Acne is one of the most common disorders in the Western world, where it is estimated to affect 50-95% of teenagers. Learn about how acne forms and the research behind many popular complementary treatments.<\/p>\n
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The skin contains oil glands that produce an oily substance called sebum as well as hair follicles from where hair grows out of.<\/p>\n
Acne occurs when these hair follicles on the skin become plugged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. This blockage creates an environment that is prone to bacterial infection, which can cause further inflammation [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The face, neck, chest, back and shoulder areas are most commonly affected [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Acne is most common in teenagers and young adults, but people of all ages can be affected.<\/p>\n According to some estimates, about 80% of people have experienced acne at some point in their life [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Acne appears to be more common in Western societies and in more urban environments [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n A number of factors can contribute to acne, some of which include [R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n Stress is often believed to cause or worsen stress, but clinical research has revealed conflicting results. It\u2019s not entirely clear how much stress contributes to acne [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n If you suffer from persistent or severe acne, you may want to talk to your doctor about your options. Many of the medications used for acne require a prescription from a doctor.<\/em><\/p>\n There are a number of treatments for acne, which generally work by [R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n Acne treatments typically take some time before results are seen, sometimes up to four to eight weeks. Treatment choice can depend on the type and severity of acne, the age of the patient, and other health conditions the patient may have [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Some common conventional treatments for acne include [R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n Different treatments are sometimes combined if treatment with one agent is ineffective.<\/p>\n In the following sections, we\u2019ll discuss the research behind some of the complementary treatments commonly used for acne. Talk to your doctor before taking any of these treatments. They should never be used as a replacement for approved medical therapies.<\/em><\/p>\n The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil<\/a> (DHA and EPA<\/a>) have anti-inflammatory effects. There is some evidence that fish oil supplementation may also help inflammation associated with acne.<\/p>\n Based on limited clinical evidence, fish oils are possibly effective<\/strong> for reducing acne symptoms.<\/p>\n For example, a 12-week study of 13 people found that fish oil supplementation improves overall acne severity, especially for those with moderate-to-severe acne [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Another randomized controlled clinical trial with 45 participants suggests that supplementation with 2,000 mg of EPA and DHA significantly reduces acne [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Oral supplementation with fish oils is considered to be likely safe<\/strong> when taken in appropriate doses [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a class of chemical substances that can naturally be found in certain foods or synthetically produced. They are common ingredients in cosmetic products [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Certain types of AHAs are possibly effective<\/strong> for acne.<\/p>\n For example, a randomized placebo-controlled trial of 120 patients with mild acne looked at the effects of glycolic acid, a type of AHA. Researchers found that a 10% glycolic acid topical product improves acne symptoms [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Another randomized placebo-controlled study of 26 subjects suggests that a 40% glycolic acid skin peel is effective for moderate acne [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In a clinical trial with 150 participants, a gluconolactone (another AHA) solution was as effective as 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion for mild-to-moderate acne [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n A product containing a specific mix of AHAs (Hyseac AHA cream) reduced acne severity in mild-to-moderate acne, according to an open study of 248 patients [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In addition, several clinical trials have found that glycolic acid skin peels may improve the appearance of acne scars [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Generally speaking, topical AHA products are likely safe<\/strong> when used appropriately. However, high concentrations (greater than 10%) may cause skin burns [R<\/a>].<\/p>\nWho is at Risk for Acne?<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Treatments for Acne<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Research on Complementary Treatments<\/span><\/h2>\n
Possibly Effective<\/span><\/h3>\n
1) Fish Oil<\/h4>\n
2) Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)<\/h4>\n