Fighting Acne Naturally

Acne

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common diseases to affect the skin. An Analysis in 1996 indicated that 85% of Americans aged 12-24 suffered from acne (1).

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil is known for its antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Tea Tree helps inhibit bacteria growth and reduce redness. Because tea tree oil has broad-spectrum antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro it is commonly used to treat cuts, insect bites, and boils. A study in 2007 found that a six-week course of 5% tea tree oil to be effective in reducing both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions due to the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects of tea tree oil (1). Tea tree oil has been shown to inhibit or kill many detrimental micro-organisms such as Eschericia coli, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Propionibacterium acnes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus pyogenes, detrimental fungi on the skin, Candida albicans, Pityrosporum ovale, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, detrimental protozoa, and Trichomonas vaginalis (2).

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil a non-comedogenic liquid wax ester that is about 98 percent the same as sebum, our body’s own natural oil (3). When applied to the skin or scalp, jojoba oil “fools” oil-secreting glands into slowing sebum flow. It also helps dissolve oil plugs that can lead to acne (4). According to popular acne blogs such as proactiv and acne.org, jojoba oil has anti-bacterial properties, helps heal and prevent new blemishes by breaking down sebum in already plugged pores, and balances oil production. In a study conducted at Ben-Gurion University Hospital, 35 patients with severe acne were treated with jojoba oil. The patients found jojoba oil pleasant to use and it eased their condition in all cases.

Jojoba Derivatives for Acne Products:

Jojoba Aqua Sol – Gentle Cleansing

Jojoba Hydrate™ – Conditioning Cleanser

Jojoba Illuminate™ – Natural Emulsifier

Jojoba Spheres™ – Exfoliation

Jojoba Butter Beads™ – Gentle & Moisturizing

Jojoba Esters/OFJ® Spheres – Oil Free Jojoba

Citations

(1)     Enshaieh, Shahla; Jooya, Abolfazl; Siadat, Amir; Iraji, Fariba. “The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study..” Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology 01 JAN 2007. AccessMyLibrary. 23 Dec. 2009 <http://www.accessmylibrary.com>.

(2)     Misner, Bill. “A novel antimicrobial Moist-Towelette inhibits aerobic bacteria, yeast, and mold-fungus growth on human skin.” Townsend Letter. The Townsend Letter Group. 2008. AccessMyLibrary. 23 Dec. 2009 <http://www.accessmylibrary.com>.

(3)     “Tricks of the trade.(Brief Article).” Midwifery Today. Midwifery Today, Inc. 2002. AccessMyLibrary. 23 Dec. 2009 <http://www.accessmylibrary.com>.

(4)     James, Rebecca. “Skin beauty from the plant kingdom. (aloe vera).” Total Health. Total Health Communications, Inc. 1989. AccessMyLibrary. 23 Dec. 2009 <http://www.accessmylibrary.com>.

(5)     Jojoba: A New Crop for Arid Lands, New Raw Material for Industry.  National Research Council. National Academy Press, 2101 Constitution Ave., Washington DC 20418. 1985. 52pp. (print)