Acne is a common and complex skin condition with its effects as multifaceted as its drivers.
While the proliferation of the commensal bacterium Cutibacterum acnes plays a key role in eliciting a host inflammatory response in the skin, numerous other underlying drivers may be present including hormonal irregularities, GIT dysfunction, poor elimination, immune dysfunction and nutrient deficiencies amongst others.
Acne as a symptom of deeper imbalances
A Naturopathic Approach
Traditionally, the use of blood cleansing, depurative and lymphatic herbs has typically been prescribed to help clear stagnation and assist detoxification to support acne and other skin manifestations, such as mild eczema and psoriasis. Clinical outcomes can be enhanced by combining with immune modulating, would healing, and antioxidant herbs and nutrients.
Due to the chronic and prolonged nature of acne, naturopathic medicine focuses on minimising recurrence and maintaining favourable results to reduce the physical, psychological and social impacts on the patient.
Naturopathic treatment goals:
- Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
- Normalise androgen production to regulate sebum production and hyperkeratosis
- Support immune function
- Regulate blood glucose metabolism
- Facilitate wound healing
- Support healthy detoxification and elimination pathways
- Modulate HPA axis and the sympathetic nervous system