If you are looking for the best remedy for cystic acne and you want something safe and natural, here are a few suggestions. Let’s start with Neem oil.
The Neem is a tree, related to mahogany. All parts of the tree have been used as foods and medicines in countries to which is it native.
Neem is one of the many botanicals used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional form of treatment that is still very popular in India and in some areas of Europe. Some western practitioners claim that Ayurveda is akin to bloodletting.
Yet, American groups have several times attempted to patent botanical remedies that had been in use in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. One of the remedies that the USDA attempted to patent was an anti-fungal ointment derived from neem. The patent was originally granted, but eventually revoked, as the Indian government challenged it and the patent office ruled in their favor.
Neem leaf paste was originally used to treat acne. Today, the ingredient can be found in some of the better all natural cleansers and toners designed specifically for acne. It works because of the natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activity.
Overgrowth of bacteria and inflammation are the two common factors found in all cases of acne, including the cystic type. But, since the cystic type affects the deeper tissues, an oral anti-inflammatory may be more beneficial.
Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory drugs are sometimes recommended, but there are natural anti-inflammatories, as well. Omega-3 fish oil is one of the most popular dietary supplements. Some brands have been shown to have anti-inflammatory activity similar to that of aspirin.
The spice turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and is another plant that has been used historically in Ayurvedic and other forms of traditional medicine. Turmeric supplements can be purchased, but the quality varies greatly.
The active component of turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin is quickly degraded by heat and light. So, it is important that manufacturers properly prepare the supplements to keep them protected and prolong their shelf-life.
Zinc, a dietary mineral, has proven beneficial in the treatment of inflammatory acne. The vitamins A and E are also recommended, because low blood levels have long been associated with all types of acne. The benefit of the vitamins is probably due to the antioxidant activity. In order for the pore-clogging plugs to form, oxidation must occur.
Neem, omega-3 fish oil and turmeric have antioxidant activity, too. But, the anti-inflammatory drugs do not. So, the natural remedies may be more effective, simply because they are more active.