Do Natural Acne Treatments Really Work?

If you are a teen with acne, you’re walking a path that many have walked before you. You want your acne to go away fast, but you’re not sure how to get rid of it. You may be getting advice from all sides, and for some teens, that advice will be to try a natural acne treatment. Unfortunately, you will probably find that natural acne treatments don’t work, and there are a few reasons why trying a natural acne treatment may be a bad idea.

What Are Natural Acne Treatments?

First it’s important to understand what natural acne treatments are. A natural acne treatment is a treatment that does not include the typical, proven acne fighting chemicals like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Instead, these treatments use organic ingredients like tree oil or zinc. Some claim that these treatments can be as effective as the chemical kind, but there is no solid evidence to support such a claim.

Why Do People Opt for Natural Acne Treatments?

There are a number of reasons why you might go down the natural acne treatment route. Maybe you’re embarrassed to talk to your parents about your acne problem and it’s easier to get access to natural remedies. Natural remedies tend to be cheaper, so some people may go this route to save money. In addition, some people feel that anything that is natural or organic is better than its chemical counterpart.

What is the Truth About Natural Acne Treatments?

The truth is that there is no evidence that they will work. In addition, the idea that some drugs are safer because they are “natural” is misguided. Many products containing industrial chemicals are extremely safe and effective. On the other hand, tree oil can stimulate a severe allergic reaction and zinc can cause nausea and vomiting. It’s important to realize that any drug can be dangerous to take, and something isn’t necessarily more effective or healthier just because it has been slapped with the “natural label.”

What Can Teens Do About Acne?

You can forget about these unproven natural remedies and get on an acne control plan that works. The Proactiv system contains benzoyl peroxide, a chemical that has been proven to be effective in fighting acne with mild or no side effects. You can try natural remedies, but the time you lose would probably be better spent using a real acne control system. The Proactiv system uses a three step approach to renew, revitalize and repair skin. It has chemicals that hydrate the skin, protect the skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays, and kill acne causing bacteria to reduce current acne and prevent the formation of new acne. You use it regularly each day and each night over a number of weeks, a regimen approved by doctors. It is unlikely that your natural acne treatment will come with a similarly designed and approved plan. If you’re still not sure how you should approach your acne problem, consult your dermatologist. He or she will be able to tell you more about natural acne treatments and about Proactiv to clarify matters for you.