Natural Approach to a Clear Complexion

While not threatening to your physical health in any way, acne can cause emotional turmoil. Sometimes stubborn and frustrating to treat, you may find conventional treatments have not produced results. Some natural approaches, such as making changes to your diet, may help; but like standard approaches, they may not work for everyone. Talk to your doctor before using any type of supplements, including vitamins and minerals.

Instructions

• 1

  Eliminate dairy from your diet. Physician and natural health expert Mark Hyman reports in a piece for the Huffington Post that a 2009 review of 6 clinical trials and 21 observational studies found a link between the frequency and severity of acne and consumption of cow’s milk. It appears dairy encourages the production of male sex hormones, which heavily influence acne and raise insulin levels in a similar fashion as high-glycemic carbohydrates.

• 2

  Cut back on refined carbohydrates and sugar. These types of foods cause spikes in insulin, which may trigger increased oil production and other changes in the body that cause acne. An Australian study, published in the July 2007 issue of ‘’The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,’’ found that a diet rich in low-glycemic carbohydrates, which cause slower rises in blood sugar and steadier releases of insulin, reduced acne lesions, compared to a diet high in processed carbohydrates. Choose whole grains over refined grains and whole fruits over fruit juices and dried fruits. Cut out the obvious culprits like cookies, candy, soda and other sugar-rich items.

• 3

  Eat foods that fight inflammation, a major contributor to acne outbreaks. Good choices include omega-3 rich foods such as salmon, walnuts, hemp seed and flaxseed, and a wide range of fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors.

• 4

  Experiment with acupuncture. Studies published in the December 2008 issue of the Chinese journal ‘’Zhen Ci Yan Jiu’’ and the September 2010 issue of ‘’Acupuncture in Medicine,’’ found that acupuncture treatments reduced inflammatory lesions in acne vulgaris – the most common type of acne – and a more severe form called acne conglobata.

• 5

  Talk with a qualified health care professional about herbs and other dietary supplements. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports research has found several substances may be effective, such as zinc and the Indian herb guggul. Topical tea tree oil works in a similar fashion as benzoyl peroxide, but may irritate the skin less.