Alternative Acne Medicine

So you have tried the medications, the alcohol pads that burn like crazy, the creams that didn't seem to do anything except absorb into the whiteheads.  For most of us surgery or laser treatment is not an option (and not that appealing, either) so what is left?  A lot of people when they hear the words "alternative medicine" think of a hermit living in the woods mixing bubbling potions in the corner, or a hippy who only seems half there.  Alternative acne medicine has found itself the recipient of some bad stereotypes, but still they remain an increasingly popular way to fight acne and care for skin, and for good reason.

Home remedies tend to be much less expensive than prescription drugs, commercialized herbal treatments, and special skin care products.  These alternative treatments often times also have an added bonus of naturally being good for the skin, on top of treating the acne problem.  Probably the three most common herbal alternative remedy treatments involves tea tree oil, though aloe, chamomile, echinaces, goldenseal and primrose oil are also popular, while  vitamins E and zinc are also highly touted for their positive effects.

Tea tree oil comes from the outback of Australia and is completely natural, making it a very popular chose among alternative medicine enthusiasts.  It has been used to treat a wide variety of problems ranging from acne and rashes to blisters and sun burn.  Tea tree oil has been used for over sixty years, is known for being very soothing and a bacteria killer.  Supposedly the common belief is held that tea tree oil works better than natural astringents because it can go further under the skin.

Chamomile has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been used in the treatment of windburn.  Chamomile eases itching and speeds the healing process, and since no one likes taking a long time to heal, that one property alone has made Chamomile extremely popular in home remedies.

Goldenseal and echinaces are both herbal properties that have been used for healing over a long period of time, though with echinaces it is important to know that some recent studies have suggested that they are not a safe treatment for very young children.  Vitamins E and zinc have long been known as strong supporters of the body's immune system, and taking vitamins of any kind is never a bad idea since they will boost your immune system's own abilities to fight off injury and infection.

A chemical peel is a very popular and effective acne treatment.  It is sometimes referred to as a derma-peel, and has the benefit of not being surgery.  A peel can have the dual effect of not only removing acne, but also helping to heal and removes acne scars. 

Chemical peels are performed by applying a chemical mixture to the skin.  This should be only a thin layer, which is then peeled away after it dries.  It removes with it the outer layer of damaged skin, revealing new healthy skin underneath.  Chinese herbal remedies and acupuncture have also become increasingly popular remedies over the last few years.

Alternative acne medicines have become increasingly popular not only because of their cheapness and lack of side effects that can come with medication, but also because of their effectiveness.  The alternative route is a good place to look for anyone who has been let down by normal prescriptions before.