Holistic Acne Treatment

by Marisa Serafini

Overview

Holistic medicine aims to treat physical ailments with a focus on the whole person, rather than the specific body structures involved in the condition or ailment. Natural remedies and emotional healing processes are often used as holistic methods. For the treatment of acne, holistic methods include dietary and nutritional changes, stress management strategies and the use of medicinal herbs.
Diet and Nutrition

One of the holistic treatments for acne involves dietary or nutritional changes. If a person finds that a breakout occurs every time he or she eats a particular food, it may be best to stop eating that food. Food allergies or sensitivities are sometimes acknowledged as contributing to development of acne. Although there is no particular food or diet which is scientifically proven to cause acne, just eating healthier foods on a regular basis may help keep your body in good balance, making your skin balanced, too. Your physician or dermatologist may recommend that you eat fewer processed, fatty or fried foods and get more vitamins and other nutrients in your diet. Beta-carotene, contained in foods like sweet potatoes, carrots and squash, is a commonly recommended nutrient for people with acne. Cod liver oil, zinc, and lots of water are other commonly prescribed nutritional recommendations for those with acne.

Stress Management

Stress can make acne and other skin problems worse and should be managed for overall health as well. Stress management techniques such as cognitive imagery, deep breathing exercises and hypnotism may be helpful in the reduction of emotional stress and perhaps acne breakouts. Cognitive imagery, also called visualization, is a relaxation technique in which the person imagines or visualizes a peaceful and serene environment. Deep breathing exercises are a convenient way to reduce stress because they can be performed anywhere, at any time. Just taking a few deep breaths when faced with a stressful situation can help a person move forward with a more relaxed state of mind. Hypnotism is another stress management technique in which a professional puts the person into a trance-like state in order to bring about relaxation.
Herbal Remedies

Herbal medicine is another holistic option for the treatment of acne. Some common herbal treatments for problem skin include black currant seed oil and primrose oil, taken orally. Other topical remedies include tea tree oil, goldenseal, calendula and honeysuckle flower.

Overview