Natural treatment for acne

Is there a natural treatment for acne?

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 (and be a spokesperson for the company), but if your acne still persists, then you just got suckered again!