Adult Acne - 2 Acne Treatments That Could Help

There are acne treatments that work. Not all of them work for all people but the two I have listed have a good record of success. They are not miracle cures. Each takes time and requires some discipline and persistence. However, the effort could be worthwhile as there is a good chance you will lose your acne or at least control the outbreaks.

Acupuncture Acne Treatment

A number of studies have shown acupuncture is an effective natural way to relieve and cure acne. In one study on 120 young men in their early 20's, 80 percent saw an improvement after 1 week and 90 percent at the end of 2 weeks. At the end of the treatment 90 percent were acne free and 80 percent were scar free. The majority of the participants were followed up after 3 years and 90 percent had no recurrence, the remaining 10 percent had mild recurrence. These are very good results but herbal face peeling was done at the beginning of the treatment and fortnightly thereafter.

In a study done in China, the home of acupuncture, 62 of the 80 people treated finished with clear skin, 11 showed an improvement while 7 showed no effect. In a 1993 paper published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, another study showed that of 98 people treated, 54 of the volunteers were considered cured, 42 were improved and 2 were not helped at all.

As you can see, the results are mixed and not all the studies were done on a strict scientific basis. However, the results are overwhelmingly positive. I am not surprised with these results. I am a believer in acupuncture, having used it for chronic fatigue syndrome, injuries and other health conditions. Indeed, I have seen enough positive results from friends, family and colleagues to know it works. There are very few conditions it cannot either relieve or cure. I cannot see why this would not apply to adult acne.

I must say the only treatment I have had is with a doctor who also practices acupuncture. I felt more confident because he was a medical practitioner. If you feel the same way there are plenty of medical practices that have an acupuncturist working with them. On the other hand, I know there are many skilled professionals who should be able to help you.

Anti-Acne Diet

There is now a great deal of evidence around the world that indicates a diet high in refined carbohydrates will cause acne. Many health professionals are now recommending their patients change their diet. The consensus is that an imbalance of hormones is a main cause of acne. As we know, hormones are produced during puberty, menstruation and pregnancy. However, in addition to that, the body produces insulin and other hormones to combat the high blood sugar level caused by eating too many highly refined carbohydrates. This produces too much oil, called sebum, which helps set up an acne environment.

Changing from a diet of white bread, white sugar, white rice and other high GI foods will help cure your acne. For some people it will cure it entirely, for others it will reduce the outbreaks. Your diet should include whole grain breads, fruit and vegetables. and it can include lean meat and fish. You do not have to become a health fanatic but you do have to make sure most of the food you eat is more natural and nutritious.

Not all treatments work for all people but the two mentioned above are well worth trying as they have each worked well in the majority of cases. Perhaps one of these, or both, is the solution to your adult acne problem.