Natural Acne Treatments At A Glance
- Best Results1 month - Never
- Treatment RecoveryNA
- Procedure TimeNA
- Skin SpecialistNA (Natropath)
- Duration of ResultsYears +
- AnaestheticNA
- Back to WorkNA
- Cost$
Natural and alternative ways of treating acne
There are many natural remedies that can help improve or even cure acne. Some of these treatments have been shown to be medically proven, such as the acne diet, whilst others such as tea tree oil & zinc tablets can help improve acne in some people. Dermatologists acknowledge that natural treatments may work. We endorse dietary changes as in some cases acne may improve. Try natural remedies before seeing a dermatologist.
FactsFacts on natural acne treatments
- An acne free diet forms the foundation of natural acne remedies
- Eating a healthy low GI diet, avoiding sugars and processed foods can help reduce acne lesions
- Tea tree oil & witch hazel can be antibacterial,
- Alpha Fruit Acids or AHAs can reduce blackheads & enlarged pores
- Natural light therapy or phototherapy is useful in pregnancy
- Zinc supplements can help with acne breakouts
- Skin care vitamins include vitamin A, B, & C
- AviClear is new laser due in 2023. It is a highly effective drug free way to cure acne
Can changing my diet help with acne?
Absolutely! Over the past few years it has been medically proven that diet can be associated with acne. Eating foods with a low Glycemic Index (GI) and avoiding processed foods & sugars may decrease your acne count. Note however that diet changes may not be successful in everyone with acne. Patients with hormonal mediated acne, genetic acne and severe acne can respond to diet.
Can Fruit Acid AHA peels help with my acne?
Yes, AHA or alpha hydroxy acid is a natural fruit acid found in citrus fruits and can be an excellent method of treating certain forms of acne, including white and black head acne. Natural chemical peels with AHA fruit acids exfoliate the upper layers of skin, unclogs pores and can kill bacteria associated with acne.
Dermatologist use glycolic, lactic, citric & mandelic acids to decrease blackheads & enlarged pores.
Can zinc supplements and tea tree oil improve acne lesions?
In some cases of acne, taking a zinc supplement can help. Ask for zinc sulfate tablets from a health food shop and take as directed, some patients will notice an improvement within 8 weeks of therapy. In the UK, zinc is combined with medical therapy in the form of zinc & erythomycin cream- a highly effected method of killing bacteria associated with acne.
Tea tree oil is an essential oil extracted for a native Australian tree. The most common concentration used is 5% gel, and is thought to be anti-bacterial & anti-inflammatory. At best this can improve acne lesions by reducing bacteria count & drying out zits. Use with caution as skin irritation may occur, allergy to tea tree oil has been reported.
What is the most effective drug free solution to treat acne?
A new laser system called AviClear is due in Australia in 2023. It provides a highly effective non-pharmacological solution to treat all forms of acne- from mild to severe. 3 treatments one month apart can clear up to 85% of acne spots .
Can witch hazel help reduce acne spots?
Yes, witch hazel can help some people with acne. If it works, it is one less person dermatologists will need to treat. Witch hazel can be bought online, the science is marginal, tea tree oil is another plant alternative.
View our Treatment Gallery
Are there any natural ways to help with acne scarring?
Natural remedies can help with very early and mild acne scarring. Natural ways to help reduce scars include-
- AHA chemical peels. AHA peels can also stimulate collagen remodelling, especially in higher concentrations. This form of acne scar treatment is best used on early and mild acne scars.
- Vitamin A creams have the most amount of science. Synthetic analogues including Differin or tretinoin are best. Early treatment of acne scars can help reduce end scarring. Be guided by your skin care expert
- Vitamin E can also help early scarring. Best used for mild and early acne scars, break a capsule and rub into the scars nightly.
What is OMNILUX or Healite Phototherapy for acne?
Light treatment for acne and acne scars have been around for many years! In fact many people with acne notice an improvement after going to the beach. This is because sunlight can activate porphyrins that are produced by bacteria found in acne lesions. This forms the basis of phototherapy or BLUE / RED phototherapy acne treatments.
Omnilux & Healite are forms of phototherapy that emits light in different wavelengths.
- Omnilux Blue or Healite Blue can decrease bacterial counts associated with acne. Blue wavelength of light can activate chemicals produced by acne forming bacteria. This chemical activation can destroy bacteria in acne lesions. A series of treatments are needed for improvement. Phototherapy can temporarily improve acne.
- Omnilux Red or Healite Red can be used to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, and remodel early scars. We often use phototherapy as adjunctive treatment for both acne and acne scarring, and not as a sole method of treatment.
As phototherapy is a non-laser method of treating acne and mild acne scarring, it is safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The majority of acne cases do not require intervention by a dermatologist. This algorithm will guide you as to what OTC topicals are best for your type of acne. You can find products @theformulated
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👊The algorithm: is based on probability not possibility. It is not a substitute for real time consultation & physical examination. Branching history algorithms can provide more time for dermatologists to concentrate on appropriate treatments. Go to STORIES, swipe up to start💯
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🙏🏼Give me feedback as I need to iron out the bugs
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🎬Action: For non-pharma acne management see my team @cliniccutis, alternatively
my colleagues can review your acne & provide effective solutions
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😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Brisbane🇦🇺
@cliniccutis
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#acne #zits #pimples #acnediet #acnetips #acnefree #dermatologist #drdavinlim #davinlim #acnetreatment #acnecommunity #acneawareness #acnetreatments #acnecure #freethepimple #acnescars #acnemanagement #acnesolutions
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Disclaimer: I do not see cases of acne, my work is procedural not medical
Basic skin care 101, keep things simple. This can reduce skin irritation & accelerate your skin care journey
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🔬👍🏻Sunscreens: Foundation of everything from photo aging to #rosacea #melasma & even reducing marks from #acne. Choose one you are going to use. Use it regularly, minimum twice a day, 3 to 5 mls face & neck. SPF 30 or higher. I do recommend 50+ NOT just because of the higher factor but predominantly because people do not use enough. Linear scale of application. Half the quantity applied equals half the SPF
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👀Retinol Vs Retinoids. Walk before you run. Most patients find it hard initially to modulate #retinoid application, side effects such as dryness, flaky skin, redness, purging etc… are universally seen with retinoids. It is a balance between application amount, frequency & irritant threshold. Start with a GOOD FORMULATION of #retinol, not a cheap one
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🛡Antioxidants: #ascorbicacid, #ferulicacid, #tocopherol are mainstream antioxidants. #arganoil, #greentea #ginseng & other botanicals can be secondary #antioxidants.
Use in the am. These compounds mop up collagen damaging free radicals that get through your sunscreen application
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👉💯Tip: Do not overcomplicate skin care products, especially if you have sensitive skin. Dermatologists see a whole lot of irritant dermatitis & even more perioral dermatitis due to overzealous product use. For a tailored product guide, consult my clinical team @cliniccutis. My work is entirely procedural, if you have sensitive skin, rashes, etc… my medical colleagues can assist
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😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist, Brisbane🇦🇺
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#sunscreens #spf #skincare #skincaretips #skincarescience #skincarecommunity #instaskincare #drdavinlim #davinlim #skincareguide #glowingskin #antiaging
What is Kleresca & is it effective?
Kleresca is a form of phototherapy with marketing. It essentially combines old technology with a new name. Blue light is delivered in two wavelengths combined with ALA, also known as Biophotonic gel. Several treatments are required for best outcomes. Results are marginal at best, recurrence is common.
What type of natural treatments do we provide for treating acne?
Most dermatologist encourage natural treatments such as diet as adjunctive treatments to our medical approach to this condition. For topicals like witch hazel, tea tree oil, green tea & niacinamide, try these BEFORE seeing a dermatologist, if your acne improves or is cured by these topicals, you have saved yourself a visit!
AHA chemical peels & blue light phototherapy for acne & early acne scarring can be beneficial. We encourage patient’s to try zinc tablets if they would like a more natural approach to acne treatment. Sometimes a change in skin care products can make all that difference.
How can I find out more on treating acne the natural way?
Seeing a naturopath or dietician who has a special interest in treating acne is your first step. They can guide you through the pros of natural remedies. Google a natural skin care expert near you.
If acne does not respond to natural remedies, an important step is to develop a simple but active skin care regime. Harsh toners and cleansers strip the skin’s natural oils and can irritate acne prone skin. Our team of therapists & nurses can guide you thru what medical products to use, make up tips & skin procedures to help sort out your acne. For more information, visit the skin care section on this website. Note: I do not give out skin care advice as my work is procedural. For skin care needs, seek an opinion from my clinical team.
Disclaimer: For natural treatments, please consult a NATUROPATH prior to visiting a dermatologist. Naturopaths & dieticians are trained in the natural management of acne. Dermatologists & our clinical team are trained in the science of prescribing lots of chemicals, peels, & lasers.
I do not provide acne treatments as this is medical therapy. If you would like to engage in natural treatments, this is encouraged. If therapy works it is one less patient that dermatologist need to treat.
Davin’s viewpoint on natural acne remedies
Seeing a naturopath or dietician who has a special interest in treating acne is your first step. They can guide you through the pros of natural remedies. Google a natural skin care expert near you.
If acne does not respond to natural remedies, an important step is to develop a simple but active skin care regime. Harsh toners and cleansers strip the skin’s natural oils and can irritate acne prone skin. Our team of therapists & nurses can guide you thru what medical products to use, make up tips & skin procedures to help sort out your acne. For more information, visit the skin care section on this website. Note: I do not give out skin care advice as my work is procedural. For skin care needs, seek an opinion from my clinical team.
Disclaimer: For natural treatments, please consult a NATUROPATH prior to visiting a dermatologist. Naturopaths & dieticians are trained in the natural management of acne. Dermatologists & our clinical team are trained in the science of prescribing lots of chemicals, peels, & lasers.
I do not provide acne treatments as this is medical therapy. If you would like to engage in natural treatments, this is encouraged. If therapy works it is one less patient that dermatologist need to treat.
