Patients might look to enhance their skin health with treatments for battling breakouts lingering from the holidays. Here are a few options with the best evidence of benefit.
Let’s start with black seed. Applying a hydrogel containing black seed extract 0.1% twice daily for 60 days reduces the number of bumps, papules, and pustules by 78% when compared with only a 3% improvement from placebo. It seems to be safe when applied as an oil 2 times daily for up to 6 months.
Glycolic acid is also a promising treatment option for acne. It helps unclog pores and reduce acne lesions by exfoliating the skin’s surface. It also helps fade acne scars. Clinical research shows that applying 10% glycolic acid for 45 days improves acne severity compared to placebo, but improvements diminish after 90 days, which suggests ongoing treatment might be needed. Applying products containing 10% or less glycolic acid are generally safe for most people, but higher concentrations should only be used under a dermatologist's supervision.
Finally, tea tree oil is worth considering. It’s an essential oil steam-distilled from the leaves of the evergreen tree Melaleuca alternifolia. Applying it to the skin seems to reduce acne severity in both adolescents and adults – tea tree oil 5% gel is as effective as benzoyl peroxide 5%. It might work slower than benzoyl peroxide, but it’s less irritating. It seems to be safe for most people when applied for up to 12 weeks. But it shouldn’t be taken by mouth – it’s highly toxic.
Check out our Comparative Effectiveness chart, as well as our CE course on Supplements for Skin Health to learn more.
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