Natural Remedies for Managing Acne: Stress Management Techniques, Herbs and Supplements

Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. Stress is one of the factors that can contribute to acne. An increase in stress severity is strongly correlated with an increase in acne severity. In this blog post, we’ll explore various natural remedies for managing acne, including stress management techniques, adaptogenic herbs, probiotics, topical treatments, supplements like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Zinc, and Echinacea, and more.

Stress Management Techniques:

Adaptogenic Herbs

Herbs like Siberian ginseng, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Gotu Kola, and Reishi, are known as adaptogenic herbs. Adaptogens are a group of herbs that help your body adapt to its environment, managing stress better. In a stressful situation, adaptogenic herbs maintain and restore balance, normalizing the stress response, and preventing your body and mind from becoming exhausted.

Get Enough Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep can help reduce the effects of stress. Sleep requirements vary, but for most healthy adults, enough sleep is between 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night to function at their best.

Supplements

Vitamin A (Beta Carotene)

Beta carotene is a precursor of vitamin A. Beta carotene is converted to vitamin A as much as the body needs. We need vitamin A for healthy skin and mucous membranes, our immune system, and good eye health and vision. Vitamin A was shown to improve acne. Vitamin A can be sourced from the food we eat or in supplement form. Taking a beta-carotene supplement is a safer option than vitamin A supplements because excess vitamin A can be toxic. Foods rich in beta-carotene include carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes, indicated by their bright orange colour.

Zinc

Zinc, which boosts immune function, may help control that inflammatory response. Zinc regulates cell production and can help reduce the amount of oil the skin produces, which may prevent pores from clogging.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is anti-inflammatory and a Vitamin C serum can help clear up acne and reduce the redness and scarring associated with it. Vitamin C regulates the synthesis of collagen and is associated with better skin appearance.

B Complex

B Vitamins are involved in energy production and may be useful for managing stress. B Vitamins can help balance out neurotransmitters activity for optimum brain function, and in this way, they can influence mood and stress response.

Probiotics

One of the reasons for acne is an imbalance in the gut microbiome. Consuming probiotics can rebalance your gut bacteria and support healthy digestion, thus supporting acne treatment. Probiotics can be recommended individually by a qualified nutritional therapist/health practitioner to offer the best support. There are many options to consume probiotics, from a high dosage good probiotic supplement to eating fermented foods.

Topical Treatments

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a natural antiseptic extracted from the leaves of an Australian tree known as Melaleuca alternifolia. It contains antibacterial ingredients known as terpenes that work against infections, effectively destroying the acne-causing bacteria and reducing the level of acne breakouts. You can mix 2-4 drops of tea tree oil with a base oil (like sweet almond oil) and apply it directly to the spots with a cotton pad. You can also make an antibacterial face mask from Manuka/local raw organic Honey and 2-4 drops of tea tree oils and wash after 5 minutes. Use a face wash with tea tree oil.

Herbal Medicine

Echinacea, Hydrastis – Goldenseal, and Taraxacum- Dandelion are some of the herbs used for treating acne. Studies show that Echinacea may be used to boost your immune system, which helps fight acne by ensuring the skin can resist and withhold acne bacteria. Goldenseal has direct antimicrobial effects and is used as an antibiotic, liver tonic, and it increases bile production, which acts to detoxify the body by increasing elimination. Dandelion root can treat liver problems and prevent toxins from entering the skin and inflaming acne. Dandelion root can detoxify your body from a variety of acne-causing chemicals.

In conclusion, there are many natural treatments for managing acne that help reduce and prevent bacterial infection, boost the healthy immune system, keep the cell membranes healthy, regulate hormones, and support healthy digestion with good absorption of vitamins and minerals. You can treat acne and support your body by combining different aspects of natural methods. For example, you can try one of the herbs in combination with a healthy diet and probiotics and increase the vitamins and minerals from the diet.

If you need a personal treatment plan supporting your condition and a follow-up specifically for you, you can contact us at Paz By Nature Clinic.