Is there a natural treatment for acne? Does tea tree oil work?

Yes, there are hundreds of natural supplements hyped to treat acne but no one knows if they work. Almost every week a new cream, lotion, potion, paste, enema and pill is discovered as a cure for acne. While there is a lot written about natural supplements, most of the data on acne are unproven and not verified by scientific studies. One natural substance now used in many skin care products is tea tree oil. The question remains, “does tea tree oil cure acne?”

A few small studies indicate that gels’ containing at least 5% tea tree oil are as effective as 5% benzyl peroxide. This is not saying a lot because benzyl peroxide is the crappiest acne product ever made. Tea tree oil does not work in all individuals and it does take a few weeks or months to get the response. Before you start using tea tree oil, remember that it can cause a contact dermatitis and there are reports that excess use of this supplement in young males can cause breast enlargement. 

Tea tree oil should be avoided if you have been diagnosed with acne rosacea because it can worsen the disorder. Finally, there are many formulations of tea tree oil and it is impossible to know which will work and which one will not. The only way to know if tea tree oil works for acne is to try out one formula for a few months. If your acne is gone, you can brag about this oil, but if your acne is still present, then you just got suckered again!

Can I use the birth control pill for acne?

Yes, the birth control pill is very effective in some cases of acne.

These pills are usually used when other conventional medications for acne do not work. Moreover, birth control pills are only meant for use in women. Several types of birth control pills are available on the market and the three most prescribed for acne include Ortho Tricyclen, Estrostep and Yaz. Acne is usually caused by excess oily secretions that combine with dead skin and debris to plug up the pores in the hair follicles. This allows the follicles to get bigger and become inflamed.

Birth control pills (BCP) work by decreasing the amount of these oily secretions. The BCP work best when used with other acne treatment like salicylic acid or benzyl peroxide. The results are not immediate and the BCP may have to be taken for 2-3 months. 

Birth control pills can also make the skin texture soft and smooth but these pills are not for everyone. Moreover, the pills have side effects that include changes in menstrual cycle, headaches, weight gain, decreased libido, changes in mood and risk of blood clots. Women who are > 35, those who have a history of heart disease or cancer of the breast, history of blood clots and those who smoke should not take the birth control pill.

How can I treat Arm Acne?

Many young people have upper arm acne but do not realize it. Unlike face acne, arm acne is usually ignored until the problem is severe. In many cases, the acne is hidden under the sleeves or shirt and most people are unaware of it. Arm acne is just as common as face acne and both tend to occur at the same time. Arm acne is also a problem of young people. In general, arm acne tends to be more common in men than women. The only advantage of having arm over face acne is that the former can be hidden underneath the clothes.

How to treat arm acne

There is no difference in treatment of arm or face acne. The same over the counter products and prescription drugs are used to treat arm acne. Initially it is recommended that one try conservative means to treat arm acne. If the acne still persists or gets worse, then one may want to get prescription medication from a physician.

In addition to medication, one should also avoid wearing tight restrictive clothing. Excess sweating and the constant irritation of tight sleeves often makes arm acne worse. Moreover, if you exercise, change your clothes often.

Try to maintain good arm hygiene. Shower frequently and wash off the excess sweat. Wear loose fitting clothes and allow the body to aerate when home. Some people who get recurrent arm acne should try a change of fabrics. Some individuals are very sensitive to certain fabrics like nylon and thus cotton fabrics should be selected. In addition, keep the arm clean, change clothes often and avoid use of harsh soap products.

When you bathe, do not scrub excessively as this only worsens acne. If you have long hair, which is always falling on your shoulders or upper arm, get a haircut or keep your hair tidy. Having clean and tidy hair is also important when trying to get rid of arm acne.

There are many products on the market for acne but most are junk. If the above home care remedies do not help your arm acne, go and see a decent skin doctor. While these doctors are expensive, at least the advice and treatment you get will be safer than the majority of crap that is sold for acne in local pharmacies and health stores.

What is the best drug to treat acne?

Hands down- retinoids are the best drugs for acne. There is no better class of drugs that can erase acne like the retinoids. The majority of individuals do respond to retinoids; a few individuals may not. In these individuals, combination therapy with other drugs may be required

The majority of vitamin A derived products are good for acne. Retinoids are vitamin A derived drugs that have been around for more than 20 years.

Retinoids are not the first drugs for acne. A lot of studies exist which show the benefits of these drugs for acne sufferers. Retinoids are frequently used to treat moderate to severe cases of acne. Retinoids act by decreasing black heads and stopping the production of sebum or excess oil. Retinoids are available either as a pill or a topical lotion.

Retinoids are very potent drugs and besides acne, can help erase fine lines, and dry up oily skin. Because the drugs can cause excess drying and skin peeling, their use must be closely monitored. Retinoids should not be taken by females who intend to get pregnant or are breast feeding.

If you fail to respond to a retinoid, chances are you will not respond to any other drug.

Is oracea a good drug for my acne?

Let me make this clear- Oracea is the biggest rip off in all of medicine. Oracea is a tetracycline antibiotic and these drugs have been around for more than 50 years. All the claims about tetracyclines being a cure for acne are hogwash- tetracyclines are widely prescribed for acne but in 99% of cases the drugs do nothing. Many individuals who have used tetracyclines will attest to the fact that these drugs are a complete waste of money.

So what about Oracea?

Well, Oracea is just another fancy name for a tetracycline but it is useless for acne. The only skin disorder that may be improved by oracea is Rosacea.

Oracea should not be combined with any other medications for acne- it just increases the side effects and allergic reactions. Oracea is supposed to be taken every day as prescribed.

What to watch out for?

Avoid the sun if you take oracea as it can sensitize the skin to the UV rays and cause blisters.

Side effects of oracea include:

Mild nausea
Skin blisters
Swollen tongue
Vomiting or stomach upset
Others may develop candida in the mouth, vagina or rectal area.

Oracea is exorbitantly expensive and there is ZERO evidence that it can cure or prevent acne. There are no randomized clinical trials that have shown oracea works for acne.

Final point: Oracea is a drug that is just another tetracycline. It does zilch for your acne and costs a fortune. If you want to get rid of your acne, get your physician to write you a script for a retinoid. To date, these are the only drugs that work for acne.