sugars and unhealthy fats and low in nutrients, so aiming for a diet free from processed foods, sugars, and inflammatory man-made seed oils is key.
What are some natural acne treatments for oily skin?
Natural acne treatments for oily skin focus on reducing excess oil, clearing clogged pores, and soothing inflammation, all without harsh chemicals. These remedies can be effective, especially when combined with a good skincare routine.
Here are some options:
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Tea Tree Oil: Known for its antibacterial properties, tea tree oil can help reduce acne-causing bacteria. It's especially helpful for oily skin, as it dries out pimples and reduces inflammation. Dilute a few drops with a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, and apply it directly to affected areas.
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Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is well-known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects. It helps to calm irritated skin and reduce redness caused by acne. Aloe vera can be applied as a gel to the skin, which will also moisturize without adding excess oil.
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Witch Hazel: Acting as a natural astringent, witch hazel helps reduce excess oil production and tightens the skin. It can be applied as a toner after cleansing to balance the skin's oil levels while minimizing the appearance of pores.
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Clay Masks: Natural clay masks, such as bentonite or green clay, absorb excess oil and draw out impurities from the skin. Using a clay mask once or twice a week can help prevent breakouts and leave the skin feeling refreshed.
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Apple Cider Vinegar: Diluted apple cider vinegar can be used as a toner to help balance the skin's pH, reduce oil, and minimize acne-causing bacteria. It's important to dilute it well to prevent irritation, especially for sensitive skin.
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Vitamin E: Taken as a supplement or used topically, Vitamin E is recommended to help reduce scarring.
- Jojoba Oil: Research supports that jojoba oil is beneficial in treating acne as an ingredient and on its own. A 2012 German study found a clay jojoba oil facial mask effective in healing skin lesions and mild acne. Participants who applied jojoba oil masks two to three times per week saw a significant decrease in inflammation, lesions, and acne.
By incorporating these natural treatments into your skincare routine, you can help manage oily skin and reduce acne without harsh chemicals. Always perform a patch test before using any new product, as natural ingredients can sometimes cause irritation for sensitive skin.
However, you do have to consider what you are putting on our skin, as these can be linked to hormone disruption as well as having a negative effect on the production of sebum. Some products strip the skin of oils, causing your skin to product more oil to in order to rebalance, perpetuating the cycle.
What are some natural acne treatments only for black skin?
When treating acne naturally on black skin, it’s important to focus on remedies that won’t irritate or cause hyperpigmentation, a common issue in darker skin tones. Here are some natural treatments that can help manage acne while being gentle on black skin:
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Aloe Vera: Aloe vera gel is a soothing and hydrating option that can help reduce inflammation caused by acne. It is especially beneficial for black skin as it helps to calm irritated skin and minimize the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots) that can develop after acne heals.
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Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, turmeric can be used as a face mask to reduce acne-causing bacteria and prevent future breakouts. It can also help even out skin tone, reducing the appearance of dark spots that may result from acne.
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Honey: Raw honey is a natural antibacterial agent and is gentle enough for sensitive skin types, including black skin. It can help prevent acne by keeping bacteria at bay while moisturizing the skin to avoid over-drying. Applying honey as a face mask can soothe irritation and promote healing.
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Shea Butter: Although typically used as a moisturizer, raw shea butter can also help with acne on black skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties and won’t clog pores, making it a good option for hydrating the skin without triggering more breakouts. It’s also great for reducing the appearance of scars and dark spots.
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Black Soap: African black soap, made from plant-based ingredients like cocoa pods and shea tree bark, is a popular natural remedy for acne on black skin. It helps remove excess oil, exfoliates dead skin cells, and fights bacteria without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
These natural treatments, when used consistently and correctly, can help manage acne while preventing the common concern of hyperpigmentation in black skin. As with any new treatment, it’s important to perform a patch test first to ensure the skin reacts positively.
What are key supplements and herbs to help with acne?
Supplementation for acne needs to be tailored to the individual. Any treatments very much depend on the possible causes and triggers, requiring a personalised approach.
It is very important to address the underlying cause of acne. This can include poor gut health, hormone imbalances or sluggish liver. Each of these will are addressed separately. However, there are basic nutrients that may help alleviate the most common acne causes and symptoms.
Zinc
Zinc is a great immune boosting nutrient and anti-inflammatory mineral. It is needed for a variety of vital functions in the body including DNA synthesis, protein synthesis, healing, growth, and immune function. Our body does not produce or store zinc, so it relies completely on us providing this essential nutrient from our diet on a regular basis. This can be a challenge given our low nutrient western diet, depleted soils, and processed foods. Zinc plays a vital role in helping to balance 5a-alpha-reductase, but it is also known for its role in wound healing, fighting infection and even tissue regeneration.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C plays a key role in the production of white blood cells, which provide our protection against infection. Once these white blood cells are formed, vitamin C helps to protect them from damage. It also plays a vital role in collagen production. Working alongside zinc, it can help fight bacteria and boost the immune system.
Selenium
This powerful antioxidant is very depleted in our soils so deficiencies in selenium are common. We associate selenium more with thyroid function, but it also plays a vital role in our metabolism and immune function. Just like all antioxidants, selenium mops up free radicals and can help prevent DNA damage and oxidative stress, which lead to degenerative disease.
How to remove acne scars naturally
Removing acne scars naturally takes time and consistency, as natural remedies focus on gradually improving skin texture and reducing discoloration. Here are some effective natural methods to help fade acne scars:
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is well-known for its healing properties. It helps reduce inflammation, promotes collagen production, and lightens scars over time. Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the scars daily to see gradual improvement.
- Rosehip Oil: Rosehip oil is packed with essential fatty acids and antioxidants that promote skin regeneration. It's especially effective for reducing the appearance of dark spots and improving the overall texture of the skin. Apply rosehip oil regularly to help fade scars.
- Honey: Honey, particularly raw honey, is a natural humectant and healing agent. It promotes tissue regeneration and can help lighten scars over time. Apply it as a mask or spot treatment to scars and leave it on for 10–15 minutes before rinsing.
- Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties, turmeric can be used to reduce the appearance of acne scars. Mix turmeric powder with honey or yogurt to create a mask and apply it to the affected areas. Over time, it can help even out skin tone and fade scars.
- Coconut Oil: Rich in vitamins and fatty acids, coconut oil helps repair damaged skin and reduces the appearance of scars. Massaging coconut oil into the scarred areas daily can improve skin elasticity and reduce discolouration.
While these natural remedies can help reduce acne scars, it’s important to remember that results can take time and consistency. If scars are severe, combining natural treatments with professional options like micro-needling or chemical peels might offer faster and more significant results.
All recommendations are intended for informational and educational purposes only. The information and recommendations provided are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice from your GP.
