Many, if not most of us, experience acne as adolescents. Some will suffer from severe acne in their teens, which can have a devastating effect on our self-confidence and may result in permanent scarring. Others find that acne lingers into adulthood and can even persist for decades.

Recently, some disturbing studies have demonstrated that benzyl peroxide, commonly found in over-the-counter acne medications, can degrade into cancer-causing benzene, but benzyl peroxide is not the only acne treatment with serious adverse effects. Topical retinoids raise sun sensitivity, possibly leading to UV skin damage which can set the stage for skin cancer. Antibiotics, topically or internally, disrupt natural skin and intestinal flora and predispose us to a variety of chronic medical conditions. Topical azelaic acid and dapsone irritate and dry skin, while the use of oral contraceptives, anti-androgen medications, and isotretinoin are associated with serious side effects including but not limited to reproductive system cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, depression, and severe birth defects.

Sounds scary? Fortunately, there is a safe option for clear skin.

Effective Chinese Skin Formulas

For those seeking relief from the mental and physical distress of acne, Chinese internal herbal formulas with topical herbal support offer a safe and effective alternative to rolling the dice with Western medical treatments with potentially lethal side effects. A 2021 study published in Medicine (Baltimore) describes the inhibitory effects of the Chinese herbs scutellaria baicalensis and cortex phellodendri on the bacterium found in acne lesions. In the February 2016 issue of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, a review of the literature led the authors to conclude that many Chinese acne formulas contain herbs with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-androgen, and even skin whitening effects. And a study in the British Journal of Dermatology discovered that Chinese licorice root, when included in formulations, resulted in 90% less acne after 12 months.

The Professional Standard in Chinese Dermatology

As with every specialty in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), the professional standard for internal, Chinese herbal medicine is a formula customized for the needs of the individual patient. While acne is fundamentally caused by a pattern of imbalance described as lung channel wind-heat, the specifics of each case necessitate adjusting the formula for optimal results and safety. For example, when acne lesions occur along the jawline, herbs must be added to clear heat from the stomach and the intestines. If the patient has any scarring, many doctors will include ingredients to quicken the blood, while cystic acne, with painful and deep eruptions, may require the inclusion of phlegm-tranforming or toxin-clearing herbs, depending on any other symptoms. By modifying the formulation to best meet each patient’s needs, better outcomes, in less time, can be achieved.

If you are ready for help with a stubborn case of acne but hesitate to resort to dangerous topical or internal Western medications, please call us today to schedule an acupuncture session (which includes a complimentary herbal consult) or just book an herbal consultation without acupuncture. After a thorough review of your health history and a workup that will assess your tongue, pulse, and symptoms, we will compound a Chinese herbal formula specially designed for you. In addition, we can offer advice on simple dietary and/or lifestyle changes which can deliver clearer skin faster, and with more long-lasting results (hint: minimizing junk food is a good start).