In the following sections, we\u2019ll outline complementary approaches that may help you deal with acne. The below strategies are not meant to replace your standard medical treatment. Make sure to consult with your doctor before making any significant changes to your day-to-day routine.<\/p>\n
Light therapy applies light of specific wavelengths through human skin to elicit certain effects in the underlying tissue.<\/p>\n
Red light<\/a>, blue light<\/a>, and their combination have all been shown to improve acne. In one study, the combination was more effective than not only either wavelength alone, but also the FDA-approved medication benzoyl peroxide [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Most of red light\u2019s effects are through the cells\u2019 mitochondria<\/a> absorbing light. In cell studies, the cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria absorbs red light, which causes it to release nitric oxide, increase ATP, and decrease oxidative stress<\/a> [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Blue light activates proteins that contain light-sensitive molecules (porphyrins and flavones) and increase mitochondrial activity and oxidative stress. Skin cells respond by releasing molecules that promote inflammation and control skin growth. Additionally, blue light killed the acne-causing bacteria Cutibacterium<\/em> acnes <\/em>in test tubes [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells by using a brush\/scrub or applying an acid that dissolves them. Exfoliation is believed to help with acne by removing the skin cells that clog pores and allowing anti-acne treatments to penetrate deeper.<\/p>\n A number of studies support the use of exfoliation with chemicals such as salicylic acid, lactic acid<\/a>, Jessner\u2019s solution, and phenol as an adjuvant therapy for acne [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Another method of exfoliation (microdermabrasion) improved acne and scarring in two small trials [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Studies in adolescents and young adults have associated stress<\/a> with increased acne severity, especially in males [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In a small clinical trial, a relaxation therapy combining biofeedback and cognitive imagery helped improve acne [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The hormones released during stress are believed to increase both fat production and inflammation in the skin. Stress may also slow the repair of acne wounds [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n We recommend addressing sources of stress in your life, either by taking up a stress-busting hobby (such as yoga<\/a> or meditation<\/a>) or seeking professional help.<\/p>\n Evidence shows that insulin<\/a> increases fat production in the skin. This suggests that foods that quickly increase blood insulin levels (high-glycemic index<\/em> foods) such as bread, cakes, candies, sugary soft drinks, and pastries may increase the risk and severity of acne, while low-glycemic index foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains may be protective [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In line with this, populations not eating refined carbohydrates don\u2019t suffer from acne. Moreover, a low-glycemic index diet followed for 12 weeks improved acne in two clinical trials [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Acne is absent in populations not consuming milk or dairy products [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Two studies on adolescents have associated high intake of milk and dairy products with acne, possibly due to the hormones and bioactive molecules found in milk [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n<\/a>Exfoliation<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Reducing Stress<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Diet<\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a>Avoiding High-Glycemic Index Foods<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Limiting Dairy Intake<\/span><\/h3>\n