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.